Really really struggling with an ongoing genital herpes obsession. I have had no serious sign that I have it and I've been tested multiple times for every other STD but herpes requires either a blood test or the swabbing of symptomatic sores and a lot of doctors recommend against it since it is so common, harmless, and just causes mental distress to know. 5 years ago I messed around with another girl (just kissing and maybe hand contact) and she later told me she had genital herpes but she was on medication for it. It's hard to function thinking I have it and may have passed it on even though I have no reason to think I do. I feel like getting blood tested while having no symptoms would be a bad idea for my recovery but I'm not sure.

Jawsh

Date posted: 6y

Good news, you didnt put yourself at risk for genital herpes! Sounds like she was on anti virals as well so thats even better. Its true that a lot of doctors advise against it but many doctors would go ahead and do it for you and i wouldnt say its bad for your recovery to test. If i were you, based on what youve said, i wouldnt test (bc you dont have it) but its always option. Ive been tested for it each time ive went in for regular testing.

Grace

Date posted: 6y

I know several people with herpes trust me you would KNOW if you have it. The blisters are extremely painful. If it would make you feel better to get tested then do it. The blood test will check for antibodies. So let’s say it shows up that you have type 2 which is the genital. They will prescribe you valtrex and you will most likely never have a breakout. Doctors don’t want you getting tested unless you have a legit breakout. Do whatever gives you peace.

waytooparanoid

Date posted: 6y

This is really helpful!! Some sites say the symptoms can be extremely mild so I haven't been sure. No pain, I think I'm just finding old bumps from shaving and freaking out over nothing. There's never been anything at all that resembles a sore/blister. I think it's just my skin being human skin because it's always been sensitive and prone to ingrowns/razor burn but OCD is really unkind, you know how it is. Thank you so much. :)

waytooparanoid

Date posted: 6y

It's great to hear from people with a little background knowledge about this. :) There was no sex but potentially hand to genital contact (I was intoxicated and passed out and didn't even know, she told me when I woke up, yikes, but hey I was really young) and I know there's still a risk for contraction if she had contact with herself prior. I was also cheated on by a guy I was with for several years and I've since been retested multiple times for everything but herpes. I'm terrified to until/unless I develop definite symptoms because I know if I get that result it will feel devastating and I'll feel obligation to disclose if I ever date again. It's amazing how years passed and I never truly worried about it but OCD has a way of making the most random things feel like an emergency hahaha

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