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Explain my herpes IGG results
I tested positive for both HSV 1 AND 2. I knew I had 1, because I get cold sores all the time, my whole life. I am married. I've never had an outbreak down there. Doctor said it can lay dormant for many years. She said that is why it spreads so easily because people do not know they have it..she also said these numbers just mean I am positive. She can not tell if it was a recent infection.
HSV 2 8.33 IGG
HSV 2 8.33 IGG
COMMUNITY LEADER
You're doctor is right - you definitely have hsv2, and there is no way to know if it's a recent infection.
It can take up to 4 months to develop antibodies for hsv2 (which is what the test looks for), though most will by 6 weeks. The best that we can know is that you've probably had this for at least a few weeks, if not longer. You could have had it for years. Unless you know of a partner who has it, and you know that all other partners didn't for sure, then you may never know.
The numbers don't mean a thing. You could test next week and get a 14.9, and the week after and get a 10.78. It doesn't mean your infection is any less this week than next. It doesn't have any indication on outbreaks, or transmission, etc.
Your spouse should test. If he/she/they are negative, there are definitely steps you can take to help prevent transmission. If he/she/they are positive, there is no way you'll ever know who had it first, or if both of you had it coming into the relationship, and didn't know. If your spouse is negative, I can give you transmission stats if you feel comfortable sharing your gender and the gender of your partner.
90% of those with hsv2 don't know they have it, either because they don't have symptoms, or their symptoms are so mild they'd never think of herpes as causing them.
What made you test for this? Did you have symptoms? Are you concerned your spouse is unfaithful? Was it part of routine testing?
You should read the herpes handbook at https://westoverheights.com/herpes/the-updated-herpes-handbook/ It's free, and written by one of the world's leading experts on herpes.
It can take up to 4 months to develop antibodies for hsv2 (which is what the test looks for), though most will by 6 weeks. The best that we can know is that you've probably had this for at least a few weeks, if not longer. You could have had it for years. Unless you know of a partner who has it, and you know that all other partners didn't for sure, then you may never know.
The numbers don't mean a thing. You could test next week and get a 14.9, and the week after and get a 10.78. It doesn't mean your infection is any less this week than next. It doesn't have any indication on outbreaks, or transmission, etc.
Your spouse should test. If he/she/they are negative, there are definitely steps you can take to help prevent transmission. If he/she/they are positive, there is no way you'll ever know who had it first, or if both of you had it coming into the relationship, and didn't know. If your spouse is negative, I can give you transmission stats if you feel comfortable sharing your gender and the gender of your partner.
90% of those with hsv2 don't know they have it, either because they don't have symptoms, or their symptoms are so mild they'd never think of herpes as causing them.
What made you test for this? Did you have symptoms? Are you concerned your spouse is unfaithful? Was it part of routine testing?
You should read the herpes handbook at https://westoverheights.com/herpes/the-updated-herpes-handbook/ It's free, and written by one of the world's leading experts on herpes.
9 Comments
Thank you for responding! I am female and he is male. We have been married 10 years, like I said, I've never had any indication of a outbreak. I have take Valtrex and Lysine every single day because of cold sores on my mouth..doctor said that's prob why I've never had an outbreak. I had my annual pap and just wanted a full sti panel testing done. I knew that the standard STI panel does not test for HSV 1 OR 2 and I requested it with my doctor. I've never ever been tested before. Neither has my husband. Now I'm worried that he wont understand that this has laid dormant for years. And that either he could have given it to me or I'm the only carrier. He has never shown any indication of it either.
Yes, the valtrex (not the Lysine - no reason to take both, and Valtrex has proven to be far more effective than Lysine) has probably prevented you from getting any genital outbreaks. Given that you have hsv1 and are on valtrex, you've probably had herpes a little longer than I originally thought. Valtrex can delay antibody production a bit (not long - maybe a few weeks, if that), as can hsv1 (again, a few weeks, at best).
Having hsv1 can also make hsv2 milder.
You have all the things that can hide hsv2, so it makes total sense that you didn't know you had it. Even people without those things can not know they have it.
It would also make perfect sense if your husband doesn't have it (if he isn't your source), given that you are on valtrex.
