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Hsv1 confusion
Hello,
I was diagnosed with genital hsv1 with a swab, and my blood test came back negative. My partner who I've been with for three years has never had any symptoms and had a negative blood test as well.
1. Is it possible I have a false positive swab?
2. If I do indeed have hsv1 do I need to take precautions when my partner gives me oral sex? Neither of us have been with other partners so there is a bit of confusion on how I got it, or if she has it and the blood tests are just showing negative etc.
I was diagnosed with genital hsv1 with a swab, and my blood test came back negative. My partner who I've been with for three years has never had any symptoms and had a negative blood test as well.
1. Is it possible I have a false positive swab?
2. If I do indeed have hsv1 do I need to take precautions when my partner gives me oral sex? Neither of us have been with other partners so there is a bit of confusion on how I got it, or if she has it and the blood tests are just showing negative etc.
Hsv1 is far more often transmitted from oral sex than Intercourse as the virus is more active and likes the oral cavity better than the genitals. I am betting my bottom dollar your partner has a long standing oral infection and the test isn't picking up antibodies. It's not uncommon at all for this to be the case. It's one of the confusing things about hsv testing and results. You can never 100% sure that the igg hsv1 test will pick up on an infection. The western blot test from the University of Washington is better at picking up hsv1.
In your case it doesn't make any difference as you both clearly have it. Most adults do. It's no big deal and changes nothing for you two.
I also want to thank and applaud your attitude towards this. You have the right attitude and it is a pleasure to help folks like you.
In your case it doesn't make any difference as you both clearly have it. Most adults do. It's no big deal and changes nothing for you two.
I also want to thank and applaud your attitude towards this. You have the right attitude and it is a pleasure to help folks like you.
2 Comments
Hey quick follow up- do you know if there's any reason to be concerned about HIV? The Doc asked if I had been tested which I had prior to my current partner, but I was worried that i only had my outbreak now randomly (a few months ago) it was back in August and I still haven't had a second OB
She tested negative back in August and mine was about 6 months into dating
Yes. Neither have us have been with anyone else in over 3 years, so that's why I'm not necessarily having the freak out of how I got vs just confused. We have had sex hundreds of times sometimes without protection and I've never gotten symptoms until recently
The swab tests are very accurate and it is truly unlikely to have a false positive.
Your hsv blood test most likely didn't have a positive results as it's a new infection and your body has not built antibodies yet. The hsv igg blood test looks for these antibodies and not the actual virus. Your swab found the actual virus.
As for your partner. Hsv1 igg blood tests miss at the very minimum 1 out of ten infections. So your partner may have a long standing oral hsv1 infection and not even know it. Most people get hsv1 (cold sores) when they are small children as the immune system is weak. They have a outbreak or two then the virus lays dormant. It will she'd from time to time even though no symptoms are present. You most assuredly got hsv1 on your genitals from oral sex.
Now, hsv1 on the genitals is far better than hsv2. Hsv1 has few outbreaks and some folks never get more than a few in a lifetime. It also sheds far less. I know your partner tested negative but if this is the only person you have been with, including oral sex. Then it would make sense you received it from oral sex with your partner.
Your hsv blood test most likely didn't have a positive results as it's a new infection and your body has not built antibodies yet. The hsv igg blood test looks for these antibodies and not the actual virus. Your swab found the actual virus.
As for your partner. Hsv1 igg blood tests miss at the very minimum 1 out of ten infections. So your partner may have a long standing oral hsv1 infection and not even know it. Most people get hsv1 (cold sores) when they are small children as the immune system is weak. They have a outbreak or two then the virus lays dormant. It will she'd from time to time even though no symptoms are present. You most assuredly got hsv1 on your genitals from oral sex.
Now, hsv1 on the genitals is far better than hsv2. Hsv1 has few outbreaks and some folks never get more than a few in a lifetime. It also sheds far less. I know your partner tested negative but if this is the only person you have been with, including oral sex. Then it would make sense you received it from oral sex with your partner.
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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.
