[Question #4913] HSV1 & 2 Further Testing

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78 months ago

I hope this will be my last question on here. I had on and off relations with a woman starting back in June. In early August she informed me she was positive for HSV1 and HSV2. We had unprotected intercourse multiple times before she was diagnosed. Since then we fooled around every now and then but no intercourse. Mostly making out, fingering, and me receiving oral from her. We had brief protected intercourse early November lasting maybe a minute. I have tested negative for HSV1 & 2 multiple times since June. 3 weeks from last unprotected sex, 6 weeks from last unprotected sex, and 19 weeks from last unprotected sex. My last encounter with her was nearly 7 weeks ago. I received oral from her, no cold sores were present at the time. I showed no symptoms in the weeks after. After next week it’ll be 8 weeks since then. I’m planning on getting tested for HSV1 & 2 at that time. All of this has been stressful and has interfered with pursuing romantic relationships. If negative, would there be any reason to get tested again or can I call it good?

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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
78 months ago
Since you have had no symptoms, an eight week result is likely to be the correct result but some people can take up to 12 weeks to become positive on this test. Given everything that you have told me and the timing of your testing, I think HSV to infection here is highly unlikely. The other thing is that the IgG test Mrs. 30% of HSV one infections so it is possible for you to be infected for a long time and not have it picked up on the test, even prior to your relationship with her. Do you know if she is taking antiviral medicine daily?

Terri
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78 months ago
As far as I know she’s not on antivirals. To clarify the last time we had intercourse it was brief, protected, and in November. The last time I saw her she gave me unprotected oral. Would there be any reason you see to test again after 8 weeks past unprotected oral sexv
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
78 months ago
Again, we like 12 weeks for optimal waiting time for both HSV one and HSV-2. So I think you're really good and they just need to and the IgG tests is not going to get any better for that if you wait any longer.  With the HSV one, is very likely that it will stay negative but I still get the 12 week guidance.

Terri
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78 months ago
Even with 12 weeks being optimal can I pretty much trust an 8 week result after brief oral exposure? 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
78 months ago
yes

Terri
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