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HSV Concerns
So, I'm not exactly sure where to begin my story...but I guess I'll just jump right in. I began worrying about having herpes was after a sexual encounter with an ex that happened a little over three weeks ago. Making things even more difficult, I suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder and once I become obsessively worried about something it can be very, very difficult for me to move on and get over it.
Every time I have an itch "down there"...I worry. Every time I go to the bathroom, I feel the need to inspect every inch and make sure there are no suspicious "spots". I should add that I have talked to many doctors, both online and in person, about this topic. I have taken numerous pictures of spots that I feared could be herpes...they were all found not to be. Even though I feel temporarily reassured when this happens...the fear always comes back. I want, actually I need, closure on this topic for my own well being. Furthermore, this encounter that I am concerned about took place when my current girlfriend and I were on a "break"...and I am petrified of passing anything along to her. We have not slept together since I began worrying about herpes. We aren't officially back together yet and this is one of the main things holding me back.
So, I guess I wanted to know your suggestion as to how I could lay this topic to rest once and for all. I have read extensively about blood testing for herpes and its flaws. However, it seems as though the only flawed test is the IgM blood test, which gives false positives constantly. Since I know I am positive for HSV-1, this would surely not be a good idea in my situation. However, as I understand it, the IgG test is very accurate and reliable in the proper context, and it can accurately distinguish between HSV 1 & 2. The most notable draw back on this type of test is time, and It has been 3-4 weeks for me, but I have read it can take up to 12 to be completely accurate.
In a nutshell, I am looking for what you think would be the best option for me at this point? Should I get an IgG test now and then retest after 12 weeks? Are there any other options that could give me a definitive answer that I dont know about? Any advice will be extremely appreciated as every day seems to be a struggle worrying about this so intensely.
Thanks so much.
This discussion is related to Question for Dr Hunter Handsfield.
Every time I have an itch "down there"...I worry. Every time I go to the bathroom, I feel the need to inspect every inch and make sure there are no suspicious "spots". I should add that I have talked to many doctors, both online and in person, about this topic. I have taken numerous pictures of spots that I feared could be herpes...they were all found not to be. Even though I feel temporarily reassured when this happens...the fear always comes back. I want, actually I need, closure on this topic for my own well being. Furthermore, this encounter that I am concerned about took place when my current girlfriend and I were on a "break"...and I am petrified of passing anything along to her. We have not slept together since I began worrying about herpes. We aren't officially back together yet and this is one of the main things holding me back.
So, I guess I wanted to know your suggestion as to how I could lay this topic to rest once and for all. I have read extensively about blood testing for herpes and its flaws. However, it seems as though the only flawed test is the IgM blood test, which gives false positives constantly. Since I know I am positive for HSV-1, this would surely not be a good idea in my situation. However, as I understand it, the IgG test is very accurate and reliable in the proper context, and it can accurately distinguish between HSV 1 & 2. The most notable draw back on this type of test is time, and It has been 3-4 weeks for me, but I have read it can take up to 12 to be completely accurate.
In a nutshell, I am looking for what you think would be the best option for me at this point? Should I get an IgG test now and then retest after 12 weeks? Are there any other options that could give me a definitive answer that I dont know about? Any advice will be extremely appreciated as every day seems to be a struggle worrying about this so intensely.
Thanks so much.
This discussion is related to Question for Dr Hunter Handsfield.
Closed for now
Thanks a lot for your reply, I definitely appreciate it. I guess I may just have to wait it out...
Also, do you have any idea how you can get ahold of the experts on this site? It seems to be a bit difficult, I wanted to ask Dr. Hansfield a question
Also, do you have any idea how you can get ahold of the experts on this site? It seems to be a bit difficult, I wanted to ask Dr. Hansfield a question
Hi, you can test now to see if you have an old infection and test at 12 for a new infection. 8 weeks would be a good indicator.
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
