Brief Answer: Unlikely to be Herpes Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about all that has happened to you since this unprotected sex encounter. From the description of symptoms that you have reported it is unlikely that that this should represent genital herpes. It is rare for lesions to be single during an initial outbreak. Also, these lesions are rarely itchy. They normally progress from a bump, to a fluid filled cavity that burst and gives way to a very clean ulcer. This is not typical of what you are describing. Coupled with tests that are not in favor of herpes, I will not want too think so. I understand the heightened worry about herpes might have also been about the positive test your partner has. This test needs to be interpreted careful. There are positive tests which signify a past infection and a positive test which signifies an active infection. Even if the testds were positive for an active infection, you need to come in direct contact with an active lesion in order to get contaminated. All of this is absent and I lack evidence to make enough arguments in favor of herpes. Please, refrain from constantly manipulating this bump. That in itself is sufficient to make healing a lot more difficult and lead to complications. I am sure you can bear testimony to the disturbing thoughts associated with unprotected sex. Please, always consider protection during sexual intercourse to save yourself some of these worries in future. For now, follow up with the prescribed treatment. Ease your mind on the constant thought that this could be herpes. Even if it were herpes, it is not a fatal disease and most people overcome it without treatment. So, why are you so scared to death??? I hope you find the above information helpful. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and please feel free to request for clarifications and more information if need be. Dr. Ditah, MD.

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Brief Answer: See below Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for following up with me. 1. You didn't waste your money because it will provide more objective information to probably set your mind at peace. That would be very helpful because you are increasingly worried despite assurance and reassurance. IgM are the first antibodies to be produced during and infection are would be the best bet now if any thing were to be positive. If this test should return negative, something I highly suspect, please refrain from seeking any further medical investigations related to herpes infection. 2. I have seen a few with not so typical clinical presentation and evolution in my 5years of clinical practice. However, they all had a strongly suggestive history of exposure and confirmed by laboratory findings. What even makes it more concerning in your case is the fact that there is no real exposure, typical clinical findings and absent laboratory evidence to make it more likely. I hope these provide responses to your worries. Keep a cool head and get the results back, Keep me updated as well if that is something you would love to consider. I wish you the best of possible outcomes. Thanks. Dr. Ditah, MD.

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Brief Answer: THis cannot be herpes Detailed Answer: Hi ad thanks for following up with me. These lesions in no way are suggestive or herpes. i will be very surprised if the test were to suggest that this is herpes. This looks very much like a very non specific skin infection that needs no specific attention. Keep it clean and stop messing with it. It should be okay. I hope you find this helpful. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and please do feel free to ask for clarifications or more information if need be. Dr. Ditah, MD.

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