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STDs (Expert Forum)
Possible HSV 1? No visible Sores/ need some advice
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
Welcome to the STD Forum, which is intended only for questions and support pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, genital warts, trichomonas, other vaginal infections, nongonoccal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, molluscum contagiosum, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
Possible HSV 1? No visible Sores/ need some advice
by whereistand2006, Oct 12, 2006 12:00AM
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my question:
Hi, wondering if you can shed some light on my situation: Had an encounter with a woman back in June, I had unprotected oral sex with her and PROTECTED intercourse with her except for the very end as the condom slipped off. A few days later I had some flu like symptoms (could have been from jetlag as I was flying back to the US from Europe); I never exhibited any sores/blisters/rash of any kind just some discomfort/pressure in my genital/pelvic area (I should mention I was drinking lots of cranberry juice and water as I was trying to flush my system out of any possible virus).
About a month after these symptoms I got checked for all std’s except HSV. About 6 weeks after possible exposure I took an HSV Igm for hsv 1 and 2 combined, The test came back positive with antibody levels of 36. Fast forward to today (about 13 weeks after possible exposure), I just received a negative HerpesSelect Igg for HSV 2 with a .19 : ) Here are my questions:
1.)As I never exhibited any visible sores etc, should I even consider a HerpesSelect 1 test; I can remember having maybe 1 or 2 cold sores my entire life, nothing chronic, I am 28 now, wouldn’t a HerpesSelect igg HSV 1test come up positive just based on that alone?
2.) If an HSV 1 IgG test result came up positive how would I know if I am in fact infected genitally with HSV 1 as i've never had a visible sore and I check very often(as seen on a post “People with HSV infection of any part of their body are immune from catching it again” i.e, cold sores etc)?
3.) If test is positive for HSV1 generally should I be concerned about future partners as most people have the HSV1 antibody/virus already??
4.) Being that I've never had any sores or blisters etc since last possible exposure (now about 14 weeks in), can I assume that I don't have genital HSV 1?
Not sure if I should consider the HSV 1 Herpes select test for the reason stated above-
Your help would be very very appreciated!
Hi, wondering if you can shed some light on my situation: Had an encounter with a woman back in June, I had unprotected oral sex with her and PROTECTED intercourse with her except for the very end as the condom slipped off. A few days later I had some flu like symptoms (could have been from jetlag as I was flying back to the US from Europe); I never exhibited any sores/blisters/rash of any kind just some discomfort/pressure in my genital/pelvic area (I should mention I was drinking lots of cranberry juice and water as I was trying to flush my system out of any possible virus).
About a month after these symptoms I got checked for all std’s except HSV. About 6 weeks after possible exposure I took an HSV Igm for hsv 1 and 2 combined, The test came back positive with antibody levels of 36. Fast forward to today (about 13 weeks after possible exposure), I just received a negative HerpesSelect Igg for HSV 2 with a .19 : ) Here are my questions:
1.)As I never exhibited any visible sores etc, should I even consider a HerpesSelect 1 test; I can remember having maybe 1 or 2 cold sores my entire life, nothing chronic, I am 28 now, wouldn’t a HerpesSelect igg HSV 1test come up positive just based on that alone?
2.) If an HSV 1 IgG test result came up positive how would I know if I am in fact infected genitally with HSV 1 as i've never had a visible sore and I check very often(as seen on a post “People with HSV infection of any part of their body are immune from catching it again” i.e, cold sores etc)?
3.) If test is positive for HSV1 generally should I be concerned about future partners as most people have the HSV1 antibody/virus already??
4.) Being that I've never had any sores or blisters etc since last possible exposure (now about 14 weeks in), can I assume that I don't have genital HSV 1?
Not sure if I should consider the HSV 1 Herpes select test for the reason stated above-
Your help would be very very appreciated!
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Oct 12, 2006 12:00AM
, Oct 12, 2006 12:00AM
Conclusion: You don't have genital herpes. Your initial symptoms didn't suggest herpes or any STD and there was no particular reason to be tested for it. Then you had an IgM test, which is basically useless, and you can disregard that result. The negative HerpeSelect HSV-2 proves you don't have HSV-2, and you are right that there is no particular point in being tested for HSV-1. Whether or not your distant cold sores really were herpes, half the population has HSV-1, and you might have a positive result. If so, it will say nothing about when you got it. There is not even a hint of genital herpes from the symptomsyou describe after your June encoutner. You should just totally forget herpes as a factor in your sex life and as any kind of risk for future partners.
Bottom line: Thre is no reason to test for HSV-1. It probably would be positive. But if you're curious and want to do it, it's fine with me. Whether positive or negative, it will make no difference in my opinion or or advice.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Bottom line: Thre is no reason to test for HSV-1. It probably would be positive. But if you're curious and want to do it, it's fine with me. Whether positive or negative, it will make no difference in my opinion or or advice.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Member Comments (2)
by janicea, Oct 12, 2006 12:00AM
stop being so paranoid! herpes may not even give you any symptoms, but if you did you're likely to have Any symptoms w/in a month of being with that person and you;d know it! it's very painful!
