Test results HELP

[Anonymous14]

I recently received my HSV test results. I am a bit confused. There are 4 results. HSV 1, HSV 2, HSV type 1/2 combined Ab IgM, and HSV type 1/2 combined Ab IgG. I tested positive for HSV 1 at 5.04 rating (no surprise I used to get cold sores when I was younger). I tested negative for HSV 2 at a .2 rating. I tested negative for the first combined test (the IgM one). But, I tested positive for the second combined test (IgG) with a rating of >22.4 What does this mean?! The doctor is telling me I have genital herpes but to my understanding I am negative for 2 and positive for 1. Can anyone help?! I am sweating bullets. I should also include that I have not had intercourse (ever). I have received oral sex from 2 different female partners (unprotected). Thank you to anyone who can help!!!!

[gracefromHHP]

if you have hsv1 orally, you aren't likely at all to get it genitally.

grace

[Anonymous14]

Also, is it true if you have HSV 1 orally it is harder to get HSV 1 genitally? I thought I read somewhere that once oral antibodies are formed it is hard to contract it genitally.

[gracefromHHP]

http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn_oralherpes.cfm  is a terrific site with info on hsv1 orally.  Most folks do not get obvious cold sores. Odds are your hsv1 is oral. Your rash from the summer does sound just like jock itch/chaffing as you suspected.

grace

[Anonymous14]

Thank you! I did experience a rash on the head of my penis in the Summer but I am an avid cyclist and I attributed it to a heat rash (spandex shorts dont leave much room). AND the girl I was with was tested several times and did not show any signs of herpes. She never had any cold sores and the girl I am currently with does not have cold sores. What threw me off was the nurse I talked to when my results came through. She told me I had genital herpes and to just wear condoms. When I received my lab hard copy it said I was negative for HSV 2. I called up and she told me the strains were NOT different, that genital herpes is HSV 1 and cold sores are HSV 2, and told me I am confused, she is right, and it "is complicated". She also said according to the results I have already experienced a break out. The rash I had back when was blotchy but I have NEVER had any clusters or fluid filled anything.  

[gracefromHHP]

the combined test you had done isn't type specific. It also has a high false positive rate. Your type specific test shows that you have hsv1, as most adults do, which is why your combined test came back + at 22.4.

Your hsv1 is +.  Most adults have it orally whether they can recall obvious cold sores or not.  If you haven't had any obvious genital symptoms from the oral sex you've received, it's a good assumption that your hsv1 is oral.  

Your hsv2 is -.

grace