Advice please.

Hello everyone. I was recently diagnosed with Herpes 1 in my genital region.I have been with the same girl for many years and my doctor thinks that I could have received HSV 1 more than 7 years ago! I found that hard to believe but both myself and gf have been faithful to each other. Regardless, I have been handling this alot better than I thought but after reading about the virus online I have some new concerns. So if any of you could help I would be very appreciative.

My main concern after reading online about Herpes is Ocular Herpes. 2 weeks before I knew I had HSV 1 on my genitals, I thought the small bumps were pimples. However after they didn't go away I realized that I should go to the doctor and a few days later I found out that it was Herpes. So i'm concerned that I could have possibly touched my genitals and maybe touched my eyes. I'm thinking in the middle of the night I might have gone to the bathroom or scratched myself down there and then touched my eyes. The thought of this has freaked me out considering that Ocular Herpes could cause blindness. I'm sure some of you may at one point have had the same fear.

1) Is transmission likely to happen that way? Touching genitals with a small outbreak and then touching your eyes? And is it likely that I could ever get Ocular Herpes from my genital HSV1?

2) Should I go see an eye specialist and have him or her give me a test to see if everything is ok? (I must add I have no current problems with my eyes)

3) How often does Ocular Herpes cause blindness?

4) Do you think Herpes could have really been in my body quietly with no outbreaks for 7 years?


Thanks!

[kindaworried24]

Can anyone help me out?

[gracefromHHP]

ocular herpes usually occurs from oral herpes working its way up the nerves in the face and infecting the eye. In adults, it doesn't often occur from hand to eye contact.

has your partner been tested to know her status? I"m confused as to why your provider feels you've had this for so long.  what testing did they do on you?

grace

[kindaworried24]

Thanks for the info Grace! I realy appreciate your time, I think this website is a great help.

Yes my gf is currently waiting for her doctor appointment. I don't know why my doctor says that it's from so long ago, I have been asking myself the same question!

My gf and I have been together for years and we have both been faithful! My gf thinks maybe she gave it to me if she had a cold sore on her mouth....however my doctor claims it's from a time when I had unprotected sex when I was a teenager.

Don't know what to tell you.


Also out of curiosity is there a reason ocular herpes isn't often passed from hand to eye contact?

[kindaworried24]

Oh and the test he gave me was a blood test. I'm not sure what kind but it said negative for Herpes 2 but yes for Herpes 1.

[gracefromHHP]

you can't diagnose hsv1 genitally from a blood test only.   did you have genital symptoms and then have the blood test done?  did they do any lesion cultures of your symptoms?

[kindaworried24]

Sorry Grace for the long delay, and thanks again for the help!

I had some bumps on my Penis and he thought it was genital herpes, then my doctor ordered the blood test and it said I had HSV 1. I then took Valtrex and the bumps have gone away. So now I am just dealing with it.

[gracefromHHP]

you weren't properly diagnosed at all and honestly you still have no idea what went on in the genital area. A blood test when you had symptoms is more likely reflecting a previous oral hsv1 infection. most of us have hsv1 orally whether we know it or not. Most folks who have it, don't get obvious cold sores to know it.

If you should get a return of symptoms, be seen within 48 hours of their appearance. If they feel that these are potentially herpes, you should have a lesion culture and typing done, not a blood test.  

Has your gf been tested to know her hsv2 status she since already knows she has hsv1 orally?

[kindaworried24]

That's interesting Grace.

But wouldn't a urologist know how to determine a herpes outbreak? Also the fact that the valtrex got rid of the bumps an indicator that it was probably herpes?

Thank you again for all your help!

[gracefromHHP]

no it's not a sign it was herpes if they went away while you were taking valtrex. many things just go away on their own.

unfortunately no not all providers have the education to know how to properly diagnose herpes :(