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HSV 1 & 2
I am 46 and was diagnosed a year ago with HSV1 and HSV2 after contracting it from a man I trusted and thought I loved. Needless to say, I ended the relationship and I am ashamed for being so stupid at my age. During the course of a year I have only had that one initial outbreak of HSV2, however, I have had the occasional HSV1 cold sore when either stressed to the max. or sick and since I am always "stressed to the max" they seem to pop up more that I desire. I have been completely consumed by my diagnosis over the year and it has worned me down. I panick every time I feel a tickle, tingle or weird feeling and I'm always looking in the mirror checking every inch of my body. Six months ago, I met a wonderful man (blind date) and we connected from the start. However, I was under the naive impression that herpes could only be contracted during an outbreak and since I had not had any outbreaks 1 or 2 for five months it was safe to be intimate (unprotected) until the doctor expressed that I am contagious 24/7. This was two weeks into the relationship. I of course told him that night and after breaking up and getting back together several times six months later (with 80% unprotected & 20% protected sex) he has tested negative two weeks ago, thank God. I am so thankful that I met someone who is real and genuine and has a heart of gold but he has his own reservations at the moment since he is negative and I am positive. Jokingly I told him that together we are eletrifying ...ha ha ha ... got him to smile but I am realistic. Frankly, in my heart I know his final decision but friends we will always remain.
My test results from the initial outbreak have been as follows. I was initially positive for 1, negative for 2, then a culture tested positive for 2, blood work tested positive for 1, negative for 2, then a culture tested negative for 2, and finally blood work tested positive for 1 and 2. Needless to say I have been on a emotional roller coaster ride and I am ready to JUMP off without a paracute !!! The last culture in December, 2009 I had two tiny tears on the side of the perineum area whereas the initial outbreak in February, 2009 was one sore on the edge of the labia minora. I am confused. I do not know whether the negative results are false or the positive results are false for HSV2. My doctor wants a follow up in March to determine my titer. To give myself peace of mind, I have placed myself of daily Valtrex 500 mg even though my doctor does not consider that I am a shedder (which I still do not understand whatsoever, yes I know, it's there but no one knows when - a Herpes ghost !! ). My doctor says to be a shedder you need 3 or more HSV2 outbreaks in a year. Now, I have read that the virus remains in your bodily fluids. How is that when it retreats to its dormant stage in the ganglion and is only active when it surfaces through the nerve endings ? So, I do not understand how it is in the bodily fluids. My doctor says that it is safe to kiss but no oral sex. I don't get it, it's okay to kiss on the lips but nowhere else, isn't bodily fluids all the same ? She suggested a dental dam. Have you seen it !!! Yes, very romantic and sexy. I told my partner and he joking said let me get the Saran wrap. Frankly, all the DO NOTS take away the simple pleasure of enjoying each other. So, back to my question, does the virus live 24/7 in bodily fluids. I have been told that the risk of getting HSV2 through bodily fluids is very low and my GYN has not had one case of HSV2 through oral sex and only can be contracted through a break in the skin and that the virus cannot penetrate most of the body's tough epidermis layer and that is why it penatrates the most tender skin of our body. So, frankly I am looking for clarification and input on is there life after herpes ? Am I contagious 24/7 ? I know condoms, condoms, condoms but condoms does not provide 100% coverage of the genital area only the penis and if I had a sore on my labia minora that area I am sure is coming into contact with some part of his body, I assume. Please shed some light on a very dark moment in my life. Thank you for your time.
