I've been having reoccuring localized itching near my vulva which started about 1 month after unprotected sex. I just got the results for the blood test (3 months post exposure) and they were negative. This really surprised me and I was wondering how accurate they would be? I've read it can take up to 6 months for antibodies to develop but I also know that is extremely rare.
How accurate do you think a 3 month test would be?
I have read that between 6-12 weeks (so, 1.5 to 3 months), HSV antibodies are "most likely" detectable. Highest accuracy is between 3-4 months, so you tested right on the cusp of the two ranges. Personally, I would consider myself clear if I were in your shoes, with maybe a follow-up at 6 months for absolute certainty if I was still concerned.
Evidently you do not have HS in that case and have acquired some other form of STD such as Phthirus pubis. (crabs)
You will get a lot of conflicting answers here so I would suggest in order to get a definitive answer and appropriate treatment you should attend your local STD clinic for a proper examination.
Hi Elle, doesn't look like it is HSV 2 if there are no lesions/blisters but good to get it checked out at a STD clinic. I caught herpes mid November'2014 and my antibodies are still negetive, so I keep getting breakouts all the time and take meds on and off all the time. I suffer from headaches, abdo/pelvis pain and vulva pain every single day, I got it really bad and am so sick of it. The virus is very active and aggressive in my system. I used to be very healthy before I got this nasty virus at the age of 64!!
Is there anyone else out there who has similar issues like mine?
Anyway Elle, hope you don't have herpes and good luck.
Take care and hope the itch goes away.
Hi Sarah,
Hi Sarah,
Start taking some multi vitamins but don’t go overboard. I would suggest vitamin C and also zinc supplements. Also get the winter flu jab and keep yourself healthy.
You will find in time that you will have much less frequency and severity from this devil. Best wishes.
Thanks DeBruce. My diet is pretty good, I take multi vitamins, yogurt, Vitamin C, probiotics, have reduced caffeine (coffee) - only few times a week, hardly any wheat products, no chocolates, very little sugar, plenty of water and lycine rich foods-mainly fruit & veges, walk daily, not much stress and even then I get outbreaks all the time since January. For some reason my body is not making antibodies to fight the virus. I have always been very healthy until I got this nasty virus last November. I am so sick of it and suffer from the symptoms every single day.
Nevermind, take care and try and keep well.
It will subside in time and with less frequency and severity.
PS. eat all the chocolates you like, chocs have no bearing on this virus.
Elle - has your doctor ruled out lichen schlerosus? Some of the symptoms can be similar to hsv. Sex can trigger a 'flare'. It's an autoimmune, not an STD.
Hi Sabrina, I actually do have a weird patch of pale skin down there so I am going to get a skin biopsy done. My doctor finds lichen schlerosus unlikely though. With the localized itching, there is actually a sore (like a cut) that I have noticed appears as well. Is this one of the similar symptoms?