Tested Positive for HSV-2 and is extremely worried

[phazer]

Dear Doctor, I am preparing for marriage and has undergone a sexual health check at my GP recently.
The result came back all negative with the exception of HSV Type 2 IgG Ab being >3.5. My HSV Type 1 IgG Ab is <0.2.

My sexual history includes visiting massage parlours with just hand jobs and body to body massage(contact of penis with breast). I also only have vaginal intercourse with only 1 partner (my current fiancee). She also does not have any vaginal intercourse with anyone else except for body to body contact (penis to vagina) only

I am extremely worried that I will affect her. Can you help me please.

[auntiejessi]

If you've only had vaginal intercourse with your fiancee, then she has to be your source. If you've only had handjobs and breast to penis contact with the others, then you can't have gotten hsv2 from them. She could have gotten it from penis to vagina contact, depending on the amount of contact they had.

In any case, she needs to test. You'll know more then.

If she doesn't have it, there is a chance you could infect her, but let's address that when we find out if she's already positive.

[phazer]

Hi auntie jessi, she is tested negative for hsv2 recently. Is it conclusive that I have hsv2?

Other than that, is it also possible to spread hsv2 by sharing food and drink with other people?

[auntiejessi]

No, it isn't possible to transmit it that way.

Do you have your actual results? Are you sure that's what they say?

[phazer]

Hi, thanks for your reply. Yes the hsv2 result says it is >3.5 last year for me. I am getting tested again as I had a "cut" at the lower end of my penis shaft when I pull down the skin. The doctor is able to perform a swab this time round.

I am hoping it's a false positive. Do you think it is possible?

[phazer]

Oh I forgot to say that I had sex with her even though my HSV 2 igg >3.5 and she was still tested hsv2 negative after about 6 months.

[auntiejessi]

Sure, it's always possible to have a false positive. Why did you test in the first place - was it because of this cut?

It's very possible for you to have sex with her, assuming you have it, and for her not to get it.

The transmission rates for hsv2, male to female, over the course of a year, assuming sex 2-3 times a week:

Only avoiding sex during an outbreak - 8-10%

Adding condoms OR daily suppression - 4-5%

Adding condoms AND daily suppression - 2-3%

Chances are far more likely that you wouldn't transmit it, but if you do end up having it, you should consider taking some steps to make sure she doesn't get it, at least if/when you are trying to start a family, or while she is pregnant. We can cover that more if you find out you have it, though.