Question:
that keeps playing over and over again. I'm the college student who only had two sexual partners as freshmen and now as sophomore two more got added to the list. With the first three guys I used protection, stayed on birth control and visited my doctor often. I considered myself responsible when it came to sex. In October of 2003 my doctor changed my birth control and tested me for STDs again. Everything came out negative. In December of that same year, I starting dating some guy on campus and eventually we ended up having sex, unprotected sex. I regret that now, but we live and learn.
Anyway, I learned quickly he was having sex with many girls on campus. I got scared with knowing this information and never called my doctor. A month went by and I ended up changing my birth control again and I asked my doctor to test me for STDs. This month was last friday. Because my monthly cycle was on, my doctor just gave me a blood test. I never cringed when getting a needle before but I did this time. Just the thought of me having an STD made me sick to my stomach. My doctor contacted me on Monday of this week and told me that I tested positive for herpes. I have not been right since. With finals week approaching it's hard to focus on the ending the semester successfully. Although, I have never had an outbreak I'm scared of what my future may hold. My doctor said she can't even treat me because she doesn't know what HSV I have.
When I look in the mirror I don't even see the same person, and when I am in the shower I quickly get frustrated knowing no matter how many times I wash my body, I'll still be "dirty" internally and soon even externally. In my case, I know who gave me the virus and I have talked to him about it, but it didn't changed anything. I still have it and always will. I have never had problems with grasping concepts, but I do now.

Answer:
Relax!!!!
Just because your blood test was positive for HSV doesn't mean you have genital herpes!

You can potentially get a + herpes blood test if you drink from the same cup as someone with cold sores. It happens easily at college. Keg stands, sharing a beer, smokes, etc...
It can be on your mouth. 80% of people have it on their mouth. In fact there's a very high statistical probability that your mouth has been infected ONLY. If you have had any redness, rashlike symptoms, or aching lymph nodes around your pubic area, then you should be worried about genital herpes. Until that occurs, don't worry too much about it.
Focus on your studies.



Ohh...
just in case you haven't learned yet, herpes can be transmitted easily from a male to female WITH a condom. If you come out of this unscathed, don't put yourself in danger again by thinking that a condom will save you. Get to know the guy first. Anyway, I hope things turn out well.

Answer:
Yeah, I agree with above. The fact that you have had no genital symptoms at all would leave me to believe you have oral herpes, which just about everyone and their grandmother has.

If it does turn out to be genital herpes, again, not the end of the world. Genital herpes is very common despite the stigma associated with it. Either way, no need to make yourself sick over it. You will get through it and have a wonderful life, regardless.

Unprotected sex is craziness though in this day and age. Always be protected. No, a condom won't completely protect you from herpes, but much better than nothing at all and there are worse things out there than herpes.

Let us know what happens! --------Joe

Answer:
Over the last couple of days, I have been experiencing this itching feeling down in my pubic area. I can't wear tight jeans because the itching feeling turns into a burning sensation. But nothing has appeared. I made an appointment with my doctor and she can't see me until thursday. I guess so much for having cold sores, uh?