[Question #1571] Should I re-test for HSV before having sex with someone else?

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94 months ago

I had a possible herpes exposure this year on 10/09. I tested negative on 11/13 via IGg blood testing HSV1 & HSV2. No symptoms to date and no further sex encounters since 10/09.

She told me about getting pimples in the vaginal area from time to time. None could be seen during the encounter. She hasn't been tested for HSV and her doctor absolutely won't test without symptoms.

She ran her hand through her pubic hair and then touched my penis.

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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
94 months ago
It doesn't really matter if she has herpes or not - the kind of exposure that you describe with her running her hand through her pubic hair and then touching your penis presents zero risk, even if she did.  It takes a very different kind of contact to transmit herpes - certainly not this. 
If she wants to be tested for herpes, she can now order the test herself, without a physician order.  There are several services online that allow this now. 
Thanks for using our forum to clear up this very easy question!

Terri
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94 months ago
Many thanks for your quick answer.

I also met with her on 9/3. She rubbed her vaginal fluid on my thigh. Could the HSV/whatever else soak through the skin? I tested negative for various STDs, including HSV1/HSV2 IGg blood on 10/04 in addition to 11/13.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
94 months ago
No, the intact thigh skin is too thin for virus to penetrate - not a worry for transmission.

Terri
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