Aa
chances of actually having HSV2?
I'm a 44 year old male in a 2 year+ relationship with a 37 y.o female. As far as I know she is faithful. She has an IUD so we have unprotected sex Regretfully I have not been faithful.
Once or twice a year i have visited escorts for unprotected oral sex(I received) and vaginal sex with condom. Over the course the the past 2+ years I've had 5 or 6 such encounters, different woman each time.
In July 2017 I tested neg for HSV2, IgG( this is in the first year of our relationship). We started dating toward the end of 2016, we started having unprotected sex around middle of 2017, around the time of my first test.
In January 2018 I tested equivocal for HSV2 IgG, like a 0.90. I was told it was borderline, to retest later, could be false positive or just exposure to the virus without seroconversion. I never got an outbreak, and never made it back for a retest until recently. I've had 2 escort encounters since the last test, and this got me a little scared.
April 15, 2019 I retested and got a reading of 1.10 for HSV2 IgG, just over the positive threshold. The lab did a 2nd supplemental IgG from the same draw, and that said it was negative, no number given. In between the last test and this one I've had 3 encounters with escorts, last one being April 4th. Last sexual encounter with my girlfriend was around March 30th.
At the most recent followup the doctor said that the test was inconclusive and to retest 4 weeks from the last test, so May 9th. She felt I have a 50/50 chance of seroconverting at this point.
1. My doctor also said she thought the equivocal test from 2018 and the results from this most recent test are unrelated exposures based on the fact that the numbers didn't rise much. Have I been exposed by my girlfriend for the past 2 years , and she didn't know she was HSV2+ going into the relationship with me, but somehow I haven't completely seroconverted, but am still testing borderline for antibodies.
2. Is it possible that the positive result could be false positives
3. Or are the positive results caused by my encounters with the escorts? What's the most likely scenario?
4. I haven't brought this up with the girlfriend yet. I'm waiting for my retest in May. Until then I'll have to abstain. Is there any benefit to me of taking antivirals now in an effort to fight off seroconversion?
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Once or twice a year i have visited escorts for unprotected oral sex(I received) and vaginal sex with condom. Over the course the the past 2+ years I've had 5 or 6 such encounters, different woman each time.
In July 2017 I tested neg for HSV2, IgG( this is in the first year of our relationship). We started dating toward the end of 2016, we started having unprotected sex around middle of 2017, around the time of my first test.
In January 2018 I tested equivocal for HSV2 IgG, like a 0.90. I was told it was borderline, to retest later, could be false positive or just exposure to the virus without seroconversion. I never got an outbreak, and never made it back for a retest until recently. I've had 2 escort encounters since the last test, and this got me a little scared.
April 15, 2019 I retested and got a reading of 1.10 for HSV2 IgG, just over the positive threshold. The lab did a 2nd supplemental IgG from the same draw, and that said it was negative, no number given. In between the last test and this one I've had 3 encounters with escorts, last one being April 4th. Last sexual encounter with my girlfriend was around March 30th.
At the most recent followup the doctor said that the test was inconclusive and to retest 4 weeks from the last test, so May 9th. She felt I have a 50/50 chance of seroconverting at this point.
1. My doctor also said she thought the equivocal test from 2018 and the results from this most recent test are unrelated exposures based on the fact that the numbers didn't rise much. Have I been exposed by my girlfriend for the past 2 years , and she didn't know she was HSV2+ going into the relationship with me, but somehow I haven't completely seroconverted, but am still testing borderline for antibodies.
2. Is it possible that the positive result could be false positives
3. Or are the positive results caused by my encounters with the escorts? What's the most likely scenario?
4. I haven't brought this up with the girlfriend yet. I'm waiting for my retest in May. Until then I'll have to abstain. Is there any benefit to me of taking antivirals now in an effort to fight off seroconversion?
Thanks in advance for your answers.
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1. My doctor also said she thought the equivocal test from 2018 and the results from this most recent test are unrelated exposures based on the fact that the numbers didn't rise much. Have I been exposed by my girlfriend for the past 2 years , and she didn't know she was HSV2+ going into the relationship with me, but somehow I haven't completely seroconverted, but am still testing borderline for antibodies.
There is no way to know this, unless your gf tests negative. Your gf could test positive, and you could have transmitted to her, she could have transmitted to you, and you'll never know.
