Advise?

[aquafina100]

Hi everyone: I need advise.

My girlfriend found out two years ago that she was positive. First two years ago and then one year ago again. But she has never had an outbreak or symptom of any type. She just went to the MD and he said that it was just that she was exposed to the disease, but her body rejected it. He said that she does not have the disease but the antibodies will remain with her for good. She was with her ex for two years previous to the time she found out and with me at the same time. During that time we did not use condoms, and I tested negative.

I tested negative for the disease two years ago. My test was done about a month after hers. We have been using condoms ever since, but would like not to have to use them.

Is it possible that the MD is correct and she not have the disease? I never heard that before. Any MDs in the Forum that can comment?

Thanks,

marito

[Caliope]

I'm not a dr but I have read about this happening however it was referred to as a latent infection.

It is quite possible that her immune system is very strong and it is also possible that the strain she contracted is not one of the stronger more difficult ones but I still believe that it has the potential to become contagious at any time.

I would like to hear if anyone has information to the contrary.

To use myself as and example I was not diagnosed until this past January. I believe I was infected with hsv as far back as 10 or more years ago. Because I did not know of the infection I did not use condoms and in that time did not infect my partners. Lately I have had 2 ob's and the most frequent one was quite severe.

If you have hsv and your immune system can control it, it is possible that you would not pass it to others but if your immune system should become compromised the virus can become strong and ob's could begin.

[BoxofRain]

my doctor told me "I had been exposed to herpes" but also said it means I have to inform potential partners of this and anyone "exposed" to herpes has the virus in their body and has the potential to infect others. Just because she does not get outbreaks does not mean anything.....over 50% of people with herpes do not get outbreaks and may never be aware they have the virus. The doctor is wrong.....exposed yes....not contagious..no. Her immune system may be really strong though and that in fact is what is keeping any outbreaks/symptoms from arising this far. I would also strongly recommend you get tested again via type specific blood test, as this virus spreads so easily without ever producing symptoms initially in millions of people every year...it is contracted, goes directly into the nerves to hide and due to different reasons in each body, the strain of the virus, and the immune system it may not ever show visible symptoms, but there is still the potential for the virus to be on the skin without symptoms and transmit it to others unknowingly. I would say get tested first and the its up to you to decide to risk it without condoms....it really is a game of chance, symptoms or no symptoms. Hope things work out for the best for you guys ....good luck:) maybe youll be lucky and her immune system will stay strong and she wont shed the virus during sexual contact with you....it happens in lots of relationships where one person has it and isnt aware....sometimes they stay together for years and are lucky enough to never be shedding during the times when the couple has sexual contact and the other person never gets the virus....its really a game of chance but since her immune system seems to be so strong id think your risk is significantly reduced but no one can say for certain.