[Question #2682] Anal Herpes
95 months ago
|
Hi,
Im a 26 year old Male. Ive done extensive research to know for sure that im having my first anal herpes outbreak. Given the symptoms, sexual experience, timing, and all specifics, the fact that "it might not be herpes for sure" is out of question. What Im not sure about is whether I got HSV 1 or HSV 2. Unfortunately, I live in a society that fights homosexuality, sort of! For that reason I wouldn't discuss my case with anyone. I wont even risk discussing it with a doctor. Therefore, I'd like to know:
1) Does having herpes on my anal area, mean I can transmit it through my penis as well? (Note: my penis got no symptoms, and was not touched in any way by the guy who transmitted the virus to my anus.
2) Im thinking of getting a PCR test to find out which type I got. This way I can tell my doctor that I was told by my sexual partner (who's supposedly the opposite sex) that she got herpes, so i want to check if I got it already without symptoms. I know it's better to get the infected area tested, especially that I got the symptoms and the sample can be easily taken from down there, but in my case I don't want to declare my sexual orientation, so I have to make up that story. My question is, does running a PCR test enough to identify the HSV type if I claim that I got no symptoms and there is no area to be looked at?
I am desperate and out of professional advice. Please help me !
![]() |
Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
95 months ago
|
If you truly do have anal herpes, then yes,you can also shed virus from your penis. One study found that for people with buttocks outbreaks only, they shed virus from the genital track about 1/4 of the time when they have buttocks outbreaks. We can extrapolate that this would also be true of anal herpes.
The PCR test is a swab test of lesions so you would need symptoms to have this done. I think you might be mixed up between the PCR and the blood antibody test? The antibody test is an IgG test normally, from the blood. Where do you live?
Terri
---
The PCR test is a swab test of lesions so you would need symptoms to have this done. I think you might be mixed up between the PCR and the blood antibody test? The antibody test is an IgG test normally, from the blood. Where do you live?
Terri
---
![]() |
Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
95 months ago
|
Yes, I do think you are ethically bound to disclose your herpes status to future sex partners if you turn out to have HSV 2 infection. The test you want is IgG, never IgM. And asking for this test will in no way disclose your sexual orientation.
If you take antiviral therapy daily, it will reduce your risk of infection by about half and with condoms as well, the risk of transmission will be very low indeed.
Terri
---
If you take antiviral therapy daily, it will reduce your risk of infection by about half and with condoms as well, the risk of transmission will be very low indeed.
Terri
---