Test Results

[Ignorantjoe]

I was recently diagnosed with Herpes 2. This was determined by a blood test. My girlfriend has submitted to a blood test to determine if she has Herpes 2 and we're awaiting the results. We have not had intercourse or oral sex since that time. (I've had no symptoms of an outbreak at any time. Intercourse last happened two weeks before her blood was taken, oral sex ocurred two days before her blood was taken). If her test comes back stating that she does not have Herpes 2 can we be certain of the results?
If she receives a negative result and does not have Herpes 2 at this time and we decide to go our seperate ways (thus not having sex with each other anymore)...Could I be the cause of her receiving a positive diagnosis in the future?
By exposing her to Herpes 2 have I compromised her health beyond what a blood test can determine at this time?
Thanks very much
Ignorantjoe

[Ignorantjoe]

Thank you

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Herpes diagnosis by blood test isn't quite as simple as just knowing "postive" versus "negative" results.  If you use the search link to look for threads with the terms "herpes diagnosis" or "HerpeSelect" (the most commonly used blood test), you will find innumerable discussions about the details.

But assuming your test is indeed positive, you definitely are infected with HSV-2, even if you have no symptoms of genital herpes.  However, most people with positive blood tests come to recognize recurrent genital outbreaks that they previously missed, because they were mild or atypical.  So keep up your awareness in the coming months.

It takes up to 3-4 months for the most commonly used HSV blood tests to become positive.  So if your partner's HSV-2 test is negative, it might be necessary for her to be retested to be certain.  However, to answer your question directly:  If her HSV-2 test indeed is negative at least 3-4 months after the last possible exposure, then she definitely was not infected -- that would mean that her health was not "compromised" in any way (leaving aside the potential for other STDs).

The best thing for the two of you is to wait for her test result, then go together for an in-person evaluation by a herpes knowledgeable health care provider.  If uncertain about whether your doctor or hers is up to speed on herpes, your local health department STD clinic may be a good bet.  Or you can contact the American Social Health Association (www.ashastd.org) and see if they can recommend a provider in your area.  ASHA also has excellent general information about genital herpes.

I hope this helps.  Best wishes--- HHH, MD