I would like to find out when and how often I shed. Testing was done to figure out about how much shedding occurs right? Can that be done at home or do I have to get involved in a testing? I have herpes 1 and 2 with no symptoms. 

Testing can be done to determine the frequency of viral shedding yes, but it if expensive and you would need to find a provider who would work with you on how to do this.  When my clinic was open, we had people swabbing daily to determine their shedding frequency but I'm not clear how you might get that done now.  Each swab is about $50-$200, depending up on the price the lab has negotiated with your provider. What you want is PCR, not culture.  The price could be very very different in your area than mine.  I doubt that you would qualify for a research study because most studies require a certain number of outbreaks per year to enroll.

Terri
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How many times does it take to find out the pattern? 

Also would planned parenthood do this if paid for?

Sorry I did not get all on one reply. I live in WA state which is where Western blots are done from what I understand. Have they tested women with no symptoms to see if they shed? I think that would be important to see if we actually do shed. 

Yes, we have done studies looking at people who have no recognized symptoms and they do shed.  I'm not sure if Planned Parenthood would do that or not.  It would be easiest if you could work on this with an OB or GP.  When I did it with people, we often combined seven swabs in one vial.  Cheaper, and it would allow you to know if you shed virus with a week but it would not allow you to see the exact number of days that you shed.  But if you swabbed for two months (I would not suggest less time) and didn't shed at all, that would be good news, right?  The whole issue is the cost and also learning how to do it correctly, of course.

Terri
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Thank you so much! So shedding happens every week? Wow I am so surprised my husband did not get Herpes 2. We were very active. If I can see if I shed in a week sounds like it will tell me if I shed at all. If I do then I will know I really have this. I am truly struggling with this. It just does not make sense yet. 

Dr Hunter Handsfield is here in WA. Would he be a possible person to help me with this? I don't see his contact anywhere. 

I doubt that, no, I'll ask him but no, I don't think so .    You'll need to find a private provider for this.  You can also contact the Viral Disease clinic in Seattle to see if they may have any studies for you that would involve swabbing.  This is your last post on this subscription, Lynn. 

Terri
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