Hsv2 oral and genital

[2creep]

i was diagnosed with hsv 2 in august 2010.. through Igg hsv 2 type specific test.. Igg >5.00 and then Igg 3.8 the second time around. I am hsv1 neg. I got in from a cheating boyfriend... I never had an outbreak that I am aware of.  I live a very healthy lifestyle, eat well, exercise, and live pretty much stress free. I have been on supressive therapy, but do not take valtrex like I should. In other words, I dont take it everyday. I'll pop a pill everytime I feel a little tingle.. or slight itch.

Anyway my questions are:

1) what are the chances of being infected orally and not gentially with hsv 2?  What are my chances of being infected with hsv 2 in both places.

2) is it true that birth control can induce outbreaks? if so, are there any bc pills that people have tried that report less outbreaks than other pills? Just nervous that when I go on bc I am going to have outbreaks.

3) is it true that pregnancy can induce outbreaks? if so, why this?

Also- wanted to say for those of you who are newly diagnosed: its not the end of the world.. sure it sucks having an STD bc its an "STD"- but it hasnt interferred with the quality of my life. I have friends who are constantly sick, have mental disorders, who are on zoloft.. etc.. I rather take valtrex everyday than zoloft, or insulin, or anything else that would effect my life physically. There are worse things in life. I never thought I would say this 6 months ago, but hsv 2 has been a blessing in disguise, might not believe me now, and i rather not have the virus, but it has made me a better person. I look at the world in a completely different way...for the better.  I appreciate all the good in my life that I never did. I am in a new relationship, and he loves me unconditionally. To feel unconditional love is an amazing feeling. I hope everyone can experience it. He is hsv 2 negative.. and is not concerned with getting the virus.. obviously im going to do everything i can to make sure he doesnt get it (i should be better w the valtrex)..he knows its not really a big deal and if he gets it.. he knows there are treatments.. Its not an issue in our relationship, we dont talk about it. I guess it was helpful that his best guy friend has it, and he knows that is not a big deal to him, and he sees how it doesnt effect him.

Remember that it is true that "time heals" but its what you do with your time that heals. Do not spend too much time on this forum or any other website. You need to get out and live! .. forget about the stigma..!! hsv 2 might as well be acne! Sure we wish there was a cure for ACNE.. it sucks when you get an outbreak.. especially before a special night out.. there is no cure...but treatment.. like any other skin disease!

"Those who mind dont matter.. and those who matter dont mind" - live by it!!

[gracefromHHP]

they compare your sample to a control sample that they know is positive and then it comes up with a percentage of likelihood that it's the same that is converted into a numeric result like the ones folks post here.

[gracefromHHP]

yes it is in some body fluids - they can pick up the virus as they go over actively shedding areas.  

semen ending up on your leg isn't a risk for transmission though. it's the sex act itself that is the risk, not just the semen. make sense?

[gracefromHHP]

we don't know why there are false positives exactly.  Plenty of research is going into it but other than prior hsv1 infection, no good reason as to why some folks will test falsely positive on the tests we currently offer.

totally up to you if you want to pursue a WB.  sometimes the peace of mind is certainly worth it :)  

[gracefromHHP]

you've only ever had one partner in a lifetime?

were you ever tested for herpes prior to this?


we've only ever had 1 poster who followed up on a positive outside of the typical false positive range who had a negative WB.

[2creep]

Is there anyway I dont have hsv 2 after testing the way i did? If just hard for me to grasp since I really have had no outbreaks. I just think that other factors can influence igg antibody tests for hsv just like other factors influence hiv/ lyme/ hep tests. I have read enought research to know what studies have been conducted...etc.  

My personal hang up is that my partner who would have infected me tested negative at 4 months post potential exposure.  There is no one else that would have infected me.  As of my diagnoses I have been living like i have it. Have accepted it for the most part, but I still have doubts. Should I get the Western Blot? I know its not recommended for confirmation with the results of my igg test being so high, but should I get it anyway? whats the harm?

I have read some postings on this forum with people getting high positive igg test results and then consistent indeterminate or negative western blot. Thats what worries me. Maybe I am one of those people? I know the odds are low.  What do you think?

[gracefromHHP]

Almost everyone who has hsv2, has it genitally. You can also have it orally but the risk of such is small. even if you do have it orally, it's not going to shed much there or reoccur so it's not much of an issue.

you need to take your valtrex every single day if you want it to reduce ob's and protect a partner.  It won't work if you don't take it.

birth control pills have been found to cause more shedding of hsv2 than in gals who aren't on the pill. Taking daily suppressive therapy with valtrex negates that effect.

pregnancy lowers your immune system as well as stresses your body. not unusual at all to have ob's when pregnant.  

grace