2. Is it possible that the positive result could be false positives
YES. Your result is barely a positive. The official test results say that anything over a 1.1 is positive, but most experts in the field think that anything under a 3.5 needs to be confirmed, especially in the presence of an existing hsv1 infection.
3. Or are the positive results caused by my encounters with the escorts? What's the most likely scenario?
No way of knowing this. I don't know your gf's sexual history, or the history of the escorts. Either are possible.
4. I haven't brought this up with the girlfriend yet. I'm waiting for my retest in May. Until then I'll have to abstain. Is there any benefit to me of taking antivirals now in an effort to fight off seroconversion?
Nope. If you have it, you have it. I'd suggest NOT taking them since there is some evidence of antivirals perhaps slowing seroconversion, and you'd have to wait longer for conclusive test results.
There is no way to know this, unless your gf tests negative. Your gf could test positive, and you could have transmitted to her, she could have transmitted to you, and you'll never know.
2. Is it possible that the positive result could be false positives
YES. Your result is barely a positive. The official test results say that anything over a 1.1 is positive, but most experts in the field think that anything under a 3.5 needs to be confirmed, especially in the presence of an existing hsv1 infection.
3. Or are the positive results caused by my encounters with the escorts? What's the most likely scenario?
No way of knowing this. I don't know your gf's sexual history, or the history of the escorts. Either are possible.
4. I haven't brought this up with the girlfriend yet. I'm waiting for my retest in May. Until then I'll have to abstain. Is there any benefit to me of taking antivirals now in an effort to fight off seroconversion?
Nope. If you have it, you have it. I'd suggest NOT taking them since there is some evidence of antivirals perhaps slowing seroconversion, and you'd have to wait longer for conclusive test results.
3 Comments
thanks for the insight auntie jessi. I guess I'll have to wait until May to see what my results are, I'll update my status as soon as I find out, then take it from there. Until then I'll abstain.
Obviously I hope we both test negative. but if we both test positive, would a higher value on the IgG test indicate a longer duration of infection?
One beacon of hope is that since my april 2019 test for HSV2 IgG was 1.1, they ran it a second time from the same blood draw and that one said negative. Like I mentioned before, they didn't give any number value to that, it just said negative.
I'll post results in May.
Once again thanks.
Obviously I hope we both test negative. but if we both test positive, would a higher value on the IgG test indicate a longer duration of infection?
One beacon of hope is that since my april 2019 test for HSV2 IgG was 1.1, they ran it a second time from the same blood draw and that one said negative. Like I mentioned before, they didn't give any number value to that, it just said negative.
I'll post results in May.
Once again thanks.
"if we both test positive, would a higher value on the IgG test indicate a longer duration of infection?" -
No. You could have a really high number with a new infection, or an older one. I've had it for 10+ years. My test today could be 9.7, tomorrow could be 11.2, and the following day be 6.9. It just depends on the day, on who's reading the test, etc. The only thing that matters is that it's conclusively positive. My herpes isn't better or worse on one day to the next, and it has no indication on the length of my infection.
Good news that the second test was negative. That's a good sign. :)
No. You could have a really high number with a new infection, or an older one. I've had it for 10+ years. My test today could be 9.7, tomorrow could be 11.2, and the following day be 6.9. It just depends on the day, on who's reading the test, etc. The only thing that matters is that it's conclusively positive. My herpes isn't better or worse on one day to the next, and it has no indication on the length of my infection.
Good news that the second test was negative. That's a good sign. :)
So just a quick update as promised.
Had another HSV2 IgG done on may 6.
results came back 1.33 and a supplemental IgG came back positive.
Not sure what the supplemental is or why it's rated simply positive/negative, but doctor said it's the same test, taken from the same sample.
(back in April it was 1.10 and the supplemental was negative).
Also I tested non-reactive to HSV1 IgG each and everytime.
1. so what does this mean? I know on these forums the experts say anything under 3.5 is suspect, but my urologist was pretty certain i have the infection, and this was based on my equivocal number or .9 from last year. but what are the implications? statistically what is the likelihood it's a false positive? If I don't have the infection, will the IgG number stay the same or drop below equivocal over time (assuming future exposures?)
2. If I do have the infection does the IgG number just steadily rise over time or moves up and down but always above the equivocal range)
bear in mind i've not had an outbreak that I'm aware of
3. what does the number even mean? what is the test actually testing for?
