It seems that my girlfriend is being told that a test can determine FOR CERTAIN if she contracted herpes from our recent sex. I think I understand Terri's description on the podcast of the types of test but I don't believe a test can determine with 100% accuracy WHEN you contracted the disease. Can a test accurately determine when you contracted herpes?

I think the best we can know is this:---

This is a new relationship - three months old. We had unprotected sex twice about 30 days ago - that is the only time we've had sex. Prior to that I had no sex for three years and then was in a monogamous marriage for 30 years before divorce. My girlfriend is much younger and has had more partners. She recently had the full STD bloodwork done because she had a urinary infection (but, again, no actual signs of Herpes). She tested positive for both types of Herpes. She seems to believe I gave it to her and is now going to get tested to see how recently she contracted it. I told her I don't believe that test is 100% proof that she recently contracted it. I also said I think, although not impossible, it's seems unlikely I've had herpes for decades with no signs nor did my ex-wife have any signs. I've had a total of three sexual partners in my entire lifetime of 64 years. I just am afraid my girlfriend will get a positive antibody (?) test and say "See, that proves you gave it to me."

oooooh, OK, got it.  ---

First, thank you for taking so much time on this. To answer your question:  To my knowledge the only test she's had is the bloodwork panel ordered by her primary care physician that tested for all STDs  - which showed she has Herpes 1 and 2. She then went to a women's health clinic that recommended another test (I'm assuming an IgM or IgG but she hasn't told me) which she says will tell her if she was infected by me. I didn't think that was possible. Honestly, I am so confused right now and I do sincerely appreciate your help. I love her so much and I thought we were in love with each other - but getting this diagnoses has really hurt her psychologically and she is clearly backing away from our relationship. I apologize - I know you're not a therapist but I needed to "get that out." Thank you again for your kind help and I can pay for more credits or make a donation to show my appreciation if that helps.

Actually, I am also a therapist so it's fine to tell me these things.  ---