My question is about HSV 2 detection through Urine test.
In my case, I had a blood test for HSV about a month and a half ago which came back negative for HSV 2 exposure. I have never been exposed to HSV 2.
I had protected vaginal sex about two weeks ago. I am very confident about the condom being intact and that my level of protection was not compromised.
I have read that some of the first symptoms of an HSV infection include a swelling of the Lymph nodes in the groin area.
Within the last week, for about three days now (that means about 10 days after sex almost) - I have been feeling a slight pain in my right groin area. This pain is not present at all times. It only pains when pressure is applied at a specific spot about three inches above my right testicle. There is no apparent swelling visible.
I have no external symptoms at this time that may indicate an HSV 2 infection on any of the genital area.
I am worried if this slight pain may be related to the reaction of my lymph nodes to possible HSV 2 virus.
I have no fever, headaches or flu-like symptoms. Only this unusual pain when pressure applied in my right groin area.
My question is:
If this pain is due to my lymph nodes reacting to an HSV 2 infection at this stage - if I do a urine test for HSV 2 infection, would the urine test detect possible HSV 2 infection? or, does the urine test only work to detect HSV 2 ONLY if there are external visible symptoms of infection?
In other words, if there are no external visible symptoms, but the lymph nodes have begun to react to a possible HSV 2 infection. Will a Urine test at this stage detect such an infection?
It doesn't sound actually as though anything is happening apart from you being rather overly concerned that you have Herpes 2.
If you think you have lymph nodes in the groins then you need to see a doctor - we very very commonly see patients who are certain that they have lymph node swelling but actually have nothing of the sort.
In answer to the specifics of your question, a urine herpes PCR test will only detect herpes in or surrounding the urethra or areas where urine may pass over herpes lesions. It will not identify herpes elsewhere. It requires the herpes virus to be present in the sample taken.
It is of use but it does have rather limited diagnostic potential.
I know that the Blood Test is only conclusive after 12 weeks.
However, I did have a Blood test almost 6 weeks ago which came back negative for HSV 2. SInce then I have had a sexual encounter, almost 2 weeks ago now.
If I have another blood test in another 2 weeks from now, that would be 8 weeks since my previous test and 4 weeks since my last sexual encounter.
Would it be possible to interpret the results of the previous test and the next test comparatively and conclude whether I may have an HSV 2 infection?
Serial blood tests for HSV serology can be useful to determine the possibility of an acute infection in the case of an increasing titre, even if still negative. However the only confirmation would be if the titre is positive. If negative after 12 weeks, that would be final and conclusive.
Best wishes,
José
HSV 2 detection through Urine test
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