Should I Assume I Have it, or Assume I Don't?

Sexual health
1

So I had an IgG test recently, which showed me as HSV-1 positive with a 1.60, and HSV-2 negative with <.90. The doctor said it was likely from a past exposure. I get canker sores and dry lips, but don’t really recall an actual oral OB. Now the reason I got the test was due to a possible exposure, and I was having questionable symptoms. But the several doctors I’ve seen (including Planned Parenthood) have all said it doesn’t look like herpes, and therefore wouldn’t swab test for me, even though I wanted peace of mind from a negative result.

Now there really isn’t much I can do, since it’s mostly healed now, and there isn’t much to swab (PPH refused to swab the rectal sore, and would only look at picture I took of it, saying the same as the urgent care doc, that it LOOKS like hemorrhoids and/or fissures).

So, I can either just assume I have genital type 1, and live as though I do; OR I can decide that without a more prominent OB, that these doctors are right, and that I probably have oral herpes from childhood exposure, and that this is nothing to worry about.

That I just coincidentally had hemorrhoids and fissures at the same time as a folliculitis rash or fungal/yeast infection on my groin and thighs; groin/testicle aches from a potential UTI/prostatitis/urethritis, which worsens after orgasm; and sore lymph glands in my neck, armpits, and groin, whilst having mild flu like symptoms, sore throat, etc… (I’ve had a flu shot and I’m getting a Covid test soon, because better safe than sorry). I feel like that’s just a lot to be happening all at once, after a potential STD exposure (had a hookup who claimed to be clean, but heard from someone else she might’ve had HSV).

I know flu type symptoms can be from HSV also. The only indication it’s coincidental is my IgG test being at 1.60 so soon after possible exposure. I just have no idea where it’s located…

Also, is it really true that if I did have oral herpes since childhood, it’s unlikely to I’ll get it genitally? Like what’s the scientific literature on that? (Not opinion based evidence, but more scientific fact based)

TL;DR; Unspecified HSV1 positive, with pelvic/groin/rectum rash and pain that doctors refused to swab, saying it didn’t look like herpes, which is now too healed to check anymore. Should I assume I have it genitally w/o a prominent OB, or assume I don’t?

2

The reason they don’t test for hsv in a routine std screening is because finding out you have hsv1 (which 70% of the population has) through a blood test with no harmful symptoms does more harm than good to a person. Doctors don’t think it’s worth the mental anguish of finding out you have herpes if you aren’t experiencing any pain which is why SO many people have no idea they have it… they’re either asymptomatic or were too young to remember ever having a cold sore. I’d say its better for your mental health if you don’t assume the worst… especially if professionals told you it doesn’t look like herpes but that’s just my opinion.

3

I am very interested in the responses you get. I was told I’m positive for HSV1 but never had any symptoms besides the current yeast infection and sore throat that could possibly be linked. I am like you how am I to know where I have it or if I really have it since there has not been an OB.

4

Thanks for the input. Yeah, that makes sense.

The only thing is I know I have hsv1, I just don’t know where in my body it is. With all these pelvic/groin/rectal problems going on I can only assume it’s genital, unless it’s all coincidental, which I probably won’t know unless my doctor refers me to a urologist. I could go ahead and assume it isn’t herpes, but I wish I could’ve gotten the swab to really put my mind to rest. Either way, something is going on and I wanna find out what.

5

I have had a sore throat for a week now too, which may or may not be related. I really don’t know. I’m very curious about people’s opinions on the matter though.

6

where were your sores located did you say on ur thigh? I had similar on my thigh and all doctors say yeast but im covinced its herpes. Do you have any pictures?

7

The folliculitis like rash, and redness extended to my thighs. The only actual open sores I’ve had have been rectal. I have another post with pictures, or I can send you links.

8

Don’t you think 1.60 is indicative of a more recent infection though?

9

i have no idea how the numbers work, i’d ask your doctor or do some research online. sorry!

10

that’s okay. thanks.
my doctor doesn’t care about herpes in any form, it’s almost like he doesn’t believe it exists…
been looking around online but can’t find anything that answers my question.

11

i feel you on that, doctors act like herpes is no big deal at all meanwhile everyone treats it like the end of the world… it’s so confusing…