Monogamous for 10 years

[concerned1215]

I've been in a monogamous relationship for 10 years and have struggled with vaginal infections.  During my last visit, my doctor suggested a HSV test due to what looked like a lesion.  I hadn't even noticed it.  I was freaked out.  The tests came back positive for HSV 1 and 2!!  My doctor tells me I shouldn't assume my husband's been unfaithful.  I could have carried this for years and been asymptomatic or not known the symptoms were there... Is this correct? And, don't they test you for Herpes during pregnancy?  I've had two pregnancies.

[Dallasfan]

What herpes test did you have done. Let us know so we can comment. Also it is correct that your may carry Herpes for years without symptoms. And no, without symptoms testing is not part of the routine pregnancy tests.

[auntiejessi]

I agree with getting copies of your results.  I am still amazed at docs who order the wrong tests, or who read them wrong.

If you get copies, and post them here exactly as they are written, we can help.

In the meantime, you should check out the herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com and check out a wonderful support forum called the Herpes Homepage - www.racoon.com/herpes.  Click on support forums to take you to the forums.

AJ

[concerned1215]

I did a blood test to check for antibodies for HSV 1 and 2.  She also took a culture and sent it out -- that hasn't come back yet, but she told me after she got the blood test results yesterday that in fact it was a Herpes lesion.  I talked to my husband today and we are both confused, scared, feeling pretty ignorant.  He wants to move on and not dwell on it, while i think it's important to understand what's going on.  I know this will sound terribly naive, but I have no reason to believe that he's been unfaithful.  

[auntiejessi]

That doesn't sound naive at all.  Herpes alone is not a reason to suspect cheating.

You should find out what type you have.  If its type 1, it came from oral sex, if its type 2, it came from vaginal sex.

Ask your doc if she typed the culture, and if she didn't, have her call the lab and order it.  It will be important to know so that when your husband tests (and he should test) you all can figure out if you need or want to take any precautions if he doesn't have it.

you can read more about this in the herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com

Aj

[concerned1215]

Thank you so much!  I did check out westoverheights, very helpful.  I watched the video as well.  

The test came back positive for both HSV 1 and 2 antibodies.  With the HSV 1 do we have to worry about passing it on to our kids?  I have had canker sores but no fever blisters or cold sores that I can recall. Neither has my husband.  Could I be asymptomatic, or maybe the HSV 1 is manifesting itself in the genital area?

My hubby has a major germ and doctor fobia, so I know we'll have to work through this together.  First I am going to have to convince him to get tested.  Then, we'll have to work through making sure this doesn't affect our sex life.  

Finally, since my second child was born 5 years ago, I've suffered from recurring yest infections and bv.  Could any of those be "masked" outbreaks? Is there a relationship?

I can't thank you enough.  I consider myself to be a worldly and educated woman and feel sooo ignorant regarding this.  Any additional input would be greatly appreciated.

[auntiejessi]

They could be masked outbreaks, but its doubtful you will ever know for sure.  You might think about using suppression (daily valtrex or acyclovir) and see if that helps reduce the bv and yeast.  I feel for you - those are miserable to have.

I wouldn't worry overly much about passing hsv1 to your kids.  I would just avoid kissing them if you have a cold sore.  If you have hsv2, its unlikely that you would also have hsv1 in the genital area.  Only about 5% of those infected have both hsv1 and 2 genitally.  

Ahhh men and doctors.  I wish you luck with that one.  Is he ok with not knowing and just taking the chance that he might not have it but you do?  If he's really ok with that, then there might not be any reason for him to test.  

Another good website for you is the herpes home page.  Its loaded with info, and also has one of the best herpes support forums.  I'm on that site, as well.  That's at www.racoon.com/herpes.  When you get to the home page, click on support forums and it will take you to the message boards.

AJ