diagnosis

[jill730]

I just began a new relationship and my partner and I agreed to get tested for STDs, but we had sex several times before we got the results.  My results were negative, but his doctor told him that he had exposure to HSV-2 and that he has to have additional tests.  We probably have had sex 10-20 times (including oral sex) with and without a condom before we received this news.  This is my first time being sexually active in a long time.  I do have some vaginal dryness and some mild irritation, but I don't know if this is from being sexually active or whether I have the HSV-2 virus also.  Please provide any guidance that you can. thanks.

[auntiejessi]

That doesn't sound like hsv2.  You might want to call your doc and make sure you were tested for hsv.  Its not always included in testing.

You should ask your bf to get a copy of his results, and if you post them in the herpes forum here, we can help.  It sounds like maybe he had a low positive or something, otherwise there wouldn't be a need to retest.

Both you and your bf should make sure that you had/have a type specific IgG blood test done.  Any other testing, including an IgM test, won't be reliable to diagnose anything.

Aj

[jill730]

thanks.  since he got this news from his doctor, i've had burning, itching and found a small bump in the vulva area.  I'm tremendously concerned.  I don't know if "exposure" to hsv-2 means that he has it, or means that he transmitted it to me.  Are these symptoms signs of herpes or something else?

[auntiejessi]

Well, it depends on the bump, and itching and burning can be bacterial vaginosis.

If you have a bump, you should see your doc within 24-48 hours of getting it so he/she can culture it.

AJ

[auntiejessi]

Oh and exposure usually means having it, but I'm wondering what test they used.  If they used an IgM test, that is supposed to mean its a recent infection, but the IgM test is terribly unreliable, shouldn't be drawn on adults, and shouldn't be used for a diagnosis.

He really needs to find out what tests he had, etc.

It sounds like you are starting to panic, and he might not even have it.

AJ

[jill730]

so does that it is possible for him to be "exposed" to hsv2 and not have herpes? i'm so confused.  we are awaiting the results of additional tests.

[auntiejessi]

If he has hsv2 antibodies, he has hsv2.  Its not possible to have just been exposed, and not have it.

But again, it depends on what type of testing he had done.  If his doc is asking for additional testing, it seems the doc thinks he might not have it.

AJ

[jill730]

I don't know what test he had done, but the doctor ordered additional tests.  The doctor said that the test that he had revealed antibodies in his blood, but that the test is "inconclusive"  It is very confusing.

[auntiejessi]

It sounds it.  He should find out what tests he had done.

AJ

[jill730]

I had a blood test done - an IGG test - and the doctor told me that I have hsv-1 antibodies in my blood but did not tell me what that means.  My partner's additional tests have not come back yet, but he did not test positive for hsv-1 initially.  I'm confused and don't know what my tests means or what I need to do.

[auntiejessi]

Your hsv1 is most likely an oral infection you've had since you were a child.  About 60% of the population has it, and you don't need to do much if you don't get cold sores.

AJ

[jill730]

Thanks.  How should we handle the fact that he has hsv-2 antibodies in his blood in terms of our sex life going forward.  We are a monogamous couple and plan to remain that way.  I don't want to transfer what I have to him, and he doesn't want to transfer what he has to me.  Do we need to use condoms? I'm not sure what we are supposed to do and the doctors aren't telling us anything in terms of practical advice.  thanks for your help.

[jill730]

In addition, he took some additional tests (I don't know what they were) and his doctor said that they all came back negative.  The doctor did not say that the initial test which revealed hvs-2 antibodies was wrong though, so I'm not sure what this all means.

[auntiejessi]

I think its really important that your bf get copies of the results.

I can't offer really good advice unless I know what tests he had done, which test was positive, and what tests are negative.

It sounds like maybe the last test was negative, and the first one might have been a false positive.

As far as hsv1 goes, all you need to really do is avoid any contact if you have a sore.  You can hug and cuddle, etc., but no kissing or oral sex if you have a cold sore.

There is a small risk of him getting it genitally, but its not something I'd worry about much.

AJ

[jill730]

I will.  His doctor told him that he is fine and that there is nothing to worry about.  We want to continue to have unprotected  sex because we are monogamous, but I want to make sure that's safe to do.  

[jill730]

what is the risk of my getting hsv 2 from him if we have unprotected sex

[auntiejessi]

It sounds like he doesn't HAVE hsv2, which is why you need to get the copies of everything.

If everything was fine on his last round of tests, it might mean he doesn't have it.

AJ

[jill730]

this is what the doctor said the tests revealed

Test HSV I/II IgG 56.2
and
type specific test HSV 1 IgG <0.91
type specific test HSV 2 IgG 3.65

what does this mean?

[auntiejessi]

OK that means he has hsv2.  

The best way for you not to get this is for him to use suppressive therapy, such as daily valtrex or acyclovir.  If he uses that, and you all avoid sex when he gets symptoms, the chances of you getting it are about 4-5% a year.  If you add condoms to that, then its about 2-3% a year.

For some really good info on herpes, check out the herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com.

AJ

[jill730]

he has never had any symptoms.  does he still need medication?

[auntiejessi]

If he wants to take it to reduce the risk of passing it to you, then yes.  Its a personal decision that you all can talk about.  If he doesn't take the meds, then there is about an 8-10% chance that you would get it per year.

Aj

[jill730]

is that 8-10 percent chance with or without condoms? we are trying to figure out whether condoms are necessary for the rest of our lives. thanks again.

[auntiejessi]

Oh sorry - that's without condoms.  Condoms reduce the risk by about 50% or so.

Aj

[scared_half_to_death]

Why dont you do what AJ suggested and get the explicit test name and test results for your significant other. There really is nothing that can be done until you clearly understand those results.

If he has HSV2 and you do not want to get it then the options are:

1. No sex during or after outbreaks (if they occur)...if you do this the risk is 8-10% chance per year that you will catch it.
2. He takes suppressive therapy daily, i.e. Valtrex or Acyclovir...if you do this the risk is cut in half to 4-5%
3. He uses condoms...if you additional do this the risk is cut in half again, i.e. 2% per year. However some believe that the risk is even lower.

Also, if you ever get a cold sore in your mouth, you should avoid giving him oral sex. Until you get his results the above is all that can be discussed.

[scared_half_to_death]

Oops...just saw the test results. The comments above still stand. He needs to be vigilant for symptoms. Many people that are educated about HSV2 recall symptoms after they were educated. If he does not have symptoms, #2 and #3 still apply.