Ghsv2 transmission rates, female to male, over the course of a year, assuming sex 2-3 times a week:
Only avoiding sex during an outbreak - 4-5%
Adding condoms OR daily suppression - 2-3%
Adding condoms AND daily suppression - 1-2%
I understand that this can be surprising in a marriage. After the dust settles, and everything is sorted, this shouldn't be more than a little blip. If it turns out you've had it all this time, and he doesn't, what would really need to change? I mean, it would be 10 years and he hasn't gotten it yet. And if he did? Like, kinda so what? We know that things happen and not every marriage lasts, but if he's planning on staying with you, you both having herpes wouldn't mean a thing. You can't give each other what you both already have.
If you are planning on children (I have no idea how old you are or what your plans are, so forgive me if this isn't in your plans), you can still do that. The only issues with pregnancy are being infected during your third trimester (not an issue here) and having an outbreak during delivery (they'd put/keep you on Valtrex during that time).
Have your husband read the handbook I shared earlier. It explains that you can have it and not know it, even for years.
Having hsv1 can also make hsv2 milder.
You have all the things that can hide hsv2, so it makes total sense that you didn't know you had it. Even people without those things can not know they have it.
It would also make perfect sense if your husband doesn't have it (if he isn't your source), given that you are on valtrex.
Ghsv2 transmission rates, female to male, over the course of a year, assuming sex 2-3 times a week:
Only avoiding sex during an outbreak - 4-5%
Adding condoms OR daily suppression - 2-3%
Adding condoms AND daily suppression - 1-2%
I understand that this can be surprising in a marriage. After the dust settles, and everything is sorted, this shouldn't be more than a little blip. If it turns out you've had it all this time, and he doesn't, what would really need to change? I mean, it would be 10 years and he hasn't gotten it yet. And if he did? Like, kinda so what? We know that things happen and not every marriage lasts, but if he's planning on staying with you, you both having herpes wouldn't mean a thing. You can't give each other what you both already have.
If you are planning on children (I have no idea how old you are or what your plans are, so forgive me if this isn't in your plans), you can still do that. The only issues with pregnancy are being infected during your third trimester (not an issue here) and having an outbreak during delivery (they'd put/keep you on Valtrex during that time).
Have your husband read the handbook I shared earlier. It explains that you can have it and not know it, even for years.
Thank you. We have 2 small children. 6 and 7. Even when I was pregnant with them, I did not get tested for HSV 1 AND 2. I only got tested for HIV AND SYPHILIS along with gonorrhea and chlymydia. I have been a patient of my OB for 10 years and she confirmed I've never been tested. I have been on valtrex for more than 20 years because of my cold sores. I am 41. My fear is that he is going to assume I've cheated. I'm hoping when I read him all the facts that he will understand. He may have even been the one to give it to me. And if not, obviously it was someone before him. This is just crazy to me, that after all this time, I'm finding out I have HSV2. My doctor said this is why some doctors do not reccomend having oral sex if you suffer from cold sores.
Okay, something may have gotten confused here -
If you get genital herpes from oral sex, you have genital herpes type 1, not type 2. The number indicates the strain of herpes, not the location. You can indeed transmit type 1 when giving oral sex, but it would stay type 1, not turn into type 2.
You don't sound like you have a lot of faith in your husband, or maybe you're just projecting your fears onto him? He may be a lot calmer than you think, once he learns about it.
The only way to know is to tell him. I'd suggest a calm time after the kiddos have gone to bed, when you aren't too tired (yes, I know - with 2 young kiddos, right), and let him know it was a routine test with your pap, and let him know that you've researched, and found out it could be dormant, you love him, you haven't cheated (you may want to lead with that part), and go from there. Have the handbook ready to go for any questions he has.
Let us know what happens, and we're here for any questions either one of you have.
If you get genital herpes from oral sex, you have genital herpes type 1, not type 2. The number indicates the strain of herpes, not the location. You can indeed transmit type 1 when giving oral sex, but it would stay type 1, not turn into type 2.
You don't sound like you have a lot of faith in your husband, or maybe you're just projecting your fears onto him? He may be a lot calmer than you think, once he learns about it.
The only way to know is to tell him. I'd suggest a calm time after the kiddos have gone to bed, when you aren't too tired (yes, I know - with 2 young kiddos, right), and let him know it was a routine test with your pap, and let him know that you've researched, and found out it could be dormant, you love him, you haven't cheated (you may want to lead with that part), and go from there. Have the handbook ready to go for any questions he has.
Let us know what happens, and we're here for any questions either one of you have.
