Aa
Test Results Question
Last week I decided to getting testing done for all STD's as I normally do this once a year. I have not had any symptoms whatsoever and the last time I had sex was August the 25th. All testings came back negative with the exception of Herpes. My results are as follows: Herpes Type I- >5.00 H and for Herpes Type II-2.87 H (THERE IS NO LESS THAN OR MORE THAN SYMBOL) Just the 2.87 number. What does this mean? Doesn't the low # make a difference? Could this me a false positive? Also, if accurate, can this result pinpoint how recent I contracted the virus.
Please explain as I'm worried.
Please explain as I'm worried.
My results came back positive for HSV1, and negative for HSV2.. but my doctor said there was no difference when it shows up genitally... I cried at first... But you know, I started thinking about it.. I am the same today as I was last week before all of this.. This virus has been in my body.. the doctor diagnosing it changes nothing about who I am.. So, actually, even though the test result came back positive, I feel so much better today than I have for the last nightmareish week of waiting and thinking.
You and I seem to be in similar circumstances in that we are blessed to have someone who truly loves us. And believe me, I would think this would be a big test of that. Actually, the week before any of this, my boyfriend proposed to me and I said yes :-) I went from being on top of the world to laying on the ground at the beginning of this week. But like yours, he just held me and told me that it changed nothing.. that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me.. He said we would live a long happy and healthy life together :-) I'd say he passed the test of true love :-)
So here is to life.. and keeping that smile on our faces :-)
Sarah
You and I seem to be in similar circumstances in that we are blessed to have someone who truly loves us. And believe me, I would think this would be a big test of that. Actually, the week before any of this, my boyfriend proposed to me and I said yes :-) I went from being on top of the world to laying on the ground at the beginning of this week. But like yours, he just held me and told me that it changed nothing.. that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me.. He said we would live a long happy and healthy life together :-) I'd say he passed the test of true love :-)
So here is to life.. and keeping that smile on our faces :-)
Sarah
He has been very supportive. He states that he wants to be with me for the rest of our lives, so that it didn't matter. He also states that it's my character that he is in love with, and the disease itself has nothing to do with that.
I understand your feelings and I sometimes reflect on the situation as well. Just take it one day at a time should the results are positive.
Rachelle
I understand your feelings and I sometimes reflect on the situation as well. Just take it one day at a time should the results are positive.
Rachelle
Has your boyfriend been supportive to you?
I am so happy you are feeling better about things :-) As one waiting for test results, I can emphasive with your feelings of fear and taintedness.
I am so happy you are feeling better about things :-) As one waiting for test results, I can emphasive with your feelings of fear and taintedness.
Did your partner ever get tested for herpes too rachelle? You really can't assess risk until you know their status.
Daily suppressive therapy with valtrex cuts the risk of transmission in half. If your partner is concerned about contracting hsv2 orally even though the odds are against it consider utilizing barrier protection for when he performs oral sex on you. contracting hsv2 orally isn't likely to happen overall but it can happen. It's up to you and your partner to decide if the tiny risk is an issue or not.
grace
Daily suppressive therapy with valtrex cuts the risk of transmission in half. If your partner is concerned about contracting hsv2 orally even though the odds are against it consider utilizing barrier protection for when he performs oral sex on you. contracting hsv2 orally isn't likely to happen overall but it can happen. It's up to you and your partner to decide if the tiny risk is an issue or not.
grace
I take one pill once a day. No side effects whatsover. Frankly, I almost forget that I have herpes....
I am in the same exact situation as Rachelle. No symptoms, no sores, nothing just a high positive with my test result. I would also like to start taking Valtrex daily. Rachelle, what dosage do you take?
I take Valtrex daily, and have been now going on 3 weeks. Also, I have NEVER had any symptoms from the virus whatsoevr. What are the risks of infecting my partner if he performs oral sex on me or me to him?
Thank you for your encouragement, and I just ordered the book. Thanks for all you do!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes, you definitely have HSV-2. Accepy my heartfelt understanding. But it isn't as big a deal as it currently seems.
There is nothing in your test results that justifies your doctor's judgment about how long you have had it. Only known exposures and timing of symptoms can tell that. From the blood test results alone, you could have been infected any time more than 6-8 weeks ago, from a couple of months to however long it has been since you first had sex.
Yeast infection symptoms for 2+ weeks are probably not due to herpes. Genital herpes outbreaks typically last only 7-10 days; they always are unilateral, i.e. would be strictly limited to one side or the other of your genital area; and if you look with a mirror, you would see blisters/sores at the irritated spot.
There is no easy way to know how frequently you are shedding the virus and could transmit HSV-2 to a sex partner. That frequency declines with time. In other words, it is difficult to predict whether or not you would significantly reduce the potential for transmission by taking antiherpetic therapy, such as valacyclovir (Valtrex). However, some clinics offer testing that may help with that determination. Look up Portland, Oregon's Westover Heights Clinic (www.westoverheights.com) as one expert provider that might be able to help. But if all else fails, get treated! Valtrex has no side effects and will probably give you peace of mind. There is no downside to treatment except on your pocketbook--but even there, probably your health insurance would cover it.
