What is my risk? Protected sex.

[Gamma1977]

Hello

I've had sex with a young lady whom I have recently found out has tested positive for HSV1 & 2. We engaged in unprotected oral and protected vaginal sex about 5 time in the last six months.

In all instances she did not have any visible outbreaks around her mouth or vaginal area and there was no breakage with the condoms. I am expecting my HSV1&2 test results in a few days and I am wondering what my risk was and how worried I should be.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I think your risk is low from these encounters because they were protected.  I can't say you have zero risk, however.  Because you had five encounters, there is some risk, but little risk.  Let me know when you get your test results back.  In order for them to have the greatest accuracy, I would recommend that the test be done about 4 months after the final encounter.  However, if your situation, because the risk is quite low, if you are negative sooner, it is likely those results will persist.

Terri

[r87]

Hi Terri,

I have a similar situation to the guy who posted above.

I recently had unprotected oral sex and protected sex with a female 4 days ago, I also had the same with a different female around 4-5 weeks ago.

I went to my general practitioner this morning who advised me that 4 days is too short a period for any STD symptoms to appear as last night i noticed a group of small red dots on my pubic region and one single larger red dot on my penis.

As i saw the G.P this morning he advised me that the dots were on my hair frollicles and that i most likely have Follicius? sorry for the poor spelling it is simply a guess.

The area was only very briefly itchy 2-3 times, since then i have had nothing and no pain what so ever and no discharge of any sort from any of the red dots as of yet that i know of.

I had a blood test and urine test today for all STD's and expect the results in a week and have been told to have another one in three months just incase.

The girl i had sex with 4 days ago has notified me that she doesnt have any STDs that she is aware of as has the girl i had sex with 4-5 weeks ago. However in saying this, sometimes the symptoms are not entirely visable.

I'm anxious of course but reading above since it was protective sex the chances are much lower? I did notice the girl from 4 days ago was a little red around the upper lip but i did not notice any sores/scabs.

I was last tested 3 years ago and was negative for everything. Am i being cautious for nothing or should i be concerned?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Yes, your HSV 1 result is positive, but it is in the low positive range and could be a false positive.  Also, you could have had HSV 1 for years and didn't know it or just acquired it, no way to know.  Close to two thirds of the population in the US between 14 and 49 has HSV 1 - it is not a dangerous virus.  

If both you and your partner test negative for HIV, then you can put that behind you.  

However, my advice would be to retest when four months have passed (yes, four). If your HSV 1 is still a low positive, it would be good to confirm with western blot.

Terri

[Gamma1977]

Thank you so much. These were my results -

HIV1&2 - Non Reactive

HSV1 IgG 1.37 (Positive)
HSV2 IgG 0.68 (Negative)

HSV1 IgM 0.05 (Negative)
HSV2 IgM 0.03 (Negative)

From this I have HSV1 but not HSV2 but as I understand my HSV1 may not be from this person I could have had it long before. I intend to test again just to be certain of my status as I really do not want to pass anything on in later relationships. I have just a few more questions.

1- How worried should I be about HSV1 as in outbreaks and effect on my health?
2- I reading some say 3months for conclusive HSV2 test, you advise 4months. Would 4months really be better?
3-Even though myself and my partner test negative for HIV. What is your opinion on my risk? Should I test for HIV again in 3-4months also?

Thanks very much