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HSV2 exposure from positive male
33 year old female, heterosexual. My boyfriend and I were tested prior to sexual intercourse. When asked about his results he told me he was clean and everything was fine. AS WERE MINE!!! He told me two days ago the nurse called and told him he tested positive for HSV2. I am shattered. Here is the scenario and here are my questions. Please, someone, especially grace, offer some insight.
December 2 condom protected sex
December 3 condom protected sex
December 3 unprotected sex x 10 minutes
December 4 unprotected sex
My symptoms:
December 5-10 my period
December 11 thin gray/white DC
December 12 spot inside my vagina that itched
December 13 spot continues to itch and hurts when pressure applied
December 14 in the morning went to GYN and DX with yeast and thouroughly examined (she looked at the spot with a magnifying glass and said she didn't see anything). Took diflucan.
December 14 in the afternoon he alled and gave me the results
December 14 in the evening during a road trip my entire vagina and anal region felt like they were on fire. Looking back now, I had my seat warmers in my car on, but it was a sensation of total fire. Also, a shooting, burning pain in my right thigh.
December 15 the morning, the burning sensations were completely gone
December 15 used monistat and it felt warm inside when applied for about 2 hours
December 16 spot still there, doesn't itch as bad but still a lot of pressure when I sit or touch it
Please help me. 1. What are the odds? He has no idea when he contracted this and is not on antivirals. Are my symptoms that of an outbreak? I will get tested again in 4 weeks. How reliable is a 6 week igg? I am positive for hsv1, as well. Does that give me any immunity at all?
December 2 condom protected sex
December 3 condom protected sex
December 3 unprotected sex x 10 minutes
December 4 unprotected sex
My symptoms:
December 5-10 my period
December 11 thin gray/white DC
December 12 spot inside my vagina that itched
December 13 spot continues to itch and hurts when pressure applied
December 14 in the morning went to GYN and DX with yeast and thouroughly examined (she looked at the spot with a magnifying glass and said she didn't see anything). Took diflucan.
December 14 in the afternoon he alled and gave me the results
December 14 in the evening during a road trip my entire vagina and anal region felt like they were on fire. Looking back now, I had my seat warmers in my car on, but it was a sensation of total fire. Also, a shooting, burning pain in my right thigh.
December 15 the morning, the burning sensations were completely gone
December 15 used monistat and it felt warm inside when applied for about 2 hours
December 16 spot still there, doesn't itch as bad but still a lot of pressure when I sit or touch it
Please help me. 1. What are the odds? He has no idea when he contracted this and is not on antivirals. Are my symptoms that of an outbreak? I will get tested again in 4 weeks. How reliable is a 6 week igg? I am positive for hsv1, as well. Does that give me any immunity at all?
8 month hsv2 igg negative. I feel better about my "symptoms" now and am finally beginning to trust the test results... not convinced yet, though, as the HSV testing in general has so many good vs bad reviews. Hope my story at least gives someone else a little hope, which is why I keep updating it. Good luck to all.
14.5 week igg negative. Symptoms persist. I've had what I think are 3-4 outbreaks since decembers initial outbreak. What is the longest seroconversion time for HSV2 when someone already has hsv1? Western blot being drawn next week which will be week 18. What do I trust? I CANNOT believe my igg for HSV2 was negative. I just don't believe the result. And it was clear negative with results <0.91. Thanks for you guys support.
Me either. Hell, after my WB was drawn at 18.5 weeks, I even had another igg drawn at 22 weeks, again negative for hsv2. Im thankful for negative tests, omg am I ever, however, where did the vaginal issues arise from? And why do my symptoms persist????? I am hsv1 positive, have been since I was a little girl, so that I'm not even considering. It's hsv2 that concerns me. I followed up with my gyn who thinks it could be hsv2 and has asked me to come back when I have one of my issues. Ill post a follow up with that as soon as I know.
18.5 week WB negative...symptoms persist :(
1 Comments
Ive been experiencing very similar symptoms as you. Ive been tested 3x (igg), all negative, the last being about 10 months after possible exposure. Not really sure what to do at this point.
His number is 6.7. They started him on valtrex today. I am so screwed.
2 Comments
Sorry to hear that. That is clearly positive. That does not mean you have the virus as well. If any new lesions come up, have them swabbed. Get a blood test as well. Have one now as a baseline and one 12 weeks from the last exposure
Thanks.
Hsv lesions can very on healing time. It can take a week but usually a herpes lesion will take on average ten or so days.
Your igg test will definitely at least serve as a baseline. Three weeks could lead to a positive from this but it usually would take longer. You do run a risk of a low positive having hsv1.
If I were you I would do the igg test and have your partner get another one if he can't get the results.
The seat warmer thing I wouldn't worry about as it does the same thing to my genitals. Lol
Your igg test will definitely at least serve as a baseline. Three weeks could lead to a positive from this but it usually would take longer. You do run a risk of a low positive having hsv1.
