So I’ve been doing so well lately. One of my biggest OCD themes besides harm is related to health and particularly STD’s within that. I’ve always had a fear of the STD’s that are incurable...particularly herpes though it’s effect on someone’s life is minimal. I’ve been sexually active recently (always with protection) and have noticed a spot on my penis. It very well could be acne or dermatitis of some kind but my OCD has already convinced me that it’s herpes and that I need to immediately get tested (which both my therapist and primary doctor have said would be feeding into the OCD unless it’s blatantly obvious that I need medical attention.) So I’m not sure what to do, any ideas how to cope with this anxiety, has anyone else had this form of OCD? Thank you in advance....

I had a spot on mine and had an emergency room dr, a urologist and a dermatologist both evaluate to rule out cancer. duh, of course it was just a regular old spot. I know I shouldnt have sought this reassurance but I was going through Paxil withdrawals at the time and very vulnerable. during that same time I also asked for and received a full heart evaluation including echo and nuclear stress test because I worried I damaged my heart from hormone therapy

I’ve had a myriad of health anxiety periods. I found that the best thing to do is to distract yourself, especially when you feel the anxiety worsening. Try doing something that can get your mind on something else, something to really engage you.

I do this thing where I essentially give it a week (or however long may be practical given the circumstances.) If I notice something on a Sunday, I tell myself I can call and make a doctors appointment on the following Sunday. Usually by the time the week has passed, the problem has resolved itself or I’m no longer concerned about it enough to want to go to the doctor. I also will try and plan stuff with friends for the day I said I’d call for an appointment, so that I don’t get as much of a chance to call.

I find that being in public places surrounded by others helps remove my mind from the situation. I'll get in the car and drive to a place, grab coffee (decaf) and just people watch

right! my house is not my friend when I'm in a cycle. it's like being home makes it harder to resist.

Thank you guys. You’re right..interaction helps. I’m struggling with whether or not I should go to the doctor or not for it...