Questions after new diagnosis of HSV 1 + 2

[anon0909]

4 weeks ago I discovered a lesion on my penis for the first time in my life (I'm in my 30's).  I went to a local hospital and the doctor suspected Syphilis. A culture and blood test were done, plus testing for HIV as a precaution.

Everything came back negative, which is when the doctor said it might be Herpes. My heart sank, and I had to get blood drawn again, and wait another 10 days for the results. Here they are:

HSV I - Ac IgG =  1:64
HSV I - Ac IgM =  negative
HSV 2 - Ac IgG =  1:16
HSV 2 - Ac IgM =  negative

The doctor said these results indicated the HSV 2 infection was probably *not* recent. I wanted to have an idea so I could know how far back to go when informing past partners.

The last time I was tested for Herpes was about a year ago, and I was told I was negative for everything, but I don't know the exact tests that were used. The reason I got tested then was I made the mistake of kissing a girl with a (healing) cold sore on her lip. Since then, I've had the tingling in my lip which I swear I never use to have, but I have yet to get a cold sore.

I plan to get tested again in June for everything - Syphilis (to rule it out), HSV 1 + 2, and HIV (just to be safe).

Is there any chance my HSV 2 results are a false positive?  

How far back should I go in informing partners? Is 12 months enough?  

[gracefromHHP]

many things can cause genital lesions - ruling out herpes is always recommended to err on the side of caution. at this point, since the symptoms are gone, not really else to be done.  should your symptoms reoccur, be seen promptly for further evaluation.

I know, not a great answer but at least at this point you have a better idea of what it isn't at least.

[anon0909]

Hi Grace, I'm back.

On July 11, I had blood taken for a follow-up to my March tests. I'm in a different major city, and I chose one of the best private clinics.

I got the results back in just 2 days.

Syphilis = negative again
Herpes I IgG, AC.ANTI:  0.04
Herpes II IgG, AC.ANTI:  0.133

According to the scales given, these both measure well within the *negative* range.  My first reaction was to be excited, but I don't want to set myself up to be disappointed.  I really don't know what to think right now, as I accepted my Herpes positive status in April, and it was a very difficult thing.

Since telling my only partner since February (and only one I've had unprotected sex with in last 12 months), she got tested at two different clinics (a month apart), and both results were negative.

I want to believe these results, from what appears to be a more accurate test, are correct.  But if that's the case, and I'm negative for Syphilis too, I don't know how to explain the lesion I had on my penis in late March.  

I will be back in the USA in September, if you have any recommendations for me at this point.

[anon0909]

No, unfortunately I am traveling outside the US for an extended time. I'm in a major city, and I went to one of the best hospitals here, but I guess that's the test they use.

Your response doesn't give me much confidence that the last round of testing was accurate either, as that was also done in a foreign city.

I don't expect to be back in the US before September.  

Given the itching I've experienced as well, I've resigned myself to having HSV 2. I guess questioning the results is me just trying to grasp at straws.

[gracefromHHP]

unfortunately if you posted your results properly, you had very outdated titer testing done for herpes. you will need to repeat your testing with more up to date testing to get better answers.

are you in the US?

grace