If I were you I would do the igg test and have your partner get another one if he can't get the results.
The seat warmer thing I wouldn't worry about as it does the same thing to my genitals. Lol
2 Comments
Today is day nine and lesion is still there. Going back to md tomorrow for a recheck. It baffles me the lack of testing for this. The more I think, the more I know I've had to beg for testing in the past. This is an STD, no different from any other, with more social stigma than the rest, so why is testing so uncommon. Especially with the prevalence of symptoms being silent. Ridiculous on the CDCs part!!! My plan is valtrex and prayers for future relationships in hopes of not infecting partners. End of story.
And can someone explain what this virus does to a man? What symptoms will men have? Are urethral lesions common? Is it as painful on a man as it is a woman?
Low false positives with hsv2 igg tests are NOT extremely rare. In fact they are quite common. Anything less than a 3.5 has about a 50/50 chance of being a false positive. It's comm9n enough for many hsv experts to recommend not randomly testing for hsv when no symptoms are present. Hsv2 igg blood tests are sensitive and cross over from hsv1 antibodies is common. So is the test picking up odd protiens of the same weight. The numeric value is l8ke a confidence number. The lower the number the less the test is certain.
Also 4 weeks is not a good indicator 7-8 weeks are. Especially when a person has hsv1 as well.
Your other advice on pcr testing is spot on.
Also 4 weeks is not a good indicator 7-8 weeks are. Especially when a person has hsv1 as well.
Your other advice on pcr testing is spot on.
2 Comments
With an initial outbreak, assuming this is what it is, how long can a lesion last? Today is the 7th day and it's almost healed and unnoticeable. Also, I was diagnosed with yeast. I'm wondering if I didn't have an abrasion or some sort (from checking the area multiple times) and the yeast irritated it? Grasping at straws!!!! I am so miserable right now inside. I am the safest human alive and cannot believe this hell. I am going tomorrow for a 3 week igg. I know it's useless, but proof of my baseline at least. The next 4 weeks will be more hell than hell. Thanks for all your support. You guys are awesome.
And something else... the seat warmers in my car made my cha cha feel like it was on FIRE. The whole thing. It went from vaginal to rectal area. This odd tingly feeling. And sitting puts pressure on the spot which makes it achy. Not a burn, just an ache. Idk. I've given up checking and looking, I don't see anything, I just feel it. On to testing... :(
You should have any lesions like the one you described tested with a Herpes PCR culture (Swab), as your GP to bring home cultures that you can Swab areas of concern that pop up over time in case you can't make it to the doctor within the correct window period perferably 48hrs- a few days a most when the lesion pips up. As far as Herpes igg blood tests it's hard to say when the value will be positive or not, a lot of people say that the serological give false positives for type two well that is extremely rare.
I am someone that gets herpes serology every 6 months and was very practical, safe, and open with partners but it's on the other person as well. I'm sorry you're going through this.
Your 6 weeks igg antibodies serology for herpes will be a very good indicator if you in fact have type 2 or not, usually 4 weeks is enough time but may take up to 10-12 weeks in some cases.
You've had previous type 1 oral infection which will show, -and your partner says he tested for only HSV 2..? That's nlt possible if it was a proper herpes serology test for igg antibodies - this test gives you values and wherher you are reactive for both types of the virus HSV 1 and HSV 2. The herpes igm test just detects antibodies for the herpes virus alone and doesn't type between 1 or 2 (usually genital herpes but he could also have type 1 genitally if he didn't already have it orally). So I would have him call back the nurse on speaker phone (honestly) or go in with him to have the results discussed. If he has had igm he needs to retest for igg, if it comes back positive for just type 1 and he says he's had no active blisters (not knowing of the infection) then he doesn't have genital herpes.
I will also say while the waiting is horrible, I'd recommend again to check on your partners blood test as his will be accurate and then take home cultures for spots that may or may not pop up and 12 weeks and you still only have type 1 it's safe to say you didn't catch herpes.
But honestly it's a very manageable condition, I've dated someone with herpes that was honest with me (type 2) from the very start and we always just had protected anal and on protected oral I dated him a 1yr and a half and never contracted herpes type 2, but he as aware of the condition and being responsible. As I. Taking antivirals, not having infancy with an active outbreak or if he thought he was getting one.
I actually received herpes 1 genitally just recently through a partner that wasn't honest and I already had type 1 orally, bc he didn't use protection (not wanted by me) -me had an active outbreak literally blisters on his bum the day we had sex no lie, that selfish.
So If you do contract herpes it's very manageable, and people will respect you if you are always open and taking precautions. it will just be a skin condition that pops up 2-3 times a year normally at first maybe 6 times a year and decreases the longer you have the virus, with antivirals you may eventually never get an outbreak actively again.