4. if my girlfriend tests undeniably positive, should we still take precautions with her taking antivirals to protect me, or is it a done deal that I have the infection?
5. is there an even more accurate test available?
Thanks.
Had another HSV2 IgG done on may 6.
results came back 1.33 and a supplemental IgG came back positive.
Not sure what the supplemental is or why it's rated simply positive/negative, but doctor said it's the same test, taken from the same sample.
(back in April it was 1.10 and the supplemental was negative).
Also I tested non-reactive to HSV1 IgG each and everytime.
1. so what does this mean? I know on these forums the experts say anything under 3.5 is suspect, but my urologist was pretty certain i have the infection, and this was based on my equivocal number or .9 from last year. but what are the implications? statistically what is the likelihood it's a false positive? If I don't have the infection, will the IgG number stay the same or drop below equivocal over time (assuming future exposures?)
2. If I do have the infection does the IgG number just steadily rise over time or moves up and down but always above the equivocal range)
bear in mind i've not had an outbreak that I'm aware of
3. what does the number even mean? what is the test actually testing for?
4. if my girlfriend tests undeniably positive, should we still take precautions with her taking antivirals to protect me, or is it a done deal that I have the infection?
5. is there an even more accurate test available?
Thanks.
So just a quick update as promised.
Had another HSV2 IgG done on may 6.
results came back 1.33 and a supplemental IgG came back positive.
Not sure what the supplemental is or why it's rated simply positive/negative, but doctor said it's the same test, taken from the same sample.
(back in April it was 1.10 and the supplemental was negative).
Also I tested non-reactive to HSV1 IgG each and everytime.
1. so what does this mean? I know on these forums the experts say anything under 3.5 is suspect, but my urologist was pretty certain i have the infection, and this was based on my equivocal number or .9 from last year. but what are the implications? statistically what is the likelihood it's a false positive? If I don't have the infection, will the IgG number stay the same or drop below equivocal over time (assuming future exposures?)
2. If I do have the infection does the IgG number just steadily rise over time or moves up and down but always above the equivocal range)
bear in mind i've not had an outbreak that I'm aware of
3. what does the number even mean? what is the test actually testing for?
4. if my girlfriend tests undeniably positive, should we still take precautions with her taking antivirals to protect me, or is it a done deal that I have the infection?
5. is there an even more accurate test available?
Thanks.
Had another HSV2 IgG done on may 6.
results came back 1.33 and a supplemental IgG came back positive.
Not sure what the supplemental is or why it's rated simply positive/negative, but doctor said it's the same test, taken from the same sample.
(back in April it was 1.10 and the supplemental was negative).
Also I tested non-reactive to HSV1 IgG each and everytime.
1. so what does this mean? I know on these forums the experts say anything under 3.5 is suspect, but my urologist was pretty certain i have the infection, and this was based on my equivocal number or .9 from last year. but what are the implications? statistically what is the likelihood it's a false positive? If I don't have the infection, will the IgG number stay the same or drop below equivocal over time (assuming future exposures?)
2. If I do have the infection does the IgG number just steadily rise over time or moves up and down but always above the equivocal range)
bear in mind i've not had an outbreak that I'm aware of
3. what does the number even mean? what is the test actually testing for?
4. if my girlfriend tests undeniably positive, should we still take precautions with her taking antivirals to protect me, or is it a done deal that I have the infection?
5. is there an even more accurate test available?
Thanks.
7 Comments
If I were you, I'd get a Western Blot test.
Are you in the US?
There are two ways you can do this.
You can go through Terri Warren, who is one of the world's leading experts on herpes, though that's self pay only, I think - https://westoverheights.com/herpes/getting-a-western-blot/
You can also see if you can get your doctor to order it, and work with the Univ of Washington to get it done. https://depts.washington.edu/uwviro/
The IgG test is looking for antibodies. You can't really judge too much based on numbers rising, because they can rise and fall on any given day. How long has it been since your last encounter with an escort? If it's been more than 4 months, your antibodies would be developed, not developing.
If your gf tests positive, and you end up negative after a western blot, if you choose to do that, then she could take antivirals to help protect you.
These are the transmission rates for ghsv2, from a woman to a man:
Ghsv2 transmission, 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%
It's up to you what to do. I wouldn't take it as a definite positive test yet. Your numbers are still really low.
