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HSV2 and How to Know for Sure
Hi, I am a male in my early 40's. I have been with this lady for 3 years. She claims to have been with only me in the last 3 years. In May she had an outbrake and we had intercourse during this time. Too be honest, I don't recall if we used a condum or not. Anyway, she had her bump cultured and was told she had hsv2.
Since that time, I have been to the doctors several times. I actually have had some red spots and had one bump. Never any blister or cluster type of anything. My doctors have said I have folliculitess and and suffering from anxiety and overperspiring.
Anyway, I have had 3 different IGG specific tests for HSV2 since then, at 3 weeks, 5 weeks and 9 weeks. They all come back negative. I also had the bump cultured and it was negative. Admitedly, I am scared about all of this because it can be life changing. I did have a combo IGM test and it was positive around 1.2.
My questions are:
1. Is there anything I can do, in light of what has happened, to prevent my exposure from turning into hsv2 (eating, take valtrex, vitamins, etc)?
2. What level of confidence can I place in an IGG specific test at 9 weeks post exposure?
3. When is the "cutoff" - days from exposure, if there is one on knowing when one does or doesn't have HSV2?
4. Suppressive therapy, and condoms appear to offer the greatest protection. Since this is skin related, why isn't it also recomended that the non infected person wear underwear during sex to further protect skin to skin touching?
All advice and sugestions are appreciated.
Since that time, I have been to the doctors several times. I actually have had some red spots and had one bump. Never any blister or cluster type of anything. My doctors have said I have folliculitess and and suffering from anxiety and overperspiring.
Anyway, I have had 3 different IGG specific tests for HSV2 since then, at 3 weeks, 5 weeks and 9 weeks. They all come back negative. I also had the bump cultured and it was negative. Admitedly, I am scared about all of this because it can be life changing. I did have a combo IGM test and it was positive around 1.2.
My questions are:
1. Is there anything I can do, in light of what has happened, to prevent my exposure from turning into hsv2 (eating, take valtrex, vitamins, etc)?
2. What level of confidence can I place in an IGG specific test at 9 weeks post exposure?
3. When is the "cutoff" - days from exposure, if there is one on knowing when one does or doesn't have HSV2?
4. Suppressive therapy, and condoms appear to offer the greatest protection. Since this is skin related, why isn't it also recomended that the non infected person wear underwear during sex to further protect skin to skin touching?
All advice and sugestions are appreciated.
Hi,
Did you ever figure out if you got it?
Did you ever figure out if you got it?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
our phone number is 503-226-6678
Terri, thanks. How do I set up a phone consult with you at your clinic?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This is a decision that only you can make. And it probably all depends on the nature of your relationship with her and your relationship to your own sexuality. I find uninfected men have far more trouble committing to women with herpes than the reverse, not sure quite why. Of course, many men do commit. But I think men may have more trouble with this decision than women as they may count on their sexual identity more than women do. Of course, I've heard women say they would never have sex with anyone with herpes, also. There are so many factors that go into this decision, which makes it individual.
Is herpes a big deal? For some people, yes, for others, not at all.
Our clinic does phone consults, and I'm sure there are others who do as well.
Terri
Is herpes a big deal? For some people, yes, for others, not at all.
Our clinic does phone consults, and I'm sure there are others who do as well.
Terri
Terri, this is the hardest thing I've ever done or thought about. Be honest with me, is herpes a big deal? Is it the kind of thing that forever causes BIG problems, or is it more like a cold in that it rears up a couple of times a year? I see these NASTY pictures on the internet and they scare the living **** out of me.
The lady - you're right. I really think a lot of her. I don't know if it is a forever relationship or not. How do you ever know? It's like crossing the street I guess, it's a gamble. I am afraide if I wager and run with her, I get it or have it and then I move forward and screw up my life if something ever happens with us (brake up) as I feel most people will be scared away if you tell them you have herpes. If you don't tell them then it is deceit but I don't expect most people are really all that forthcoming when it comes to their sexuall pasts either. I also see her as a wondrfull person but question is she worth a disease that stays with you forever? Disease is a BAD word.
