Risks of Herpes transmission HSV2-HSV2

Hello ;

I have been tested and was positive for HSV-2.

I have never had lesions of any kind.

I was told by my doctor that the best sexual partners would be those with HSV-2 as well.  They told me I probably got this from a kiss awhile ago, but they really didn't know.  I could have had this for 20 years, as my doctors never tested for herpes during STD tests, unless I had some sort of symptom.  I had tests done in preparation for a relationship, paid for them myself, and found out I had herpes.

What risks do I have of starting to have outbreaks, if I have sex with another HSV-2 positive woman?  i am concerned that I may start having outbreaks once I have sex with another HSV-2 positive person.  

How can I prevent my situation from worsening?

Thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I assume by HSV-2 test, you are referring to a blood test, specific for herpes 2.  The first thing I suggest you do is check with your doctor that this test is one of newer, reliable ones, like Herpes Select.  Some older tests do not make a reliable distinction between herpes 2 and herpes 1.

If you don't have outbreaks, why did they even do a herpes 2 blood test?  Perhaps they should repeat the test, just to be sure.

Having sex does not increase your chances of getting a visible outbreak.  If you do have herpes 2, you may shed virus in small amounts even without a visible outbreak.  This could spread herpes to a partner who never had herpes, but not to someone who did already.  But there's no reason to limit all future sexual contacts to people who have herpes.  Condom use is good protection against herpes transmission.

But first I would establish the diagnosis with more complete certainty than I suspect you have up to this point.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[salsadave]

Yes, I have had another IGG test to confirm it was not an error.

Now I am left with the decision to approach women who do not have HSV-2 or not... not a small decision...


Dave