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HSV 1 blood test vs. swab test
I have a question: if I'm positive for HSV 1, won't I always be positive for HSV1 swab test the gyno performs? So even if I don't get blisters on my vagina, I still have genital herpes because I have oral herpes??? I don't understand the point of the swab once the blood test says I have type 1. I'm already positive for it. Won't it be positive on the swab? Or could I have a negative swab even if I have a positive blood test??
You'll have to clarify it with your gynecologist. Maybe you misunderstood? Or maybe she doesn't really understand herpes very well. The information you cite from "other threads" is correct. If you have had oral herpes due to HSV1, you probably couldn't infect your genital area even if you tried.
Thank you so much for your replies. I guess I just don't understand the part where my gyno said that I have genital herpes all of a sudden when I've always had oral herpes. I've read in other threads that I'm already immune to it. Is that right or does it seem this dr. just wanted to send me on my way?
You had accurate replies from Life360 in your other thread. There's no way a "bulging" urethral opening could be due to herpes. Your infection probably is oral. But even if genital, without a visible outbreak, you'll probably never transmit it to a partner. So you can go about your life on the safe assumption you don't have genital herpes or if you do, it doesn't matter.
I actually do have a lot more to say. All of my symptoms and test results are under the question: Bulging urethral opening. Herpes?
Maybe that will help with this question
Maybe that will help with this question
Hi, swabs are only good for confirming a positive. Having a negative is somewhat inconclusive. The swab needs to be taken within 48 hours after a blister appearing and have clear liquid present at the time is also important. If this was done there is more credibility. Accurate confirmation is by a blood test taken 3 months post any exposure.
Welcome to the forum. Presumably you have had a positive blood test for HSV1, right? And no symptoms of oral or genital outbreaks?
First, if you have oral HSV1, probably you don't have genital herpes as well. The large majority of HSV1 infections are oral only, usually acquired in childhood. (Or if you have genital HSV1, it's probably only there, not oral.)
Second, wherever your HSV1 -- genital or oral -- the virus is present, transmissible, and diagnosable by swab test only a few percent of the time. Swab tests almost never are done unless there is an obvious outbreak; at other times, it would almost always be negative.
I can give a better reply if you would like to say more about your diagnosis and symptoms.
First, if you have oral HSV1, probably you don't have genital herpes as well. The large majority of HSV1 infections are oral only, usually acquired in childhood. (Or if you have genital HSV1, it's probably only there, not oral.)
Second, wherever your HSV1 -- genital or oral -- the virus is present, transmissible, and diagnosable by swab test only a few percent of the time. Swab tests almost never are done unless there is an obvious outbreak; at other times, it would almost always be negative.
I can give a better reply if you would like to say more about your diagnosis and symptoms.
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
