[Question #2257] Herpes Questions
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98 months ago
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Hello. A little background. In November 2016 had protected sex. Memory hazy, but pretty sure protected. Partner was not experiencing signs or systems and tested clean on November 3. January 2017 suspected Pudendal Neuralgia and February 2017 - 11 weeks post sex I was tested for STDs including a Type Specific HSV 2 IgG Antibody blood test. Results were negative except for high-risk HPV. March diagnosed with Molluscum on lower stomach and pubic hair region and treated in April. Multiple doctor visits for fear I contracted genital herpes. April 2017 - 22 weeks after sexual encounter had another Type Specific HSV 2 IgG Antibody blood test and negative result was <.0.91, same as in February. Late May 2017 a possible pimple formed on my Labia Minora. Dr believes it is a pimple but did a DNA swab for Genital herpes to cover her bases. Still waiting on results.
1. Is a negative HSV 2 blood test at 22 weeks reliable, accurate and enough time to form antibodies or should I test again now that I am passed 6 months post encounter? Could I be one of those people who don’t form antibodies?
2. Does a pimple showing up now and after the last blood test indicate the tests missed something and this is an outbreak or could it just be a pimple that has formed from stress and multiple Dr. visits/exams?
3. Is there a chance from the multiple Dr. visits/exams that I contracted genital herpes from sitting on the exam tables without undergarments on? Possibly contracted after blood tests?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
98 months ago
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In a recent study of over 700 people that we have submitted for publication, the IgG for HSV 2 picked up 92% of HSV 2 infections, compared to the gold standard western blot. In 33 years of practice, I ordered thousands of western blots. I had 9 patients who were swab test positive from genital lesions for HSV 2 and were negative by western blot. Sometimes a pimple is just a pimple! Herpes lesions do normally have pus in them like pimples do.
You did NOT contract HSV 2 from an exam table, nope.
Have you previously had fears about contracting herpes?
Terri
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You did NOT contract HSV 2 from an exam table, nope.
Have you previously had fears about contracting herpes?
Terri
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98 months ago
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Hi Terri, I guess I have always had a minor fear of the herpes virus. Primarily, cold sores. Just recently with all of this action in the genital area due to the suspected Pudendal Neuralgia it seems like this fear has moved to contracting genital herpes. I experience a bit of pain, sensitivity, discomfort in the vaginal area currently. In addition, perfect timing to the pain and discomfort I had recently engaged in sexual activity and contracting genital herpes is a risk of such activity. So, I also just want to make sure I have done my due diligence and do the proper testing and at the proper times. To ensure I can absolutely rule it out. Per my question on the 22 weeks testing vs. 6 months, do you think I should repeat the blood test now that I am passed a 26 week post sexual encounter? Thanks for your prompt response.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
98 months ago
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I don't think you will get a better answer at 6 months than you got at 22 weeks.
And here is the other thing - condoms reduce the transmission of herpes from an infected male to an uninfected female by more than 95%. and your sexual encounter was protected.
I think you should rely upon your HSV 2 IgG test and believe that you are not infected.
Terri
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And here is the other thing - condoms reduce the transmission of herpes from an infected male to an uninfected female by more than 95%. and your sexual encounter was protected.
I think you should rely upon your HSV 2 IgG test and believe that you are not infected.
Terri
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
98 months ago
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The 22 weeks IgG is not going to get any better really at 6 months - the western blot will give you a more accurate answer for both HSV 1 and 2, though. If you cannot get this through your own provider, I can help you if you want to absolutely rule this out. Please let me know if I can help.
Terri
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Terri
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98 months ago
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Hi Terri, thank you for the option for the Western Blot. It has been on my mind if I should go that route. I am not sure I can get through my provider. What would this entail and how would it work through you? Also, your earlier response seemed to suggest I should and can rely on the IgG testing. Is there a change in your opinion based on my situation that makes me risky and should do the Western Blot? Also, the HSV culture on the pimple today came back negative. No Herpes simplex isolated. Thank you for your response.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
98 months ago
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oh, I'm glad about the swab test - that's great news.
I only think the western blot would be useful if you cannot move on and stop worrying about this. I'm not recommending it but I know that some people have a very difficult time moving on. It's available as an option, that's all - not a recommendation.
Terri
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I only think the western blot would be useful if you cannot move on and stop worrying about this. I'm not recommending it but I know that some people have a very difficult time moving on. It's available as an option, that's all - not a recommendation.
Terri
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