In closing, I appreciate this board. It is a relief to many as it is to me. Is there a true phone line where someone such as I could talk to someone knowledgeable about HSV2? I'd really like some firsthand knowledge verabaly as opposed to type in words.
Thank you.
The lady - you're right. I really think a lot of her. I don't know if it is a forever relationship or not. How do you ever know? It's like crossing the street I guess, it's a gamble. I am afraide if I wager and run with her, I get it or have it and then I move forward and screw up my life if something ever happens with us (brake up) as I feel most people will be scared away if you tell them you have herpes. If you don't tell them then it is deceit but I don't expect most people are really all that forthcoming when it comes to their sexuall pasts either. I also see her as a wondrfull person but question is she worth a disease that stays with you forever? Disease is a BAD word.
In closing, I appreciate this board. It is a relief to many as it is to me. Is there a true phone line where someone such as I could talk to someone knowledgeable about HSV2? I'd really like some firsthand knowledge verabaly as opposed to type in words.
Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Thanks for your reply. Using condums and antiviral in combination will reduce the level of transmission by about how much?
More than 50%
Next, I had read on a post by Hansfield that perhaps another person taking antiviral for HSV1 might have protected that person from 2. Would it do me any good to take Valtrex now - a preemptive strike before the virus couild set up?
We have no evidence at all that an uninfected person taking Valtrex reduces the risk of transmission. I don't think that would be useful.
Do I need another test and when or would you stop at 75%, which appears to be where I am now? If so, would you just do an IGG specific and shoud I discount the prevous IGM I had that was 1.2? Also, how reliabel is a negative on a swab culture?
How often you test is strictly up to you. Yes, only IgG. Hard to know what to make of the IgM.
I find it interesting about the underwear because if it is skin to skin contact that can transmit and it is all in the genitel area it looks like that would be an easy way to protect oneself.
The mucous membranes are most at risk, not thicker skin. Underwear won't help with that and I agree that that might be pretty not fun.
Lastly, will their ever be a cure for this junk?
I don't know, but from all the things that you've said, I think you should think very carefully about taking the risk of infection. There are no guarantees, and I know you are seeking the information to make the most cautious decision, and that's fine, but I hope you are keeping her vulnerable feelings in mind as you approach this with her. If you can't decide to take a risk, then I would leave the relationship. That might sound harsh, but I've seen people take months to make up their mind about risk, and those months can do real damage to the self esteem of the infected person. This may not apply to you at all, but just a little warning, that's all.
Terri
More than 50%
Next, I had read on a post by Hansfield that perhaps another person taking antiviral for HSV1 might have protected that person from 2. Would it do me any good to take Valtrex now - a preemptive strike before the virus couild set up?
We have no evidence at all that an uninfected person taking Valtrex reduces the risk of transmission. I don't think that would be useful.
Do I need another test and when or would you stop at 75%, which appears to be where I am now? If so, would you just do an IGG specific and shoud I discount the prevous IGM I had that was 1.2? Also, how reliabel is a negative on a swab culture?
How often you test is strictly up to you. Yes, only IgG. Hard to know what to make of the IgM.
I find it interesting about the underwear because if it is skin to skin contact that can transmit and it is all in the genitel area it looks like that would be an easy way to protect oneself.
The mucous membranes are most at risk, not thicker skin. Underwear won't help with that and I agree that that might be pretty not fun.
Lastly, will their ever be a cure for this junk?
I don't know, but from all the things that you've said, I think you should think very carefully about taking the risk of infection. There are no guarantees, and I know you are seeking the information to make the most cautious decision, and that's fine, but I hope you are keeping her vulnerable feelings in mind as you approach this with her. If you can't decide to take a risk, then I would leave the relationship. That might sound harsh, but I've seen people take months to make up their mind about risk, and those months can do real damage to the self esteem of the infected person. This may not apply to you at all, but just a little warning, that's all.
Terri
A couple more things.
1. I have read that IGM and IGG levels, in most people, rise in unsion in response to an HSV infection? Is this true?
2. How much difference from a contagiouis standpoint is someone that is having an outbrake from someone not having one? Do the sores have to be open to be contagious or can they be closed?
3. Does it make a differnece how long a person has had a virus and how contagiouis they are? For instance, is a person who's had it one year more likelly to transmit than someone that has had it for 10 years?
