New to this!

[LostGurl00]

I found out this week I have genital herpes, I haven't had any outbreaks so I don't even know how long I've had this,I do have 4 children.  I'm am so confused about this I wasn't given any medication since I not have outbreaks so I ordered some multivitamin and lysine and garlic to boost my immune system...I am married(but in the middle of a divorce) I have a boyfriend that is in prison(we meet online so no he wasn't the one I got this from we have never been intimate) I told him when I found out he said he'll be by my side no matter and that he's sticking with me. I'm so confused about the sexual part since I don't have outbreaks he can still get this from me even with condoms being worn....so how is it possible to have sex and not pass it to him? We do want a baby together, can't having unprotected sex pass it to him? I have read some post already about couples having babies and other people having relationships with unprotected sex and their partners are just fine....I guess there's no for sure way of him not getting this right? Because there's always a risk so it's like play  Russian roulette. 

[WilsoInAus]

Welcome to this website, I hope you find it useful in helping you think through things. In the end herpes is more an issue for the mind than it is physical.

First though you need to be suspicious of a genital herpes diagnosis with no known outbreaks. What test did you have that revealed a positive?

Either way if this is something that you or your partner has then simply by avoiding sex during an outbreak means that the risk of transmission is extremely low. Antivirals also reduce the risk materially. If you use condoms and take antivirals, then the chances of infecting a male during sex with HSV-2 are about 1 in 10,000. Scarcely in the same league as the 1 in 6 Russion roulette chance right?

Nor is there a bullet in the chamber! If you have genital herpes, then what has it meant to you and your life? Zero right? Well that is the experience of most people with the virus and the liikely experience of your partner if they become infected. Potentially a few outbreaks a year.

But let's start with how you were told you have genital herpes?!

[LostGurl00]

I haven't had health insurance in 3 years I finally was able to get health insurance and got tested for all STDS.. So I   had blood work done along with a Pap smear....I got a phone call from the place I went to and she said my blood work tested positive for genital herpes. 

Edited October 19, 2015 by LostGurl00

[LostGurl00]

Welcome to this website, I hope you find it useful in helping you think through things. In the end herpes is more an issue for the mind than it is physical.

First though you need to be suspicious of a genital herpes diagnosis with no known outbreaks. What test did you have that revealed a positive?

Either way if this is something that you or your partner has then simply by avoiding sex during an outbreak means that the risk of transmission is extremely low. Antivirals also reduce the risk materially. If you use condoms and take antivirals, then the chances of infecting a male during sex with HSV-2 are about 1 in 10,000. Scarcely in the same league as the 1 in 6 Russion roulette chance right?

Nor is there a bullet in the chamber! If you have genital herpes, then what has it meant to you and your life? Zero right? Well that is the experience of most people with the virus and the liikely experience of your partner if they become infected. Potentially a few outbreaks a year.

But let's start with how you were told you have genital herpes?!

I haven't had health insurance in 3 years I finally was able to get health insurance and got tested for all STDS.. So I   had blood work done along with a Pap smear....I got a phone call from the place I went to and she said my blood work tested positive for genital herpes. 

 

[WilsoInAus]

Get the paperwork! There are a lot of incorrect tests out there and false positives for HSV-2. I guess the first thing to do is confim if you really have this before you worry about it. Even then we can give you some advice on how to not let it worry you!

[LostGurl00]

Get the paperwork! There are a lot of incorrect tests out there and false positives for HSV-2. I guess the first thing to do is confim if you really have this before you worry about it. Even then we can give you some advice on how to not let it worry you!

I am going to call up there again tomorrow and ask them what my numbers are and which test was done, I will also ask if they can email me my results or if I can pick up the paper work. I'm also thinking of going to a  gynecologist and have them take my blood again and test me. 

[WilsoInAus]

All great moves, well done. You are looking for an IgG test for HSV-2 antibodies and a value greater than 3.5. No other test, such as IgM can tell you your status with any accuracy.

[LostGurl00]

All great moves, well done. You are looking for an IgG test for HSV-2 antibodies and a value greater than 3.5. No other test, such as IgM can tell you your status with any accuracy.

ok thank you tomorrow morning can't come soon enough. 

[LostGurl00]

I called up there and she said my numbers are 11.5 and I also asked if it was igg test and she said yes

[WilsoInAus]

Was that a result just for HSV-2? Or combined for HSV1/2? Are you in the US?

[LostGurl00]

Was that a result just for HSV-2? Or combined for HSV1/2? Are you in the US?

Only 2....I asked the first time if it was for oral also and she said no and yes this is in the U.S.

When I did ask her about oral herpes she said only for 2

Edited October 19, 2015 by LostGurl00

[WilsoInAus]

I would still get the paperwork for confirmation.

The evidence though is that you do have a HSV-2 infection and it most probably is genital. This was something you were completely unaware of and there is no reason to believe that you will experience anything different in future.

Depending on your age and demographic and single status, up to 66% of women and 40% of men have genital HSV-2 and it really is a non issue, just as you find it. Hence both you and your potential partner may very well have HSV-2. It will be very important once released that you and your partner mutually test for all STDs available and compare notes. You can then decide what to do and what risk mitigation you wish to put in place.

[LostGurl00]

Him and I have never been intimate....So now I just need to research how to not pass it on to him.

I have been tested for all STDs and this is the only one that came back positive.

[WilsoInAus]

Yes but you will need him too as well, no point worrying much about it if he has it too!

You cannot be 100% sure you won't pass it, but there are two proven measures that will reduce the risk per epsiode to about 1 in 10,000, may be even lower. They are taking antivirals daily and using condoms.

[LostGurl00]

Yes but you will need him too as well, no point worrying much about it if he has it too!

You cannot be 100% sure you won't pass it, but there are two proven measures that will reduce the risk per epsiode to about 1 in 10,000, may be even lower. They are taking antivirals daily and using condoms.

What is a episode? I haven't had a break out as of yet....so the doctor said I don't need any medication unless I have an outbreak....I went ahead & researched and read some things I can take to boost my immune system so I ordered some Lysine, A multivitamin and some garlic....Is there a way to help reduce shedding since I won't know when I am shedding....I also read that in Australia there is a condom that kills viruses I so which they had them here in the U.S.

[WilsoInAus]

Episode equals salcious sex!

You can ask for daily suppressive dosage of antiviral, be sure to undersstand side effects.

You will not know when you are shedding. The best you can do is be as healthy as you can. Heaps of water and exercise plus fresh foods. Embrace a relaxed lifestyle maybe adding yoga or meditation. And sleep, the best thing of all for the immune system.

[LostGurl00]

Episode equals salcious sex!

You can ask for daily suppressive dosage of antiviral, be sure to undersstand side effects.

You will not know when you are shedding. The best you can do is be as healthy as you can. Heaps of water and exercise plus fresh foods. Embrace a relaxed lifestyle maybe adding yoga or meditation. And sleep, the best thing of all for the immune system.

ok I will talk to them about the daily antivirals and see what they say. if not I'll find a women's doctor and go from there.... I am going to go shopping this week so I will make a list for some fresh foods and continue with my exercise and get more sleep. Thank you for helping me.