[Question #7799] HSV1 Symptoms and Questions
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52 months ago
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About a month ago I did a full panel STD testing and found that I’m positive for HSV1 with IGG value of 47. At first I didn’t remember ever having an outbreak or symptoms, but in thinking back to about 16 years ago I remembered shortly after having oral sex (giving and receiving) I developed genital sores and burning/stinging while urinating. I went to a low income clinic where they told me it was HPV and gave me pills and a cream. I got better and never thought about it again. Now in present time I’ve had odd vaginal and anal symptoms. Anal itching and sharp pains internally. Occasional vaginal itching on the outside and inside; tenderness and tingling in clitoris area, to where it’s uncomfortable to sit; sharp pains on outer labia and vulva area; sometimes tingling in outer things. These sensations both anal and vaginal have occurred consistently since January 2021. I’ve never had a swab test and I tested Indeterminate for BV so I’m taking antibiotics for it. My questions are:
- Would “prodrome” symptoms last this long without ever having an outbreak or any sores or lesions? My primary care physician said I would have developed lesions by now, but my OBGYN said it could be an outbreak without lesions that has lasted this long because I haven’t treated it
- Is it possible that I actually acquired GHSV1 back then 16 years ago and never had another outbreak? Or based on the symptoms could it have in fact been HPV?
- Do you recommend I take antivirals for these odd symptoms? I’ve read how low transmission risk is but I’m going in sane with these symptoms.
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52 months ago
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Hi there, just checking in to ask when I should expect a response? I don’t mean to be a pest, but I’m experiencing anxiety about this and would appreciate any updates. Thank you so much.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
52 months ago
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I think you mean they told you it was HSV, not HPV, right? You don't get sores with HPV
Prodrome does not last since January, certainly no. Especially if you have HSV 1 genital infection
It is certainly possible and happens often that people don't get recurrences of HSV 1 genital infection. If you haven't had a recurrence in the first year after infection, there is an 88% chance that you never will.
There is no reason not to try the antivirals, but if you've had this since January, I do not think for a moment that that is what is causing your symptoms.
Terri
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52 months ago
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Good morning and thank you very much for your response. I have the following follow up question:
- I remember them telling me it was HPV but I believe I may have misunderstood and they more than likely said HSV. I don’t recall how the sores/bumps looked but I remember excruciating pain while urinating and great discomfort in general —would these be characteristic of HPV at all, or is it more in line with HSV?
- I have an IgG value of 47. What does that tell us?
- From your experience, what is usually the longest that prodrome will last?
Thank you again.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
52 months ago
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HPV doesn't hurt and doesn't make sores - HSV does both.
Is that HSV 1 or HSV 2 or was it a combined test?
Prodrome usually lasts a few days.
Terri
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52 months ago
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Hi there,
This was a type specific test, which resulted in IGG of 47 for HSV type 1. What can that number tell us?
Thank you for clarifying that HPV wouldn’t cause the symptoms I had 16 years ago. Other than HSV, are there any other STIs that would cause what I experienced back then (painful urination, sores/bumps in genitals)? From what I researched it would have only been HSV but please correct me if I’m wrong.
Also, how do you feel about people who claim that they only started getting outbreaks after they got antivirals? Do you feel this might be true?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
52 months ago
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That number simply tells you that you have a well-established HSV 1 infection. Nothing else.
I think the most reasonable explanation for the sores around the genitals is HSV, and in your case, apparently HSV 1.
I feel like that statement about only getting outbreaks on antivirals makes no sense from a biology point of view, at all.
Terri
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