12/30/08 -Herpes Simpl AB 1230:SO00108R
HSV1 IgG antibodies, 5.10 index, <0.90 index
HSV2 IgG antibodies, <0.90 index, <0.90 index
HSV Type 1 IgM antibodies, <0.8, <0.8 index
HSV Type 2 IgM antibodes, <0.8 index, <0.8 index
2/13/09 - Herpes CUL type 0213:SO00104R
HSV final report: vaginal, HSV2 isolated, abnormal
9/10/09
RPR (DX) w/refl titer and confirm testing (refl) - NON-REACTIVE
HSV 1/2 IGG, herpeselect type specific AB
HSV1 IGG type specific, 4.83 index
HSV2 IGG type specific, <0.90 index
HSV Simplex virus IGM AB w/reflex to titer - NOT DETECTED
12/3/09 - Herpes Simplex Virus Culture
HSV final report - NOT ISOLATED
12/8/09 - Herpesab, herpes 1/2 IGG/IGM ABS, Herpeselect
HSV1 IgG antibodies, 5.70 index, <0.90 index
HSV2 IgG antibodies, 7.60 index, <0.90 index
HSV type 1 IgM antibodies, <0.8 index, <0.8 index
HSV type 2 IgM antibodies, <0.8 index, <0.8 index
My test results from the initial outbreak have been as follows. I was initially positive for 1, negative for 2, then a culture tested positive for 2, blood work tested positive for 1, negative for 2, then a culture tested negative for 2, and finally blood work tested positive for 1 and 2. Needless to say I have been on a emotional roller coaster ride and I am ready to JUMP off without a paracute !!! The last culture in December, 2009 I had two tiny tears on the side of the perineum area whereas the initial outbreak in February, 2009 was one sore on the edge of the labia minora. I am confused. I do not know whether the negative results are false or the positive results are false for HSV2. My doctor wants a follow up in March to determine my titer. To give myself peace of mind, I have placed myself of daily Valtrex 500 mg even though my doctor does not consider that I am a shedder (which I still do not understand whatsoever, yes I know, it's there but no one knows when - a Herpes ghost !! ). My doctor says to be a shedder you need 3 or more HSV2 outbreaks in a year. Now, I have read that the virus remains in your bodily fluids. How is that when it retreats to its dormant stage in the ganglion and is only active when it surfaces through the nerve endings ? So, I do not understand how it is in the bodily fluids. My doctor says that it is safe to kiss but no oral sex. I don't get it, it's okay to kiss on the lips but nowhere else, isn't bodily fluids all the same ? She suggested a dental dam. Have you seen it !!! Yes, very romantic and sexy. I told my partner and he joking said let me get the Saran wrap. Frankly, all the DO NOTS take away the simple pleasure of enjoying each other. So, back to my question, does the virus live 24/7 in bodily fluids. I have been told that the risk of getting HSV2 through bodily fluids is very low and my GYN has not had one case of HSV2 through oral sex and only can be contracted through a break in the skin and that the virus cannot penetrate most of the body's tough epidermis layer and that is why it penatrates the most tender skin of our body. So, frankly I am looking for clarification and input on is there life after herpes ? Am I contagious 24/7 ? I know condoms, condoms, condoms but condoms does not provide 100% coverage of the genital area only the penis and if I had a sore on my labia minora that area I am sure is coming into contact with some part of his body, I assume. Please shed some light on a very dark moment in my life. Thank you for your time.
12/30/08 -Herpes Simpl AB 1230:SO00108R
HSV1 IgG antibodies, 5.10 index, <0.90 index
HSV2 IgG antibodies, <0.90 index, <0.90 index
HSV Type 1 IgM antibodies, <0.8, <0.8 index
HSV Type 2 IgM antibodes, <0.8 index, <0.8 index
2/13/09 - Herpes CUL type 0213:SO00104R
HSV final report: vaginal, HSV2 isolated, abnormal
9/10/09
RPR (DX) w/refl titer and confirm testing (refl) - NON-REACTIVE
HSV 1/2 IGG, herpeselect type specific AB
HSV1 IGG type specific, 4.83 index
HSV2 IGG type specific, <0.90 index
HSV Simplex virus IGM AB w/reflex to titer - NOT DETECTED
12/3/09 - Herpes Simplex Virus Culture
HSV final report - NOT ISOLATED
12/8/09 - Herpesab, herpes 1/2 IGG/IGM ABS, Herpeselect
HSV1 IgG antibodies, 5.70 index, <0.90 index
HSV2 IgG antibodies, 7.60 index, <0.90 index
HSV type 1 IgM antibodies, <0.8 index, <0.8 index
HSV type 2 IgM antibodies, <0.8 index, <0.8 index
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I also was vaccinated for hpv 4 yrs ago, would that effect my results? Would I have antibodies for hsv 2 if I was vaccinated?
I also was vaccinated for hpv 4 yrs ago, would that effect my results? Would I have antibodies for hsv 2 if I was vaccinated?
Ok, I just recieved my test results for hsv igg antibodies
My results= hsv igg type 1= 6.61
Hsv igg type 2= 1.47
5 years ago I had an abnormal pap w a mild hpv. I've been sleeping w the same people for the past 2 years. On and off relationship w an ex that occurs every 6 mo and a friend w benefits during the time that I am single. Neither has shown symptoms. I read that hsv can occur w hpv positives. No one has had n e problems nor positives. Waiting for a second test w one to make sure, yet I am the only one w the positive result. What inclines a def positive w this test? What does this mean? I have a child and she did not show symptoms and was able to have a natural birth. Could I have gotten it w hpv? I also had mono when I was younger, could that affect this test?
My results= hsv igg type 1= 6.61
Hsv igg type 2= 1.47
5 years ago I had an abnormal pap w a mild hpv. I've been sleeping w the same people for the past 2 years. On and off relationship w an ex that occurs every 6 mo and a friend w benefits during the time that I am single. Neither has shown symptoms. I read that hsv can occur w hpv positives. No one has had n e problems nor positives. Waiting for a second test w one to make sure, yet I am the only one w the positive result. What inclines a def positive w this test? What does this mean? I have a child and she did not show symptoms and was able to have a natural birth. Could I have gotten it w hpv? I also had mono when I was younger, could that affect this test?
Grace,
I realize some folks take longer with a pre existing HSV1 infection. But how can antibodies be detected after almost a year or being HSV2 positive? Seems extremley on the long side, something out of the ordinary.
Also is it the general rule (saw posts on the experts forum) That individuals with no pre-existing HSV infections will develop antibodies quicker then those already infected?
I realize some folks take longer with a pre existing HSV1 infection. But how can antibodies be detected after almost a year or being HSV2 positive? Seems extremley on the long side, something out of the ordinary.
Also is it the general rule (saw posts on the experts forum) That individuals with no pre-existing HSV infections will develop antibodies quicker then those already infected?
some folks do take longer but not many. she already had the + lesion culture so there was actually never any need for any more repeat herpes blood testing.
grace
grace
Am I correct in assuming that it took you almost a year to have positive bloodwork for HSV 2?
The first time you tested was 12-13-2008 and seems like the IGG finally picked up HSV2 at 12-08-2009.
Did it take a year for you to seroconvert, is that even possible.......grace can you chime in on this if possible.
I thought the general rule was 4-6 months.
The first time you tested was 12-13-2008 and seems like the IGG finally picked up HSV2 at 12-08-2009.
Did it take a year for you to seroconvert, is that even possible.......grace can you chime in on this if possible.
I thought the general rule was 4-6 months.
frankly your provider isn't very knowledgeable about herpes :( Their lack of knowledge has caused you more grief and hardship than you needed to have. such a shame...sigh.
first off - everyone who has herpes sheds regardless if you have 0 ob's a year or 20 ob's a year. There isn't some magic less than 3 ob's a year you don't shed. Absolute blarney! That said, you absolutely are not shedding 24/7/365 and the virus is actually not active far more than it is active. You shed from the area of active lesions as well as from the entire anogenital area. In between obvious lesions, you shed periodically from the anogenital area, not just where you typically have lesions at.
Your male partner, if you take daily suppressive therapy with valtrex , use condoms and avoid sex anytime you have obvious genital symptoms, has on average a 99% chance each year of NOT contracting hsv2 from you. That is the same risk of you not getting pregnant on the pill each year. You really should be more surprised when partners do contract hsv2 from you if you are taking full precautions than if they don't!!!
Oral sex. You can transmit your hsv2 to your partner's oral area but the risk is overall low. Being on daily suppressive therapy will mean less shedding so less chance of that occurring too. Dental dams are not the greatest and they are also pricey so if you and your partner want to use barrier protection, I suggest buying flavored, non-lubricated condoms and cutting them open to lay over your genital area instead. it's totally up to the two of you if you feel that barrier protection for oral is needed. Saran wrap can be used but only if it's the non-microwaveable kind ( I haven't been able to find that in years to be honest ).
Your testing issues. You have absolutely no need for any more blood testing. You have a + lesion culture for hsv2. Your initial blood test was negative because it was a newly acquired infection for you. Your subsequent blood test was + because your body seroconverted and made enough detectable antibodies that the blood tests we use could pick up on your infection. As for your negative lesion cultures sometimes, either they were done too far into the recurrence for herpes to be picked up on with the lesion culture or they weren't herpes going on. Even when you do have genital herpes, not everything that goes on in your genital area is due to herpes.
So what do you do now? Well I recommend staying on the daily suppressive therapy for starters. You have a lot of anxiety about your herpes and transmission so to me, the peace of mind is priceless. It's not a 100% reduction in transmission to a partner but it is very significant reduction. If you are still getting cuts in your genital skin while on suppressive therapy, avoid sex to err on the side of caution but also see your provider. Get tested for yeast and bacterial infections genitally while there. If they are negative, discuss if perhaps you are perimenopausal and having a lack of estrogen to the genital skin which is causing it to thin and tear more easily. Topical estrogen creams can help with those issues a lot.
keep asking questions as you have them !!! Darn shame you've spent the last few months/year so confused - wish you had found us sooner!
grace
first off - everyone who has herpes sheds regardless if you have 0 ob's a year or 20 ob's a year. There isn't some magic less than 3 ob's a year you don't shed. Absolute blarney! That said, you absolutely are not shedding 24/7/365 and the virus is actually not active far more than it is active. You shed from the area of active lesions as well as from the entire anogenital area. In between obvious lesions, you shed periodically from the anogenital area, not just where you typically have lesions at.
Your male partner, if you take daily suppressive therapy with valtrex , use condoms and avoid sex anytime you have obvious genital symptoms, has on average a 99% chance each year of NOT contracting hsv2 from you. That is the same risk of you not getting pregnant on the pill each year. You really should be more surprised when partners do contract hsv2 from you if you are taking full precautions than if they don't!!!
Oral sex. You can transmit your hsv2 to your partner's oral area but the risk is overall low. Being on daily suppressive therapy will mean less shedding so less chance of that occurring too. Dental dams are not the greatest and they are also pricey so if you and your partner want to use barrier protection, I suggest buying flavored, non-lubricated condoms and cutting them open to lay over your genital area instead. it's totally up to the two of you if you feel that barrier protection for oral is needed. Saran wrap can be used but only if it's the non-microwaveable kind ( I haven't been able to find that in years to be honest ).
Your testing issues. You have absolutely no need for any more blood testing. You have a + lesion culture for hsv2. Your initial blood test was negative because it was a newly acquired infection for you. Your subsequent blood test was + because your body seroconverted and made enough detectable antibodies that the blood tests we use could pick up on your infection. As for your negative lesion cultures sometimes, either they were done too far into the recurrence for herpes to be picked up on with the lesion culture or they weren't herpes going on. Even when you do have genital herpes, not everything that goes on in your genital area is due to herpes.
So what do you do now? Well I recommend staying on the daily suppressive therapy for starters. You have a lot of anxiety about your herpes and transmission so to me, the peace of mind is priceless. It's not a 100% reduction in transmission to a partner but it is very significant reduction. If you are still getting cuts in your genital skin while on suppressive therapy, avoid sex to err on the side of caution but also see your provider. Get tested for yeast and bacterial infections genitally while there. If they are negative, discuss if perhaps you are perimenopausal and having a lack of estrogen to the genital skin which is causing it to thin and tear more easily. Topical estrogen creams can help with those issues a lot.
keep asking questions as you have them !!! Darn shame you've spent the last few months/year so confused - wish you had found us sooner!
grace
Very understandable at this point. Letting go of that rope isn't a suggested idea or plan. I would have to catch you and at this point my back isn't the best so I may have to break your fall.
Being long winded is a good thing. The more information you can request the more that can be provided to you and help get you on the right track.
