Question:
Hello,

I am 21 y/o Male.

I have been infected with Herpes Virus-1 on my lips and face when I was about 11 years old, probably from my mom or aunt. They both have coldsore breakouts. I have an outbreak on my lips maybe once in two years, sometimes it comes up on my nose. I know exactly how Herpes looks, I know about two strains.

About a year ago I started getting tingling, itch and some mild burning on my genitals and my anus. I also got tingling inside my urethra. It's not painful, but it is uncomfortable at times. Sometimes it feels like someone took a needle and pricked the head of my penis, anus, buttocks or pubic area. I have never had any outbreak in my genital area or at least I have never seen one. However, the more this happened (tingling/itch) especially when I got the breakout on my lips, I viciously inspected my genitals and my anus. I would look at my genitals and anus twenty times a day with a light and mirror in order to spot anything suspicious. It is driving me mad more and more. I just want to cry. It might be my mind causing this or this might be herpes. I am scared when I used to be little I touched the sores and my penis or anus without knowing that it is dangerous, or I might have done it accidently when I was older before I found out coldsores could cause genital herpes. I have masturbated when I had coldsores, but I think I have always washed my hands very good.

I have had unprotected sex with a girl who was tested and came up negative for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. I have recieved oral sex from girls but none had any visible symptoms (however I do know that can still spread).

I have first seen my family doctor. He first assured me that it is nothing after he looked at my genital area and seen nothing. He gave me anti-fungul pills, but I have not taken them. I have taken a blood test indicating I do NOT have HSV-2 or HPV or any other STDs. I have also taken a blood test to test my immunity. I tested positive for HSV-1 and my immune system is great. My doctor also assured me that I do not have genital herpes and that autoinuculation (spread to oneself) is impossible. I have seen a dermatologist who also assured me that I am totally ok and gave me some antisthetic & antifungul creams.

However, this still bothers me, I am scared to death, I am so worried that I feel hopeless, nobody seems to help me. I don't know what to do...My great life turned very sour, I cannot work peacefully, I cannot study, I cannot sleep!

Is it possible that I have given myself an HSV-1 infection on my genitals? From touching myself...PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!

Answer:
Someone please help me. I am sooooo worried. Where do I turn???? Am I ok??????

Answer:
Anyone? Please!

Answer:
Yes its possible, especially if you tend to use spit on yur hands for lube when you mb...

Amy

Answer:
Although I am sure your doctor is much more knowledgeable than me, I have heard that herpes can spread to other parts of your body.

For example, upon my diagnosis, my doctor warned me not to touch the sores on my genitals and then touch my mouth or my eyes, because the virus can spread to those areas. I also know that the virus can spread to your mouth to your partner's genitals, which is why you should never perform oral sex when you are having an outbreak of cold sores.

I don't understand why the same is not applicable to your own genitals? Perhaps it has something to do with immunity, but I have never heard this. I would recommend getting a second opinion from another doctor.

However, what you are describing doesn't necessarily sound like H. If you have not had any sores, then it is hard to say for sure. I would suggest getting another blood test and asking specifically for a test for H within another month or two. It can take awhile for the virus to show up on a blood test after the initial infection.

I wish you the best of luck in this. In the meantime, don't engage in any sexual activity.