[Question #9986] STD and HSV risk
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27 months ago
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Hello. Can’t believe I’m back here after my post two months ago but shortly after, started dating someone and became official boyfriend and girlfriend. I asked him if he was tested prior to me and he said yes I was also tested before him and was completely negative in all except HSV1. I realize now my most recent test did not include HSV1/2, but the test prior to that did, and it was negative.
We had unprotected sex about 7-8 times, it did not last long either. Sometimes it was so rough I’d have little tears after and then they’d go away with Aquaphor and baths, We had sex for the first time on 4/26 and the last time was 5/7. I was std tested on 5/19. Everything came back negative except chlamydia, so I am devastated needless to say. I have discovered that this partner was unfaithful the entire time, he has no idea that he had chlamydia either. Do you think his infection is recent? He swears he’s been using condoms prior to me and maybe “has had this for a while now and never knew.”
Having a deep fear of HSV-2 (I already have HSV1), should I retest for HSV2 in another month? I have not had sores or lesions, I’ve not seen anything on him either. My OBGYN said everything looked good via speculum. I don’t see anything on me today. Do I need further testing? Sorry I’m back here.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
27 months ago
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Welcome back t o the Forum. Before I address your questions, I'd like to congratulate you on your approach to your new relationship- you did everything right- you asked him about testing (more on that below) which is something that is difficult to do, you got tested before you entered the relationship and, just to be sure, you followed up initiation of sexual activity with testing which, unfortunately was positive for chlamydia. The good news however is that your chlamydial infection was detected and you, as well as your partner (I presume) were able to get tested.
I believe that your partner did not know that he had chlamydia. Most chlamydial infections in both women and men are asymptomatic and detected only with testing. Chlamydia can certainly persist undetected and asymptomatic for months and that may be the case. The question I have is that when he said he'd been tested before you had sex, did he say when he was tested, i.e. was that months ago or more recently. The answer to this may have to do with whether or not he was unfaithful to you since your relationship began.
As far as herpes is concerned, you have been tested in the past and know that while you have HSV-1, you do not have HSV-2. HSV-1 somewhat reduces your risk for future acquisition of HSV-2. In addition, you have not had lesions or symptoms and if you were going to have an outbreak it would have occurred within 10 days of your last sexual contact. At this time, I see no reason for additional testing for HSV.
I hope that this information is helpful to you. If there are further questions, please don't hesitate to use your up to two follow-ups for clarification. EWH
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27 months ago
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Thanks so much for clarification. It has been months since he’s been tested, he was vague. I would have to assume he’s been unprotected before me in that case, or during me more likely.
He did not test for chlamydia, once I told him I had it, he ordered an antibiotic through telehealth immediately. I have begged him to get additional testing.
In the event he is positive for HSV2, does that change anything tor me? Should I retest?
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27 months ago
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He also had HSV1, as do I, to clarify. We both get cold sores.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
27 months ago
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Thanks for the clarification.
As for HSV-2, let's not go down that path until you have more information. As you know, sometimes getting into "what if" situations can only produce unneeded anxiety. One step at a time. As for you, the fact that he too has HSV-1 offers some modest resistance to having been infected by HSV-2. EWH
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27 months ago
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Thank you. He is refusing to get tested, he keeps lying about it. He is completely avoidant of my outreach. And now I’m starting to have vaginal discomfort. It feels like it is itchy and red. It just feels off if that makes sense. Is this chlamydia effects? Im on day 2 of doxy. No burning when urinating or anything.
I do not see sores, is it possible to have sores internally but not externally?
If by some chance he is positive for HSV2, is it more likely my negative test will turn positive?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
27 months ago
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I am sorry he is being uncooperative. Perhaps this is out of guilt. The vaginal discomfort you are experiencing is quite possibly a yeast infection related to the antibiotics you are taking. You can treat them using over-the-counter antifungal medication‘s, or call your gynecologist who could prescribe an oral medication which is highly effective. At the same time, you should continue to take the doxycycline to make sure that your chlamydial infection is cured.
No change in my assessment regarding herpes. Typically, when people have an initial episode of genital herpes, the lesions are on the outside as well as sometimes on the inside. As I said, above, your symptoms are more likely to be an antibiotic side effect than herpes. EWH.
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26 months ago
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Hello! Thank you for the clarification. I just got his results. I don’t know what they mean, but I think it means he’s positive for HSV1, and negative for HSV2.
HSV Panel 1/2 IGG Ab* herpes
Herpes simplex 1 IGG
5.11 +
Reference range: LW
Herpes simplex 2 IGG
0.11
Reference range: LW
Do I need to retest for any reason? Would I turn from negative positive for any reason?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
26 months ago
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Thanks for sharing your results. His results suggest that, like you, he has HSV-1, the virus that causes cold sores and does not have HSV-1. There is no reason for either of your to re-test at this time
This is the final response as part of this thread which will be closed shortly. I hope that the information I have provided has been helpful to you. Take care. EWH
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