Why don't they test regularly for herpes?

[blue8421]

I recently decided to get an STD test after having unprotected sex this summer. I had no symptoms, but just wanted to get a check up. I was tested for everything in Feb of this year and was clean, including herpes 2. I had to ask them to test for herpes, since they usually don't.

My results this time, 6 months later, were positive for herpes 2. I wish I hadn't asked! Now I feel obligated to tell future partners. My doctor said they didn't usually test for it because knowing "isn't very helpful." I don't know what to do. It seems that if everyone got tested all the time then more people would know that they have it and it would spread less. If I hadn't asked for the test, I wouldn't have known, and could have continued my life as usual. Since I've never had an outbreak and I always use a condom, the risks of passing it along to a man are low, correct? I guess I feel angry that now the obligation is on my shoulders, when if I had followed a doctor's advice I would have been blissfully ignorant. Are my days of casual sex over?

Is it possible the test is false? Is it worth the heartache it to get tested again? I know this is a very common STD and that millions have it, but there is still such a horrible social stigma attached to having it. I really don't know how to proceed with future partners (I am single but hope to get married some day).

[turquoise13]

Hey, you are familiar that taking HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) meds has nothing to do with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), right? Your doctor or nurse will tell you that vaccines for one type of STI (Sex Trans Infection) will not cause false positives in screenings for others STI's.  

[maybo137]

hi,
My doctor says he has never had anyone come back negitive for a herpes antivurs test.  That is why most doctors dont test.  People freak if they find out they got it and dont know it.  If you have a perspective lover and require a std/aids test ask him/her to get the herpes anitvirus test too.  The older you are the higher the percentage of having antibodies.  IF you have anitbodies you cant catch it again.  

Best of luck

[auntiejessi]

No, the vaccine shouldn't affect the test.

Aj

[blue8421]

Thanks. I will get the results and post them. I am also in the process of getting the HPV vaccine--is it possible that the antibodies that the vaccine produces would affect the test results? I got the second shot the same day as the blood was taken.

[auntiejessi]

Do you have the exact results?  If you can get a copy of it and post the result here, we can help figure out what the chances of a false positive are.  Your result should have a numeric value to it - like HSV2 IgG 1.8 or 5.2 or something.

Doctors don't test regularly because it takes time to explain the results, and a lot of them are ill informed.   Its unfortunate.

In the meantime, you should read the herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com and check out the herpes forum here.

Aj