Girlfriend just got diagnosed with Herpes

[doglover_27]

My girlfriend of 5 weeks just had a physical and I had her get tested for Herpes using the HerpeSelect test.  She came back positive for HSV-2. We had unprotected sex about 12 times.  She has not had symptoms, I had her get tested as a precaution.

Her doctor has her on Valtrex now.  My main issues now are:

1.  Should I get tested even though I don't have symptoms?
2.  What is the risk of me catching this if she is on Valtrex and Asymptomatic? I do not want to catch the disease, but don't want to break up with her just because she has Herpes.
3.  I have a somewhat obsessive thought process about catching the disease and would like some advice on how to get past this.

Thanks!

[doglover_27]

I am getting tested this Friday.

Would you recommend a specific test or testing facility to be 100% sure?  I know you said to look at your journal, but I am lazy.  haha!

[gracefromHHP]

She needs to repeat her blood test to confirm her hsv2 status. In my journal there is a list of the blood tests and some brief explanations. Since her hsv2 is still less than 3.5 and she's never noticed any symptoms it's well worth getting a different test done.

Have you gotten tested yet?

grace

[doglover_27]

Hi Grace,

Did you see the response above?

[doglover_27]

My girlfriend got the test back finally and LabCorp performed the test.  Here is the info she gave me:

HSV2 tested at 2.84
HSV1 tested at .91

This was the type of test I think:  HSV I/II IgG RflxI-II Type Sp; Venipuncture

Thoughts based on this?  Thanks!

[gracefromHHP]

We can best help you and your gf if she can get a copy of her test results and post the numeric results here - ie hsv1 igg 4.5 and hsv2 igg 3. 6 or whatever they are. We can better help you both see if she needs additional confirmatory testing or not.

As emma suggested you too need a herpes blood test to see what your status is before you can both start deciding what precautions, if any , are warranted in the relationship.

grace

[Emma_08]

1.  Yes, you should get tested - a lot of people who have genital herpes do not even know it because they do not have symptoms or the symptoms are so mild that they think it is something else.  
2.  Valtrex reduces viral shedding and frequency of outbreaks.  You are less likely to acquire herpes if your girlfriend is taking Valtrex and you take precautions not to have sex during an outbreak.  Using condoms will reduce this risk even further.
3.  Obsessing over herpes is a waste of energy.  My suggestion would be to learn as much about it as you can.  Using the proper precautions, you greatly reduce your chance of acquiring herpes.  If you are worried about it every time you have sex, it will ruin your sex life and make your girlfriend feel bady.  

Do you know the numerical value that your girlfriend had?  Also, did she have an HSV-1 test done as well?

Best wishes,
Em