Does hsv2 commonly cause symptoms?

[bkbkgirl]

I went to my obgyn today for blood work and she told me that she you could be exposed to hsv2 without having symptoms so unless you actually have symptoms there is no point in testing . Is that true? I always thought hsv2 was more aggressive so you normally would show signs.

I got tested back in November of 2018. As well as my partner . We were both negative for herpes 2 . But I found out he was married the whole time so I got nervous and that is why I went again today .  Not sure if I should be worried or not. I just think of herpes as being super contagious so I automatically think I could have been exposed somehow.

[auntiejessi]

Most people with hsv2 will have mild symptoms, or no symptoms. That said, I understand - to a point - why your doctor said that. Testing can sometimes give confusing results, and that makes things suck more.

However, if you feel the need to know - and I get it, I am a need to know person myself - you can get it yourself. There are lots of places that offer STD testing. Google STD testing and see what comes up. If you are in the US, there are a bunch. I haven't used them, but people seem to get good results from stdcheck.com.

If you are in the UK, it's really hard to get the blood test, but there may be places. Let me know if you're there.

[bkbkgirl]

No I’m in the US . I went to my obgyn and got the test yesterday . But I just thought it was strange that she said that . I was hoping for some reassurance  that I  would know if I was exposed to it .  I examine myself  everyday with a mirror bc I’m so fearful of herpes. It’s actually become a phobia I think. That’s why I go so frequently to get tested even though there are times I’m not sexually active.  
Like I mentioned I was tested in nov and so was my partner . But bc I found out he was married I got scared all over again .

Do you think there is anything to worry about?

[bkbkgirl]

I thought hsv 2 is more aggressive so you would be able to tell if you had an outbreak. No?

[auntiejessi]

We used to think people would know that they have hsv2, and that everyone would get big bad painful outbreaks. Then there was the big herpes study done in 2004 (I think), and they tested a bunch of random people in gyno offices, and found out that many people had it and didn't know.

Many times, it's because of a pre-existing hsv1 infection, which can make hsv2 less severe. Sometimes it's just the way the body responds.

What is your phobia based on? Like, if you had herpes, what do you think would happen? I've had herpes for 10+ years, and I'm sure that even your worst fears wouldn't happen.

[auntiejessi]

Do you have other phobias? A germ phobia? If you do, maybe you should talk to your doctor about this. Maybe you should consider it even if this is the only thing because you say you are "taking so many tests".