Whether you use Westover Heights or go elsewhere, you definitely need to find a herpes-knowledgeable provider for personalized care. I strongly recommend that you contact the American Social Health Association (www.ashastd.org). They might be able to identify an excellent provider in your area; and even if not, it would do you a world of good to speak with one of their excellent counselors. Also, order their excellent book "Understandin Herpes" by Charles Ebel. You will learn that there is no justification for your sense of contamination. You're no different than one if 5 of all Americans!
Good luck-- HHH, MD
There is nothing in your test results that justifies your doctor's judgment about how long you have had it. Only known exposures and timing of symptoms can tell that. From the blood test results alone, you could have been infected any time more than 6-8 weeks ago, from a couple of months to however long it has been since you first had sex.
Yeast infection symptoms for 2+ weeks are probably not due to herpes. Genital herpes outbreaks typically last only 7-10 days; they always are unilateral, i.e. would be strictly limited to one side or the other of your genital area; and if you look with a mirror, you would see blisters/sores at the irritated spot.
There is no easy way to know how frequently you are shedding the virus and could transmit HSV-2 to a sex partner. That frequency declines with time. In other words, it is difficult to predict whether or not you would significantly reduce the potential for transmission by taking antiherpetic therapy, such as valacyclovir (Valtrex). However, some clinics offer testing that may help with that determination. Look up Portland, Oregon's Westover Heights Clinic (www.westoverheights.com) as one expert provider that might be able to help. But if all else fails, get treated! Valtrex has no side effects and will probably give you peace of mind. There is no downside to treatment except on your pocketbook--but even there, probably your health insurance would cover it.
Whether you use Westover Heights or go elsewhere, you definitely need to find a herpes-knowledgeable provider for personalized care. I strongly recommend that you contact the American Social Health Association (www.ashastd.org). They might be able to identify an excellent provider in your area; and even if not, it would do you a world of good to speak with one of their excellent counselors. Also, order their excellent book "Understandin Herpes" by Charles Ebel. You will learn that there is no justification for your sense of contamination. You're no different than one if 5 of all Americans!
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Well, I just received the 2nd blood results back, and I am indeed positive. I had couple of questions for you:
The results were HSV I: 6.9 & HSV 2: 4.0.....My doctor states that with these results, the antibodies have been dormant for some time, perhaps years, and I didn't get infected recently. Could this be true? Also, he states that until I have some symptoms, then it's not necessary for me to take any medication. For some reason, I don't think he's correct in regards to this. Though I have not experienced any cold sores via above wait or below, I still have an itching below and it feels like a yeast infection that I have had going on two weeks. Couldn't that be a symptom?
I'm so distraught, and I will be contacting the counseling group you recommended. I feel like a tainted & unclean 39 year old lady, and I have no idea how I'm going to tell my new boyfriend. I actually feel like Hester Prynne from the Scarlet Letter, a total outcast. Wish I could shake it....):
Lost & Confused.
The results were HSV I: 6.9 & HSV 2: 4.0.....My doctor states that with these results, the antibodies have been dormant for some time, perhaps years, and I didn't get infected recently. Could this be true? Also, he states that until I have some symptoms, then it's not necessary for me to take any medication. For some reason, I don't think he's correct in regards to this. Though I have not experienced any cold sores via above wait or below, I still have an itching below and it feels like a yeast infection that I have had going on two weeks. Couldn't that be a symptom?
I'm so distraught, and I will be contacting the counseling group you recommended. I feel like a tainted & unclean 39 year old lady, and I have no idea how I'm going to tell my new boyfriend. I actually feel like Hester Prynne from the Scarlet Letter, a total outcast. Wish I could shake it....):
Lost & Confused.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Also, if your repeat test confirms you are infected with HSV-2, it might be a good idea for your partner to be tested. The combination of your test results and his provides by far the best basis to determine how to prevent transmission. But if you don't have HSV-2, it probably won't matter much.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Having genital herpes is not an impediment to healthy pregnancy and children. You just need to tell your obstetrician about that part of your medical history. People with chronic or recurrent herpes rarely transmit to their babies and it's always preventable with proper care by the obstetrician. There are no data on use of antiviral therapy by the exposed person to prevent transmission, only research on treating the infected person. Cross that bridge when all the blood tests are complete. There are no blood tests to tell when someone was infected; most likely you never will know for sure.
Don't worry about kissing anyone, either partner or child, unless you're having an overt oral herpes outbreak.
You need to mellow out a bit. Genital herpes isn't as big a deal as you seem to think. Read up on the infection. The American Social Health Association is an excellent resource, both online (www.ashastd.org) and via their telephone counseling service. One phone call will be much more reassuring than several hours of online or email exchanges. But wait until the repeat test results.
HHH, MD
Don't worry about kissing anyone, either partner or child, unless you're having an overt oral herpes outbreak.
You need to mellow out a bit. Genital herpes isn't as big a deal as you seem to think. Read up on the infection. The American Social Health Association is an excellent resource, both online (www.ashastd.org) and via their telephone counseling service. One phone call will be much more reassuring than several hours of online or email exchanges. But wait until the repeat test results.
HHH, MD
I appreciate your comments Ali-jay. I'm just so scared. Since there's a 50/50 chance per the doctor's comments, that's why I'm freaking out. I'm angry that I made a stupid mistake and had unprotected sex almost 2 months ago with a guy I could have given a damn about. Now, I have met this wonderful man who thinks the world of me, and I'm hoping I will not have to break any bad news to him. We have not gotten intimate yet, and of course, we will not until I test again, and get my results.
The reason I think it may be positive is because the testing was done thru Quest Diagnostics, and they used HerpeSelect. From my readings, HerpeSelect is pretty accurate. On the other hand, my 2.87 is between the range of being a false positive. Don't know........................
The reason I think it may be positive is because the testing was done thru Quest Diagnostics, and they used HerpeSelect. From my readings, HerpeSelect is pretty accurate. On the other hand, my 2.87 is between the range of being a false positive. Don't know........................
Why not wait for your results before asking these questions?
There is no reason to believe that herpes will have an adverse effect on your life. It is a cold sore infection. Most people have it in some form.
Herpes does not affect ability ability to bear children. However, vigilience is necessary during birth.
The decision to use or not to use condoms is between you and your partner.
Herpes does not exclude the giving/receiving of oral sex. Both partners need to be aware of the risks. Knowing how to handle outbreaks and common sense are important factors.
A kiss with sexual intent is not the same as an affectionate peck. Avoid kissing your daughter on the lips at all times, - otherwise, you can kiss her without worry. Talk to your partner about how he feels about passionate kissing and the risks it involves. Herpes really is no big deal. I'd much rather risk the triviality of a coldsore infection than refrain from kissing ; )
There is no reason to believe that herpes will have an adverse effect on your life. It is a cold sore infection. Most people have it in some form.
Herpes does not affect ability ability to bear children. However, vigilience is necessary during birth.
The decision to use or not to use condoms is between you and your partner.
Herpes does not exclude the giving/receiving of oral sex. Both partners need to be aware of the risks. Knowing how to handle outbreaks and common sense are important factors.
A kiss with sexual intent is not the same as an affectionate peck. Avoid kissing your daughter on the lips at all times, - otherwise, you can kiss her without worry. Talk to your partner about how he feels about passionate kissing and the risks it involves. Herpes really is no big deal. I'd much rather risk the triviality of a coldsore infection than refrain from kissing ; )
Thanks for your response. I plan to get re-tested on Monday. By the way, if the results are positive again, I do have a couple of more questions.
1) If my new partner and I decide to get married and have a child, is this impossible now? Do we have to use condoms forever now while I'm taking the Valtrex?
2) Also, as far as oral sex giving and receiving is this a total "no" as well?
3) Will my partner have to take Valtrex to protect himself?
4) With positive results, can it be determined how recent the virus was transmitted?
5) Is it ok to kiss my daughter or partner?
1) If my new partner and I decide to get married and have a child, is this impossible now? Do we have to use condoms forever now while I'm taking the Valtrex?
2) Also, as far as oral sex giving and receiving is this a total "no" as well?
3) Will my partner have to take Valtrex to protect himself?
4) With positive results, can it be determined how recent the virus was transmitted?
5) Is it ok to kiss my daughter or partner?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The notation >5.0 means your HSV-1 result was off scale, i.e. higher than 5. For values below that, your lab apparently shows the exact value, hence 2.87 for HSV-2, not > or <2.87.
That result is technically positive for HSV-2. However, results between 1.1 and 3.5 sometimes are false positive, especially in someone with positive HSV-1 results, like you have. There's probably a 50:50 chance that you do or don't have HSV-2. A repeat test will sort it out. For definitive results, ask your provider to send a blood specimen for the Western blot test, available at the University of Washington laboroatory in Seattle (where the Western blot was developed). In the meantime, it would be safest for you to assume you are infected with HSV-2, unless/until repeat testing shows otherwise.
Use the search link for "herpes diagnosis" or "HerpeSelect" for many other discussions about all this.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
That result is technically positive for HSV-2. However, results between 1.1 and 3.5 sometimes are false positive, especially in someone with positive HSV-1 results, like you have. There's probably a 50:50 chance that you do or don't have HSV-2. A repeat test will sort it out. For definitive results, ask your provider to send a blood specimen for the Western blot test, available at the University of Washington laboroatory in Seattle (where the Western blot was developed). In the meantime, it would be safest for you to assume you are infected with HSV-2, unless/until repeat testing shows otherwise.
Use the search link for "herpes diagnosis" or "HerpeSelect" for many other discussions about all this.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
