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Asymptomatic for 15 years
I am devastated right now from the results of a herpes select test my doctor ordered after a recent outbreak of HSV-1 just prior to an annual physical. We were discussing taking a daily dose to prevent outbreaks. My results were:
HSV 1 - Igg - 39
HSV 2 - IGG - 2.1
I have been married for 15 years! and have always been faithful. I know my wife has been too. Neither of us have ever had any symptoms of genital herpes, though I do get cold sores about once a year. I don't have any idea how to tell her this. Should I get retested immediately or will I likely see the same result? I have seen some discussion about my HSV2 score being in a potentially "false positive" range, but I don't know. Could I have contracted HSV2 in my single life and never knew it AND never transmitted it to my wife? We have mostly used condoms during our marriage, though we have children.
HSV 1 - Igg - 39
HSV 2 - IGG - 2.1
I have been married for 15 years! and have always been faithful. I know my wife has been too. Neither of us have ever had any symptoms of genital herpes, though I do get cold sores about once a year. I don't have any idea how to tell her this. Should I get retested immediately or will I likely see the same result? I have seen some discussion about my HSV2 score being in a potentially "false positive" range, but I don't know. Could I have contracted HSV2 in my single life and never knew it AND never transmitted it to my wife? We have mostly used condoms during our marriage, though we have children.
You're in a tough place, Cavman. I understand your anxiety and you have my sympathy. Unfortunately when it comes to your relationship - when and what to tell your wife - there's no objective, "right" answer or advice I can offer.
In an ideal world, I'd say you should talk to her. If the result is negative it becomes a nonissue. If it's positive, withholding your present concern becomes a trust issue, and something for her to feel hurt about when you do talk.
Good luck!
In an ideal world, I'd say you should talk to her. If the result is negative it becomes a nonissue. If it's positive, withholding your present concern becomes a trust issue, and something for her to feel hurt about when you do talk.
Good luck!
I'm scheduled for the WB but it takes so long for results. I don't want to tell my wife until I'm absolutely certain. If I am positive, she'll never believe I never transmitted it to her.
I am no expert but I have been doing a lot of reading in the past few days. What I've learned, in summary:
There is a reasonable possibility an HSV-2 IgG result >3.5 is a false positive. That likelihood is increased by the fact that you are most definitely positive for HSV-1. I would get retested, just to be sure, and I would seek out the Western Blot test, which is the "gold standard". I suspect some might say the WB is overkill but I would want to be 100% (or close as possible) certain.
Note: The Western Blot is highly accurate but requires a longer window - 16 weeks from exposure for an accurate result. If there's no question you and your wife have had no other partners for the past 15 years I'd say go ahead and take it.
There is a reasonable possibility an HSV-2 IgG result >3.5 is a false positive. That likelihood is increased by the fact that you are most definitely positive for HSV-1. I would get retested, just to be sure, and I would seek out the Western Blot test, which is the "gold standard". I suspect some might say the WB is overkill but I would want to be 100% (or close as possible) certain.
Note: The Western Blot is highly accurate but requires a longer window - 16 weeks from exposure for an accurate result. If there's no question you and your wife have had no other partners for the past 15 years I'd say go ahead and take it.
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