4. For a heterosexual man, what is the typical symptoms associated with the virus on the initial episode?
Again, thanks.
1. I have read that IGM and IGG levels, in most people, rise in unsion in response to an HSV infection? Is this true?
2. How much difference from a contagiouis standpoint is someone that is having an outbrake from someone not having one? Do the sores have to be open to be contagious or can they be closed?
3. Does it make a differnece how long a person has had a virus and how contagiouis they are? For instance, is a person who's had it one year more likelly to transmit than someone that has had it for 10 years?
4. For a heterosexual man, what is the typical symptoms associated with the virus on the initial episode?
Again, thanks.
Underwear? Doesn't sound like much fun. Either you handle the risk of HSV2 or not. Expecting an infected partner to wear underwear is not fair or fun, not to mention a bit humiliating. Remember: she is a human being with feelings. With condoms and suppresive therapy the risk is 1% per year you'll contract it. No need for underwear. Sounds like you need counselling more than anything.
A couple more things.
1. I have read that IGM and IGG levels, in most people, rise in unsion in response to an HSV infection? Is this true?
2. How much difference from a contagiouis standpoint is someone that is having an outbrake from someone not having one? Do the sores have to be open to be contagious or can they be closed?
3. Does it make a differnece how long a person has had a virus and how contagiouis they are? For instance, is a person who's had it one year more likelly to transmit than someone that has had it for 10 years?
4. For a heterosexual man, what is the typical symptoms associated with the virus on the initial episode?
Again, thanks.
1. I have read that IGM and IGG levels, in most people, rise in unsion in response to an HSV infection? Is this true?
2. How much difference from a contagiouis standpoint is someone that is having an outbrake from someone not having one? Do the sores have to be open to be contagious or can they be closed?
3. Does it make a differnece how long a person has had a virus and how contagiouis they are? For instance, is a person who's had it one year more likelly to transmit than someone that has had it for 10 years?
4. For a heterosexual man, what is the typical symptoms associated with the virus on the initial episode?
Again, thanks.
Thanks for your reply. Using condums and antiviral in combination will reduce the level of transmission by about how much?
Next, I had read on a post by Hansfield that perhaps another person taking antiviral for HSV1 might have protected that person from 2. Would it do me any good to take Valtrex now - a preemptive strike before the virus couild set up?
Do I need another test and when or would you stop at 75%, which appears to be where I am now? If so, would you just do an IGG specific and shoud I discount the prevous IGM I had that was 1.2? Also, how reliabel is a negative on a swab culture?
I find it interesting about the underwear because if it is skin to skin contact that can transmit and it is all in the genitel area it looks like that would be an easy way to protect oneself.
Lastly, will their ever be a cure for this junk?
Thanks to you and this Board.
Next, I had read on a post by Hansfield that perhaps another person taking antiviral for HSV1 might have protected that person from 2. Would it do me any good to take Valtrex now - a preemptive strike before the virus couild set up?
Do I need another test and when or would you stop at 75%, which appears to be where I am now? If so, would you just do an IGG specific and shoud I discount the prevous IGM I had that was 1.2? Also, how reliabel is a negative on a swab culture?
I find it interesting about the underwear because if it is skin to skin contact that can transmit and it is all in the genitel area it looks like that would be an easy way to protect oneself.
Lastly, will their ever be a cure for this junk?
Thanks to you and this Board.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Your partner should be on daily antiviral therapy, like acyclovir or valacyclovir. This will reduce your risk of infection by about 50%. Using condoms with every sexual encounter will also reduce your risk of infection. We have no information about whether or not wearing underwear will reduce the risk of infection or not. I don't think that has ever been evaluated, quite honestly.
If your antibody test is negative a 9 weeks post exposure, then that is probably about 75% correct certainty.
Are you still having sex with this woman? If yes, your risk is ongoing and the test is only accurate for the time period you are discussing.
Terri
If your antibody test is negative a 9 weeks post exposure, then that is probably about 75% correct certainty.
Are you still having sex with this woman? If yes, your risk is ongoing and the test is only accurate for the time period you are discussing.
Terri
You are reading content posted in the Herpes 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.
