Wanting the answer.

I received the results from the IgG blood test today that came back positive for HSV1 and negative for HSV2.  Seven years ago I had a breakout similar to canker sores near the vaginal opening.  Cultures were taken at this breakout and the next one, both coming back negative.  I have canker sores in my mouth and the sores on my genital area frequently.  I am currently taking Famvir daily.  
My questions are:  1) Do you think I can rely on the blood test or do I need to take another one?  2) Could the breakouts be caused by anything other than the herpes virus?  The reason I ask is my friend, not knowing my condition, told me that when she was young and taking birth control she developed outbreaks just as I described.  After she discontinued the pill, her outbreaks stopped. I am taking birth control.  3)  Is there anything else I can do since the maintenance pill I am taking is really not making a difference?  4) Is there any reason for my to feel relief that I only have HSV1?
I want to know for sure so I can protect my boyfriend.  We use protection every time.  
All of this continues to stress me out.
Thank you for your time.  This is the most helpful website I have found.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Thanks for you kind comments.

1.  If it is one of the reliable (glycoprotein-based) tests, then yes, you can rely on the one you took.
2. If you don't have genital herpes--and it seems you don't--then it must be something else.  Your gynecologist should perform the requisite examinations, cultures, or other tests to find out.
3. If what you have isn't herpes, it follows that Famvir wouldn't work.  You need a proper diagnosis to know what, if anything, to do.  (By that I mean that these vaginal sores may be unimportant and not absolutely necessary to treat, if that aren't catchy, etc.)
4. Of course you should feel relief!  HSV1 antibodies mean very little--just that you, along with lots of other people, were once exposed to the cold sore virus somewhere along the line.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff