HSV 2 positive?

[eva214]

I am entering a new relationship and recently went to get tested for all STD's---figured I was being responsible! I received my test results and my Dr. informs me that I tested positive for history of HSV2 with IgG levels of 1.17. Mind you, I have never had an outbreak or symptoms so this came as a bit of a shock. She recommended I get on Valtrex if I am interested in trying to reduce transmission and outbreaks to future partners. My questions are:

1. Do I definitely have genital herpes?
2. SHould I take the medication?
3. What are the chances of my partner performing oral sex and then contracting the disease orally? Obviously I dont know when or if I am having an outbreak so I am jsut concerned over when to abstain, best practices, etc.

Also, since I have never had an outbreak, what is the likelihood that I will ever in life?

My only "symptom" I can rack my brain for is discharge...sometimes I get more than normal but i always just chalked this up to being the week before my period or something liek that?!
    
Thanks for your help

[Fleetwood20]

Believe it or not, rapid culture tests for HSV 1 and 2 will often not provide the type. If they could not be conclusive about the type then it probably wasn't typed. Many doctors have a 'doesn't matter' attitude.

It may be a PCR swab test you are thinking of, which is not a culture, but much more accurate and type specific.

[eva214]

This makes no sense to me...isnt the culture test supposed to be the most accurate?  Everyone says you never know for sure until that is done.  I asked them for type specific before they even did it.  Plus, even if it wasnt type.1 genitally seems like an odd assumption.  Please help explain, this is ridiculous!

[Fleetwood20]

I think at this point you need to assume that the swab was not typed at all. I would think it doesn't say anything about type 1 or 2 for that matter. One thing you can do is return to them immediately and request that the sample be correctly typed for HSV1 and HSV2.

Given previous blood testing and the potential for this to be a recurrent outbreak, even though you didn't have one or identify a primary outbreak, then the assumption that this is HSV2 is the most probably just for now.

Hence if you are sexually active and wish to enhance protection for partners, then yes start the suppressive until you have a clearer perspective.

[eva214]

I had a true blue outbreak 2 weeks ago and was finally able to get a culture.  Turns out it came back positive for hsv 1, genital region. this was at a planned parenthood so when i asked what type or if.it said anything about hsv 2, their response was "it says nothing about hsv 2 here".  Previous blood tests from years ago had shown 1.1 levrls of hsv 2, negative for 1.  Herpes select tests...is this possible?  I assume.culture is best bet but just wanted to make sure.

Additionally, they put me on zovirax, 400mg for suppressive therapy and to get rid of the initial outbreak...should i continue the year with this dosage?  Ive seen mixed reviews on suppressive therapy for genital hsv 1.  Also, if my partner has oral hsv 1, can i pass this to his genitals through regulat sex or is he immune elsrwhere?  Lastly, we obviously kissed, how is it that i received type 1 genitally and not orally first?  Perhaps you can have it in noth, i guess it just goes back to my previous question about localized transmission.  Appreciate your response and any feedback, recommendations, etc is welcome!

[eva214]

thanks i have an appt. tomorrow.

are these true possible symptoms though--one singular dot that doesnt hurt and chapped lips?

[gracefromHHP]

if you see something that concerns you, go and be seen tomorrow and have it looked at.

follow up with the herpes WB so you can get answers for once and for all!