[Question #3262] Fear of contracting HSV-2
 |
90 months ago
|
Hello Dr,
I'm a 20 year old male and a month ago I slept with a 22 year old female twice over the period of 3 days and used condoms both times. Before this exposure my tests for HSV-1 and HSV-2 were both negative. After sleeping with a new partner I get this terrible anxiety that I've caught an STD, especially HSV2. What is my actual risk for contracting HSV2? Ive had no symptoms that indicate herpes infection but this anxiety doesn't seem to go away until I get several negative blood tests. Also, how long after possible exposure can you consider the results of a herpes blood test accurate? Some say 6 weeks others say 3-6 months. And is there a possibility I have HSV-1 and it just doesn'
|
90 months ago
|
HSV2 is my main concern but I'm also confused about my negative HSV-1 tests. I know most people have it and I've read some people just don't have detectable antibodies because they'v had it so long. I've kissed so many girls before I even started having sex. Also whats your advice for this terrible anxiety? How long should I wait after this to get tested again?
 |
Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
90 months ago
|
Have you had this anxiety before about herpes? It sounds from your post like maybe you have? What relieved the anxiety in the past if you have experienced at this in the past?
I would advise testing once at 12 weeks post exposure, though I would be so surprised if you got infected at this encounter - it sounds quite safe to me! The risk of contracting HSV 2 with 3 intercourse all using condoms is incredibly low! Probably well under 1 in 5,000.
The IgG test misses 30% of HSV 1 infections compared to the herpes western blot but if you did the Western blot and it came back positive for type one, you could not know if your infection was oral or genital. But if it was negative, you could relax about the whole thing. We do not recommend doing Western blots until 12 weeks have passed since a worrisome encounter.
Terri
---
I would advise testing once at 12 weeks post exposure, though I would be so surprised if you got infected at this encounter - it sounds quite safe to me! The risk of contracting HSV 2 with 3 intercourse all using condoms is incredibly low! Probably well under 1 in 5,000.
The IgG test misses 30% of HSV 1 infections compared to the herpes western blot but if you did the Western blot and it came back positive for type one, you could not know if your infection was oral or genital. But if it was negative, you could relax about the whole thing. We do not recommend doing Western blots until 12 weeks have passed since a worrisome encounter.
Terri
---
|
90 months ago
|
Terri!
Thank you for your input and all that you do. Yes, I have gone through this anxiety before and it was the igg tests after 3 months that relieved me. How'd you know? I don't exactly know why I specifically worry about Herpes. Its almost like OCD. This made me feel so much better. I've been so down in the dumps. I wanna be safe and even having protected sex i always worry. After my 12 week results I'm going to refrain from casual protected sex until i find someone i really love because its causing me serious anxiety thats getting in the way of living my life. I used to have cold sores when I was a lot younger but never have them anymore which is why I was confused about always testing negative for HSV1 several times. I'm probably in that 30% that just doesnt show up for it. I will mention though i talked to the partner and she said shes STI free and i didnt see any lesions or anything.
|
90 months ago
|
Since I've tested negative for HSV1 5 or 6 times its probably not probable I'll all of the sudden ill test positive right? And how accurate will an IGG be at 6 weeks?
|
Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
90 months ago
|
Many people have OCD about herpes - it is amazingly common, I think. You are not alone.
The IgG will be about 70% accurate at 6 weeks. That means if the test is negative at 6 weeks, there is a 70% chance it will remain negative at a final 12 weeks test.
yes, in my experience, if the IgG test misses and infection, it misses it repeatedly. It seems clear to me that if what you had was cold sores as a child, the IgG is missing your HSV 1 infection.
Terri
---
The IgG will be about 70% accurate at 6 weeks. That means if the test is negative at 6 weeks, there is a 70% chance it will remain negative at a final 12 weeks test.
yes, in my experience, if the IgG test misses and infection, it misses it repeatedly. It seems clear to me that if what you had was cold sores as a child, the IgG is missing your HSV 1 infection.
Terri
---
|
90 months ago
|
I know I'm out of replies and that you don't have to respond but recently ive been getting what seemed like bug bites on my thighs and arms. On friday night 2 days ago i noticed one singular red raised bump on the side of the shaft of my penis. I went to the doctor and she said it doesn't look like Herpes or Syphillis. Do you think it is a bug bite?
|
Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
90 months ago
|
It could have been a bug bit but without testing,it really isn't possible to know about a particular lesion.
Terri
---
Terri
---