Herpes (possible tmi)

Factual Questions
1

Some questions about Herpes simplex (the STD) that I couldn’t find adqueate answers to on the numerous Herpes websites.

First off:

Is there a point of “Seroconversion” whereby a person becomes Herpes+ (positive) as with HIV? So they may have been infected with Herpes but still test negative?

Also, if I have oral herpes, can I pass it to someone through casual contact? Kiss etc? And will they get genital herpes as well as oral herpes because of the oral contact?
Here is the situation: I recently had a Herpes breakout, I can’t think of anything that it could be except STD Herpes. Its not a terrible outbreak, since its not entirely symptomatic but then the websites say Herpes doesn’t always show that way.

Three weeks ago I started with a new girlfriend and we have had numerous unprotected sex. I can’t remember if it was before or after, but I noticed a single red “pimple” in my pubic hair which I simply assumed was an ingrown hair. It didn’t hurt or itch. Now three days ago I notice many of these “pimples” in my pubic area and only one on my penis. I then got a very small breakout on my face… corners of the mouth and a little above the “mustache” area. Also I think on other places on my face but I didn’t think it possible for herpes to go there.

As soon as I realized it was Herpes I told my girlfriend whom I’d been sleeping unprotected for three weeks, and she went and got a full battery of STD tests. She came back compeltely negative. For reasons I don’t care to disclose I can’t get tested for another two weeks, but we’re naturally refraining from all physical contact, especially since I’m still in an outbreak.

Is there any other disease or infection that mimics herpes? I have never had an outbreak before and have no idea where I got it, since my initial thought was that I got it from my present girlfriend since this outbreak occured after my initial contact with her. But she’s clean. Even though she’s negative, I’m still scared I infected her… could it have been a false negative… or is 3 weeks too early for her to test positive even if she is infected?

I appreciate your time and sincere responses.

2

Yes. It takes some time to seroconvert in any infection. I did a quick search over at the CDC’s website, and all I found was a page that said tests have “variable sensitivity” for infection under six months. I’d poke around there more if I were you.

Yes. If you have oral herpes and kiss someone without oral herpes, they can get oral herpes. They will NOT get genital herpes from mouth-to-mouth kissing, but if you have oral herpes and engage in oral sex, you can give your partner genital herpes that way. And vice versa.

3

It could be warts. It could be shingles, except shingles hurts A LOT, even on regular body parts. Get to a doctor, even if you can’t have a lab test right now. Any Planned Parenthood will see you for darn near free without insurance and will likely be able to tell visually what you’ve got.

4

Don’t freak out until you see a doctor. I had the little pimples around the groin once too…luckily the Dr. said I was just allergic to either the latex or the spermicide. After we got on the pill…no more pimples.