There is a lot of information on those sites. Sadly some things are all statistical and they aren't an exact science. Please ask the questions YOU need to know. Every person is different and knows or has different questions. So ask away get them out of your system. No one here is going to say you asked to much or think you are wrong for asking so much. Personally if you don't ask your questions you will never know. I am really more of the person that will provide as much information as I can and I am the same when I need information. Give me every piece of information you can. So here is the same thing for you.
Being long winded is a good thing. The more information you can request the more that can be provided to you and help get you on the right track.
There is a lot of information on those sites. Sadly some things are all statistical and they aren't an exact science. Please ask the questions YOU need to know. Every person is different and knows or has different questions. So ask away get them out of your system. No one here is going to say you asked to much or think you are wrong for asking so much. Personally if you don't ask your questions you will never know. I am really more of the person that will provide as much information as I can and I am the same when I need information. Give me every piece of information you can. So here is the same thing for you.
Thank you for your reply and yes, information is the key. Sorry for being so long winded, sometimes I am at the end of my rope ready to let go. I just hope I can obtain some clarity to my questions instead of probabilities. Sometimes I feel like I am just chasing my own tail. Thank you again for your time, information and patience.
The big thing is that one person doesn't always have the virus present. It is only spread when the virus is active. If it is active and present with sores then you know not to have sex. There is also a chance that the virus can be active and present without symtoms (shedding) and you are able to transmit the virus. The virus does not ALWAYS infect someone. There is a statistical chance that the person may not catch it.
The other thought is that if the person tested too soon from the last possible exposure you will get a false negative. It is always best to wait 3-4 months after a possible encounter to be tested via a blood test unless you have active blisters that can be cultured and a lab say what it is.
The other thought is that if the person tested too soon from the last possible exposure you will get a false negative. It is always best to wait 3-4 months after a possible encounter to be tested via a blood test unless you have active blisters that can be cultured and a lab say what it is.
how can this be that you herpes and you had unprotected sex with him and he is tested negative. How??? I don't understand
Wow what a long roller coster you have been on. First of all let me say that I hope this will get resolved quickly.
I an only give you some of the feedback I have learned and hopefully it will help you some.
Lets start off with some websites to get some useful information. MedHelp has a great set of resources for questions but lets get you some places that will give you some help in understanding what is going on. Sounds like your provider may need some updating. But hopefully while you wait for those that can give you a better answer you can at least get some information to review and read.
First off one of the experts Terri Warren who moderates the Herpes Expert forums provides a handbook on her site and a book you can even buy to read. The link for that is:
http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes/handbook/view_the_chapters.html
That provides some good information. Also on Her site you will find some great videos too. They have a lot of information about Herpes and can give you a lot of good information. Another helpful site that is also a favorite among the STD experts which are on the board of directors (and our Community Leader is a moderator there as well):
http://www.ashastd.org/
and
http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_overview.cfm
This has a lot of information and some your provider can review. A lot of information there is present to give you an idea of what you need to know about this cowardly virus.
I truly hope this helps you out. Your partner can also go over this information too. Feel free to keep asking questions though.
I an only give you some of the feedback I have learned and hopefully it will help you some.
Lets start off with some websites to get some useful information. MedHelp has a great set of resources for questions but lets get you some places that will give you some help in understanding what is going on. Sounds like your provider may need some updating. But hopefully while you wait for those that can give you a better answer you can at least get some information to review and read.
First off one of the experts Terri Warren who moderates the Herpes Expert forums provides a handbook on her site and a book you can even buy to read. The link for that is:
http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes/handbook/view_the_chapters.html
That provides some good information. Also on Her site you will find some great videos too. They have a lot of information about Herpes and can give you a lot of good information. Another helpful site that is also a favorite among the STD experts which are on the board of directors (and our Community Leader is a moderator there as well):
http://www.ashastd.org/
and
http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_overview.cfm
This has a lot of information and some your provider can review. A lot of information there is present to give you an idea of what you need to know about this cowardly virus.
I truly hope this helps you out. Your partner can also go over this information too. Feel free to keep asking questions though.
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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.
