Question:
Hello folks,

I have been browsing the board and reading the sticky posts in an effort to get some more information and maybe reassure myself before I can get in to see a doc. Great board and supportive community!

Based on some layman-ish research by me I think I have HSV2. I'm having a hard time finding a local clinic still open in my area, but I wanted to see what you all thought in the mean time and allay some of my growing anxiety!


I have bumps on my penis, only on the right side beneath the head but above the foreskin line. I have noticed something out of the ordinary in that exact area for roughly 2-3 months. Mainly a tingling/pinching/mild pain/oddness in the area but no visual signs.

I have just recently noted that there are now bumps in this area that itch. Although they are very small and don't appear to be "blisters" nor have I seen any scabbing or breaking open to date. The area affected is roughly the size of a nickel but doesn't seem to be spreading or advancing. I can see the area myself from looking constantly but it's not that pronounced/dramatic... IE - as in reference pictures for HSV2 etc.

In trying hard to recall the past 2-3 months visually the area seemed to have some differentiation in skin (smoother/rougher/drier?) but that's about it. I haven't had (as I recall) any flu-like symptoms or odd swelling since this has started to bother me.


I am trying to get into a free clinic as I don't have medical insurance (yet) through my new employer. I have been diagnosed with Epstein-Bar (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) since about 1999, so I'm thinking the already unreliable blood testing wouldn't help me get a definitive answer - combined with what seem to be my relatively mild (unswabbable?) symptoms that seem to fit in some ways but then not in others... any opinions or point me to some more info please?


Thanks in advance!

Answer:
Well I haven't gotten any replies after 34(!) views but I thought I'd post an update.


I had an exam with a local "Family Planning" clinic today. After a brief visual exam by the nurse-FP she said it was her opinion that the bumps/affected area I have didn't appear to be herpes. She told me to just keep an eye on the area basically.

Needless to say, having a positive opinion given to me by a medical professional was reassuring - although like most folks I thought my initial exam was rather cursory. I am not totally satisfied with the answers I got.

Next up: my lady is going to see her doc (she has insurance) and tell him the whole scenario, plus ask for blood tests. (IgM?) For myself I am re-enrolling in my own insurance this month and as soon as I'm able I'm going to see my personal doc and ask for the blood tests and get her opinion on the whole deal, visual exam, etc.


Just some info for the silent masses out there. Pursue your own answers so you feel better about your health!

Best to all.