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Are Painful Fluid-filled Blisters In The Genital Area Indicative Of Herpes?
Question: Hi Doctor!
I've recently had unprotected sex and notice a little patch of bumps on the underside of my penis. My initial thoughts are HPV, but I’m not sure.
I visited a local Urologist here (I was only able to find a Urologist who speaks English on short order - I would have had to wait a week for a dermatologist).
He took a look at my penis and immediately said herpes. He prescribed anti-viral medication.
My concern is that it sounds like herpes is fluid filled blisters that pop by themselves, are painful, cause painful urination, fever, etc. I am experiencing none of these symptoms, everything feels very normal other than my penis (visually) which has seen better days.
I'm actually fairly certain that the lesions wouldn't have popped, or turned white had I not applied the Apple Cider Vinegar.
Here is the progression of the sores:
Day 1 - 4: http://imgur.com/n8yylYY
Day 5 (After applying vinegar): http://imgur.com/iGMeXPx
Day 6: http://imgur.com/roOeBvl
Day 7 (today): http://imgur.com/4xZAtdt
*** UPDATE
The blood tests have come in, and the IgM says, 0.92 Col for Herpes I, and 0.71 Col for Herpes II.
From this, I gather I am negative, but I've heard that false negatives are possible. The IgM blood test was taken 2 weeks after my last sexual encounter, would that be enough time for the antibodies to propagate in my blood for an accurate result, or is the IgM test useless?
The sores have basically healed, and my penis is looking normal again, so a swab test will be tricky. Where do I go from here? Do I test for HPV? CAN I test for HPV? Do I order another herpes test? When can I have sex and assume I'm clean beyond a reasonable doubt?
Thanks, XXXXXXX
I've recently had unprotected sex and notice a little patch of bumps on the underside of my penis. My initial thoughts are HPV, but I’m not sure.
I visited a local Urologist here (I was only able to find a Urologist who speaks English on short order - I would have had to wait a week for a dermatologist).
He took a look at my penis and immediately said herpes. He prescribed anti-viral medication.
My concern is that it sounds like herpes is fluid filled blisters that pop by themselves, are painful, cause painful urination, fever, etc. I am experiencing none of these symptoms, everything feels very normal other than my penis (visually) which has seen better days.
I'm actually fairly certain that the lesions wouldn't have popped, or turned white had I not applied the Apple Cider Vinegar.
Here is the progression of the sores:
Day 1 - 4: http://imgur.com/n8yylYY
Day 5 (After applying vinegar): http://imgur.com/iGMeXPx
Day 6: http://imgur.com/roOeBvl
Day 7 (today): http://imgur.com/4xZAtdt
*** UPDATE
The blood tests have come in, and the IgM says, 0.92 Col for Herpes I, and 0.71 Col for Herpes II.
From this, I gather I am negative, but I've heard that false negatives are possible. The IgM blood test was taken 2 weeks after my last sexual encounter, would that be enough time for the antibodies to propagate in my blood for an accurate result, or is the IgM test useless?
The sores have basically healed, and my penis is looking normal again, so a swab test will be tricky. Where do I go from here? Do I test for HPV? CAN I test for HPV? Do I order another herpes test? When can I have sex and assume I'm clean beyond a reasonable doubt?
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
looks like herpes
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I've seen the lesion and although a photograph is never equal to the real view, they do look like herpes. HPV is not expected to disappear. The lesions followed to expected course of herpes, that is a blister with clear and then turbid fluid and finally a sore area with crusts.
The antibodies are not very helpful and they may be misleading sometimes. You can repeat the antibody testing after a few weeks to see if the antibodies have developed but the best test requires obtaining material from the lesions. Since no lesions are evident right now (and until they do appear in the future) the next best thing is to repeat the antibody testing 4 weeks later.
You should assume that you do have a sexually transmitted disease until proven otherwise! If you're going to have sex in the meantime, you should use a condom, avoid direct contact with your partner and use low dose prophylaxis. For example 500-1000mg of valacyclovir every day reduces viral shedding. Of course you should contact your doctor before initiating any treatment.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
looks like herpes
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I've seen the lesion and although a photograph is never equal to the real view, they do look like herpes. HPV is not expected to disappear. The lesions followed to expected course of herpes, that is a blister with clear and then turbid fluid and finally a sore area with crusts.
The antibodies are not very helpful and they may be misleading sometimes. You can repeat the antibody testing after a few weeks to see if the antibodies have developed but the best test requires obtaining material from the lesions. Since no lesions are evident right now (and until they do appear in the future) the next best thing is to repeat the antibody testing 4 weeks later.
You should assume that you do have a sexually transmitted disease until proven otherwise! If you're going to have sex in the meantime, you should use a condom, avoid direct contact with your partner and use low dose prophylaxis. For example 500-1000mg of valacyclovir every day reduces viral shedding. Of course you should contact your doctor before initiating any treatment.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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