Q:
I am a male who had sexual contact with another male approximately thirty days ago. Last week I discovered a small bump near my anus, and now there are four at a distance from each other. They resemble pimples and are not particularly painful. The only discomfort I am feeling at the moment is itching akin to when I shave the area. I am uncertain as to whether this is folliculitis or the beginning symptoms of herpes. Reading previous questions it seems lab testing for herpes is not available for males, but is it possible to visibly identify herpes and distinguish it from folliculitis or another condition?
Thank you for your time.
A:
Yes, it is possible to test for herpes in males or females, either through direct culture for the virus if a blister is present or by blood test. Neither type of test is 100% accurate though and can give false negatives and false positives. Visually we can provide a diagnostic impression about the cause of genital/anal bumps. The most common causes are warts (Human Papilloma Virus) and Molluscum Contagiosum (viral) especially if they are not painful. Folliculitis is also likely if you've been shaving.
So an examination is reasonable and part of that is a discussion of testing for other STDs, depending on your risk factors, including reducing risk with condom use.
~The Doc