I am very much projecting all of my fears into him. This is alot to take in. Now I was recently diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis for the 1st time and now I feel I have it again. Is there a connection? I haven't told my husband yet, trying to find the right time. Another question, if he was to test negative, that just means I had the HSV2 coming into the relationship?
No, there isn't a connection with BV and herpes, though BV can trigger a herpes outbreak, and sometimes a herpes outbreak can cause BV, but they really aren't connected in any other way. You can have one without the other.
Yes, if he tests negative, that means you had it coming into the relationship. If he tests positive, you'll never know which one of you had it first, or if you both coincidentally had it coming into the relationship.
Please try to remember that it's possible that your husband was your source, and that you aren't to blame here.
Is he a normally reasonable man? Do you fear for your safety? If you do, and telling him puts you in jeopardy, don't tell him. If you need assistance with domestic violence, and finding places, we have some resources we can give you. Your safety comes first. (I know nothing about your husband, and just want to cover all bases.)
BV happens when your natural bacteria overgrows. It's kind of the opposite of yeast, which is a fungal overgrowth. Usually, they help keep each other in balance to keep things healthy, but sometimes, one takes over.
Some things can cause it - douching, feminine wipes or washes, etc - but sometimes it happens and you have no idea why. When I first got herpes, I had BV A LOT. You might try a good probiotic. Jarrow makes a good one, but it's expensive - https://jarrowprobiotics.com/products/fem-dophilus-5-billion-organisms-90-veggie-caps-cool-ship-pack-of-3 If you find another, and have any allergies (gluten, soy, nuts, etc.), make sure they are allergen free.
Don't use any wipes, scented anything, wear 100% cotton panties, try all white ones if needed - go as natural as possible. Don't douche unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
Being a woman isn't always that fun. :(
Yes, if he tests negative, that means you had it coming into the relationship. If he tests positive, you'll never know which one of you had it first, or if you both coincidentally had it coming into the relationship.
Please try to remember that it's possible that your husband was your source, and that you aren't to blame here.
Is he a normally reasonable man? Do you fear for your safety? If you do, and telling him puts you in jeopardy, don't tell him. If you need assistance with domestic violence, and finding places, we have some resources we can give you. Your safety comes first. (I know nothing about your husband, and just want to cover all bases.)
BV happens when your natural bacteria overgrows. It's kind of the opposite of yeast, which is a fungal overgrowth. Usually, they help keep each other in balance to keep things healthy, but sometimes, one takes over.
Some things can cause it - douching, feminine wipes or washes, etc - but sometimes it happens and you have no idea why. When I first got herpes, I had BV A LOT. You might try a good probiotic. Jarrow makes a good one, but it's expensive - https://jarrowprobiotics.com/products/fem-dophilus-5-billion-organisms-90-veggie-caps-cool-ship-pack-of-3 If you find another, and have any allergies (gluten, soy, nuts, etc.), make sure they are allergen free.
Don't use any wipes, scented anything, wear 100% cotton panties, try all white ones if needed - go as natural as possible. Don't douche unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
Being a woman isn't always that fun. :(
Hi, I still haven't told him. Waiting for the right time without kids interrupting. He is normally a reasonable man, but he can get mean at times, or just say mean things, which I'm trying to avoid. He's never hurt me and I dont think he ever would. Im just scared to how he will react. I'm currently on a good probiotic hoping to help with BV and Yeast infections and I just started using boric acid suppositories.
As for my husband, part of me wants to tell him just in case he ever got a breakout and the other part of me wants to not tell him.
As for my husband, part of me wants to tell him just in case he ever got a breakout and the other part of me wants to not tell him.
Aunt Jessi, I told him and he was very understanding!! I feel so much better. He said he is aware of the virus and how it works!
Oh I'm so happy to hear this!
Is he going to test, or are you going to leave things as they are? Either way is fine - just know that later, if he ends up with symptoms, it's always going to be possible that he had it before you and gave it to you or that you both had it before the relationship, and that if he doesn't have it now and gets it later, he is making an informed decision.
I hope the probiotics are helping! :)
We're always here if you have questions.
Is he going to test, or are you going to leave things as they are? Either way is fine - just know that later, if he ends up with symptoms, it's always going to be possible that he had it before you and gave it to you or that you both had it before the relationship, and that if he doesn't have it now and gets it later, he is making an informed decision.
I hope the probiotics are helping! :)
We're always here if you have questions.
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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.
