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herpes testing
I had a classic genital herpes outbreak and tested positive for hsv2 through viral culture (culture taken 6/1). I subsequently had a blood test completed (blood drawn 6/5) and it was deemed negative for hsv1 and hsv2. The results I was able to view said the IgG levels for each were <.9. I have called my health provider to ask questions, but she and most other providers I have spoken with lack a detailed understanding of the testing process.
Based on my own research a negative hsv2 test result with a positive culture (and classic symptoms) would support the theory that this is a new infection. However, my partner has had no symptoms and he also just received a negative blood test result (blood drawn 6/5). We are newly intimate (<6 weeks) and I did have a possible exposure by another partner exactly 3 months prior to my blood being drawn for testing. I have not had any other possible exposures in the past year.
My questions are as follows:
1. Is it possible that even after 3 months of exposure to hsv2 I have not developed immunity to the virus? How likely is that given that I am female and 36 years of age and otherwise healthy. This (person) seems like the most likely source of infection, but through my reading outbreaks generally occur within 2 weeks of infection if they are going to occur.
2. Is it possible that I was infected years ago and never had any symptoms... and that any immunity I had has worn off and I am now, for the first time, experiencing a classic outbreak? I have been under more stress the last two years (and the last two months) than I have in my entire life. Also, I felt like before the attack I may have been experiencing prodrome. There was some irritation I attributed to shaving. I went on a beach trip and then drank more than I should have on my birthday, which I now understand are known triggers. The outbreak took off the next day. In retrospect, I do remember having some itching in the past that I attributed to soap causing irritation. It would last a week or so and then go away. I also remember having similar irritation to what preceded this attack about a decade ago. It went away and I attributed it to irritation due to shaving.
I know that most people would advise that it is too difficult to determine where an infection was obtained and not overly productive. It matters to me, though. And, on a more practical level, I fear if this is a new infection (as opposed to an old one) I will be in store for some many more this year. I know they are supposed to be less severe subsequently, but even so, this outbreak was difficult to manage physically. I have already opted to take suppressive therapy, but how effective that will be is unknown. I have more hope that if this is an old infection my body will regain its ability to keep it in check.
Based on my own research a negative hsv2 test result with a positive culture (and classic symptoms) would support the theory that this is a new infection. However, my partner has had no symptoms and he also just received a negative blood test result (blood drawn 6/5). We are newly intimate (<6 weeks) and I did have a possible exposure by another partner exactly 3 months prior to my blood being drawn for testing. I have not had any other possible exposures in the past year.
My questions are as follows:
1. Is it possible that even after 3 months of exposure to hsv2 I have not developed immunity to the virus? How likely is that given that I am female and 36 years of age and otherwise healthy. This (person) seems like the most likely source of infection, but through my reading outbreaks generally occur within 2 weeks of infection if they are going to occur.
2. Is it possible that I was infected years ago and never had any symptoms... and that any immunity I had has worn off and I am now, for the first time, experiencing a classic outbreak? I have been under more stress the last two years (and the last two months) than I have in my entire life. Also, I felt like before the attack I may have been experiencing prodrome. There was some irritation I attributed to shaving. I went on a beach trip and then drank more than I should have on my birthday, which I now understand are known triggers. The outbreak took off the next day. In retrospect, I do remember having some itching in the past that I attributed to soap causing irritation. It would last a week or so and then go away. I also remember having similar irritation to what preceded this attack about a decade ago. It went away and I attributed it to irritation due to shaving.
I know that most people would advise that it is too difficult to determine where an infection was obtained and not overly productive. It matters to me, though. And, on a more practical level, I fear if this is a new infection (as opposed to an old one) I will be in store for some many more this year. I know they are supposed to be less severe subsequently, but even so, this outbreak was difficult to manage physically. I have already opted to take suppressive therapy, but how effective that will be is unknown. I have more hope that if this is an old infection my body will regain its ability to keep it in check.
A little confusing just now I agree.
Perhaps the answer to these three questions will be relevant...
- Was your swab culture correctly typed for HSV1/2 or was it a general HSV finding that came in 2-4 days after the swab was taken?
- When was your partner's previous sexual activity to you relative to his blood test?
- Exactly what test did he have done and what were the results, IgG/IgM/PCR and was it for HSV1 and HSV2?
Perhaps the answer to these three questions will be relevant...
- Was your swab culture correctly typed for HSV1/2 or was it a general HSV finding that came in 2-4 days after the swab was taken?
- When was your partner's previous sexual activity to you relative to his blood test?
- Exactly what test did he have done and what were the results, IgG/IgM/PCR and was it for HSV1 and HSV2?
Hi, first of all have one more blood test to eliminate the 5% miss rate however also in perfect testing window 4 months would be deemed conclusive but should show a low positive at 3 months.
1. since 8 weeks is a good indicator and you tested negative at the 3 month mark, you pretty much can rule out the 3 month affair.
2. i you were infected, it would have showed positive if you were infected 3 years ago/
Possible reasons below.
1. a missed 5% test
2. you are one of the rare people that would take like 5 months or more to show a positive
(i would rule out both of the above)
3. you new partner just contracted it and just passed it to you and this is why both of you tested negative on the blood test.
1. since 8 weeks is a good indicator and you tested negative at the 3 month mark, you pretty much can rule out the 3 month affair.
2. i you were infected, it would have showed positive if you were infected 3 years ago/
Possible reasons below.
1. a missed 5% test
2. you are one of the rare people that would take like 5 months or more to show a positive
(i would rule out both of the above)
3. you new partner just contracted it and just passed it to you and this is why both of you tested negative on the blood test.
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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.