I really hope this helps. Good luck :)
I am someone that gets herpes serology every 6 months and was very practical, safe, and open with partners but it's on the other person as well. I'm sorry you're going through this.
Your 6 weeks igg antibodies serology for herpes will be a very good indicator if you in fact have type 2 or not, usually 4 weeks is enough time but may take up to 10-12 weeks in some cases.
You've had previous type 1 oral infection which will show, -and your partner says he tested for only HSV 2..? That's nlt possible if it was a proper herpes serology test for igg antibodies - this test gives you values and wherher you are reactive for both types of the virus HSV 1 and HSV 2. The herpes igm test just detects antibodies for the herpes virus alone and doesn't type between 1 or 2 (usually genital herpes but he could also have type 1 genitally if he didn't already have it orally). So I would have him call back the nurse on speaker phone (honestly) or go in with him to have the results discussed. If he has had igm he needs to retest for igg, if it comes back positive for just type 1 and he says he's had no active blisters (not knowing of the infection) then he doesn't have genital herpes.
I will also say while the waiting is horrible, I'd recommend again to check on your partners blood test as his will be accurate and then take home cultures for spots that may or may not pop up and 12 weeks and you still only have type 1 it's safe to say you didn't catch herpes.
But honestly it's a very manageable condition, I've dated someone with herpes that was honest with me (type 2) from the very start and we always just had protected anal and on protected oral I dated him a 1yr and a half and never contracted herpes type 2, but he as aware of the condition and being responsible. As I. Taking antivirals, not having infancy with an active outbreak or if he thought he was getting one.
I actually received herpes 1 genitally just recently through a partner that wasn't honest and I already had type 1 orally, bc he didn't use protection (not wanted by me) -me had an active outbreak literally blisters on his bum the day we had sex no lie, that selfish.
So If you do contract herpes it's very manageable, and people will respect you if you are always open and taking precautions. it will just be a skin condition that pops up 2-3 times a year normally at first maybe 6 times a year and decreases the longer you have the virus, with antivirals you may eventually never get an outbreak actively again.
I really hope this helps. Good luck :)
If you had a primary outbreak you would most assuredly know own it. Try to stay grounded on this as the risk was very small. Let me know own when you get the results. If he can't get them then retest with an igg type specific blood test for hsv2
1 Comments
Couldn't the itchy, painful spot on the inside be due to an outbreak? I am hsv1 positive and it's isolated to one spot. The spot appeared within the timeline and I've tried everything on it without relief. I am trying to stay grounded but it's very, very difficult as I am 33 without children and explaining that I have herpes to new boyfriends to watch them run will kill me. I want a life one day. I deserve one. And this POS should be murdered for being dishonest...now, the science of testing.... 3 week 5 week 7 week 9 week 12 week 16 week. When should I expect to see positives?
Sorry but grace rarely comes by the forum anymore.
First thing we need is what tests were given to your boyfriend and what were the positive numeric value of the test. This is very important as hsv testing has some issues and a lot of the medical community is clueless about said issues.
Now any single unprotected exposure to a known positive partner is roughly a 1 in a 1000 chance of contracting the virus. Your few unprotected exposures were a very low risk. That being said your risk will obviously grow as being in a relationship with a positive partner exposes you more often. Anti vitals and condoms offer really good combined protection.
Don't jump to conclusions until all the facts are in. I need his actual results and testing given to assess his status. Does he have hsv1 as well?
First thing we need is what tests were given to your boyfriend and what were the positive numeric value of the test. This is very important as hsv testing has some issues and a lot of the medical community is clueless about said issues.
Now any single unprotected exposure to a known positive partner is roughly a 1 in a 1000 chance of contracting the virus. Your few unprotected exposures were a very low risk. That being said your risk will obviously grow as being in a relationship with a positive partner exposes you more often. Anti vitals and condoms offer really good combined protection.
Don't jump to conclusions until all the facts are in. I need his actual results and testing given to assess his status. Does he have hsv1 as well?
1 Comments
I have no idea. I have asked for his test results but he couldn't get in touch with the nurse so he is calling back Monday. I did read about the low risk from the two unprotected encounters. He assumes this infection has occurred within the last 6 months and I not on suppressive therapy. No idea about HSV1, he says he was never tested for it. Also, I became symptomatic within the timeframe. I have no idea what having herpes is about. I mean I read and read all these things online and it's telling me so many different things and then my doctor says something totally different. I do understand testing and timelines and values and low positives, I just do not know about the actual symptoms. This is a nightmare.
Also- no ANYTHING else can be seen. No rash or redness or ulcers or anything. I have checked downstairs about 300 times in two day, specifically the spot of pain, and I see nothing. Could it be a scratch or tear and due to my checking and the yeast it stays irritated? I'm grasping at any hope or wing of prayer at the moment :( I am and have always been SO careful. I cannot believe this is happening. All parterners have been tested, as well as I, before intercourse.
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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.