I also found this, if you'd like to share it with your doctor in hopes of getting further testing - https://newsroom.uw.edu/news/study-questions-reliability-diagnostic-tests-herpes
Are you in the US?
There are two ways you can do this.
You can go through Terri Warren, who is one of the world's leading experts on herpes, though that's self pay only, I think - https://westoverheights.com/herpes/getting-a-western-blot/
You can also see if you can get your doctor to order it, and work with the Univ of Washington to get it done. https://depts.washington.edu/uwviro/
The IgG test is looking for antibodies. You can't really judge too much based on numbers rising, because they can rise and fall on any given day. How long has it been since your last encounter with an escort? If it's been more than 4 months, your antibodies would be developed, not developing.
If your gf tests positive, and you end up negative after a western blot, if you choose to do that, then she could take antivirals to help protect you.
These are the transmission rates for ghsv2, from a woman to a man:
Ghsv2 transmission, 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%
It's up to you what to do. I wouldn't take it as a definite positive test yet. Your numbers are still really low.
I also found this, if you'd like to share it with your doctor in hopes of getting further testing - https://newsroom.uw.edu/news/study-questions-reliability-diagnostic-tests-herpes
Auntiejessi,
Thanks for the response. I'll look into the Western Blot. I'll ask the doctor about it at my followup appointment this week. Why is this test so uncommon?
I appreciate the support of this forum and you in particular, Auntiejessi.
It just seems like there is a lot of confusing sometimes contradictory info about the topic of herpes
To answer your question about timeline:
started unprotected sex with girlfriend around 1/17
sporadic escort encounters every few months, maybe total of 6 or 7 from 2017-2019
last negative result was 7/17
about 3 escort exposures since 7/17 until first equivocal result
first equivocal result 1/18
last escort exposure was 12/18
first low positive result was 4/19
second low positive result was 5/19
The thing I'm unclear about is, does there have to be some source of exposure to the virus to even get an equivocal or low positive result, even if one is not necessarily "infected"? or can these equivocal/low positive results just happen?
Thanks.
Thanks for the response. I'll look into the Western Blot. I'll ask the doctor about it at my followup appointment this week. Why is this test so uncommon?
I appreciate the support of this forum and you in particular, Auntiejessi.
It just seems like there is a lot of confusing sometimes contradictory info about the topic of herpes
To answer your question about timeline:
started unprotected sex with girlfriend around 1/17
sporadic escort encounters every few months, maybe total of 6 or 7 from 2017-2019
last negative result was 7/17
about 3 escort exposures since 7/17 until first equivocal result
first equivocal result 1/18
last escort exposure was 12/18
first low positive result was 4/19
second low positive result was 5/19
The thing I'm unclear about is, does there have to be some source of exposure to the virus to even get an equivocal or low positive result, even if one is not necessarily "infected"? or can these equivocal/low positive results just happen?
Thanks.
"can these equivocal/low positive results just happen?"
Yes, they can just happen. Obviously, people who are testing are concerned about exposure, and aren't virgins, so it's hard to know if every person who gets a false positive has ever been exposed to herpes or not, and since the test includes hsv1, most people have been exposed.
So your first low positive test was 4 months after your last escort exposure. You would have developed antibodies by then, unless your encounter was say, Dec 31, and you tested maybe April 1, though most people test positive by 6 weeks. I wouldn't expect your numbers to be rising under the "developing antibodies theory".
The Western Blot is expensive, and not many labs run it, so it's not done nearly as often as the IgG.
I hope you get some answers.
Yes, they can just happen. Obviously, people who are testing are concerned about exposure, and aren't virgins, so it's hard to know if every person who gets a false positive has ever been exposed to herpes or not, and since the test includes hsv1, most people have been exposed.
So your first low positive test was 4 months after your last escort exposure. You would have developed antibodies by then, unless your encounter was say, Dec 31, and you tested maybe April 1, though most people test positive by 6 weeks. I wouldn't expect your numbers to be rising under the "developing antibodies theory".
The Western Blot is expensive, and not many labs run it, so it's not done nearly as often as the IgG.
I hope you get some answers.
Thanks Auntiejessi,
If I'm interpreting what you're saying correctly, it seems unlikely that I acquired HSV2 from the escorts based on the timeline of the exposures in relation to the tests.
However, I'm now concerned that my girlfriend is an unknowing carrier, and is the source of my possible exposures. I don't know if I should even bring this up to her in the first place. I don't want to cause her unnecessary stress. Neither of us have outbreaks. If I'm being honest, if it werent for my infidelity and my worries about STD's, I never would have been tested,given my lack of symptoms; and therefore I would have been blissfully unaware of my equivocal/low positive status.
What do you suggest?
If I'm interpreting what you're saying correctly, it seems unlikely that I acquired HSV2 from the escorts based on the timeline of the exposures in relation to the tests.
However, I'm now concerned that my girlfriend is an unknowing carrier, and is the source of my possible exposures. I don't know if I should even bring this up to her in the first place. I don't want to cause her unnecessary stress. Neither of us have outbreaks. If I'm being honest, if it werent for my infidelity and my worries about STD's, I never would have been tested,given my lack of symptoms; and therefore I would have been blissfully unaware of my equivocal/low positive status.
What do you suggest?
Well, you don't even know that you've been exposed, really.
You have what's a very low borderline indeterminate result, and a very very low positive. As I said before, most herpes experts think anything under a 3.5 needs to be confirmed.
Since you use condoms with the escorts, it's not likely you'd get herpes from them (it's possible, but not likely). Given all of this, I'd be inclined to go with your tests being a false positive, and move on.
That's just me, though, and you need to use your own judgement. I understand fully why you don't want to tell her that you cheated, and I usually agree with that sentiment, since most people want to tell to relieve their guilt. If there was a question of you having an STD that could harm her if left untreated, I'd nag you until you told her. Herpes won't harm her, even if she does have it and doesn't know.
The only exception to this will be if you have a baby. (That may not be an option for you both, I don't know, so I'm including it anyway.) If you all decide to have a baby, she should know her herpes status, but it's something her OBGYN will talk to her about if she does.
I'm not sure why you see escorts, and it isn't remotely my business. The only reason I bring it up is because if there is something you aren't getting from your gf and do from the escorts, ask your gf for it. She may do it. :) (You don't even have to respond to this part - I'm just making a suggestion. Maybe you've tried that - I don't know, and again, not my business.)
In any case, my inclination would be to move on from it, unless you get symptoms. You'll need to make your own choice.
You have what's a very low borderline indeterminate result, and a very very low positive. As I said before, most herpes experts think anything under a 3.5 needs to be confirmed.
Since you use condoms with the escorts, it's not likely you'd get herpes from them (it's possible, but not likely). Given all of this, I'd be inclined to go with your tests being a false positive, and move on.
That's just me, though, and you need to use your own judgement. I understand fully why you don't want to tell her that you cheated, and I usually agree with that sentiment, since most people want to tell to relieve their guilt. If there was a question of you having an STD that could harm her if left untreated, I'd nag you until you told her. Herpes won't harm her, even if she does have it and doesn't know.
The only exception to this will be if you have a baby. (That may not be an option for you both, I don't know, so I'm including it anyway.) If you all decide to have a baby, she should know her herpes status, but it's something her OBGYN will talk to her about if she does.
I'm not sure why you see escorts, and it isn't remotely my business. The only reason I bring it up is because if there is something you aren't getting from your gf and do from the escorts, ask your gf for it. She may do it. :) (You don't even have to respond to this part - I'm just making a suggestion. Maybe you've tried that - I don't know, and again, not my business.)
In any case, my inclination would be to move on from it, unless you get symptoms. You'll need to make your own choice.
"I'm not sure why you see escorts, and it isn't remotely my business."
Ha ha, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure either. I'm certainly not proud of my actions, and the event always leaves me disappointed and ashamed. I guess there are probably several underlying driving factors, but that's a discussion for a whole other forum.
I guess I'll just move on as you suggest, I may pursue a Western blot test if I can find a doctor nearby that can help me administer it, but at this point it's not a super high priority. I'll certainly post updates as they come.
Once again, thank you :)
Ha ha, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure either. I'm certainly not proud of my actions, and the event always leaves me disappointed and ashamed. I guess there are probably several underlying driving factors, but that's a discussion for a whole other forum.
I guess I'll just move on as you suggest, I may pursue a Western blot test if I can find a doctor nearby that can help me administer it, but at this point it's not a super high priority. I'll certainly post updates as they come.
Once again, thank you :)
You're welcome, and please do keep us updated if you decide to pursue further testing.
Best to you. :)
Best to you. :)
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