So Annoyed

[Throwaway6759]

I have had GHSV-1 for almost 4 years now. The only outbreak I have ever had was the first one. Well, last week I had an outbreak above my clitoral hood and on the mons pubis. There was one ulcer type sore above the clitoral hood and 5 very small blisters on the mons pubis. The outbreak was quite different from my first one given that I did not have any flu symptoms and the sores were smaller and less numerous. I had unprotected sex a month ago (about 4 weeks before this outbreak) but I told the guy my status. He did not tell me he had anything and I know there are people that are unaware they have HSV-2 so I was kind of concerned that this outbreak was indicative of me acquiring HSV-2 because I have literally never had another outbreak with GHSV-1. 

So I went to a walk-in clinic and got the sores swabbed. On my discharge papers they stated that they were sending the culture out for a HSV antibody panel. Obviously the wrong test because that one is for blood. So I made sure to call them and I had even told the doctor that I wanted to the PCR test because I wanted to know the type of the herpes so that I would know it was a recurrence vs a newly acquired infection. I specifically told the doctor I had HSV-1 already and wanted to know if this was HSV-2.

They call me today with me results and apparently the test they decided to do was the viral culture testing for HSV vs VZX. They told me I was positive for HSV... which, no shit, I already knew. I asked them what type and they said that it just said HSV Varicella Zoster so she obviously had no clue what she was talking about. She even said they were waiting on the results of the antibody panel and that would tell me which type I had. Well, I didn't even give them blood during the visit. I told her that I had already stated that I had HSV-1 and wanted to know if it was HSV-2 as well so that I will be prepared for more frequent outbreaks. She said they would call the lab and see if they could re-test the culture with the correct test.

At this point I just want to know if this sounds like a GHSV-1 recurrence or a HSV-2 newly acquired infection to any of you based on the timing of the sexual encounter and the severity and location of the outbreak. I am not very optimistic that they would have kept my culture this long so that it will be able to be re-tested.

[WilsoInAus]

99.9% plus this is a recurrent outbreak of genital HSV-1.

The chances that: this guy had HSV-2; was shedding enough to infect; did infect you despite you having HSV-1 genitally; and 4 weeks until symptoms - are in in many, many thousands. This compares to the 100% fact that you have genital HSV-1.

A secondary test on the culture is needed to determine type. You should push for this if you think they haven't got the message. To be honest though there is simply no reason to suspect HSV-2.

A blood test in 16 weeks will be conclusive for you if you really want that peace of mind.

 

[Lisajd]

Sex can bring on an outbreak.  

[Throwaway6759]

Well I spoke to the clinic again today and they said the lab threw away with the culture within 72 hours. So now I won't know for sure until 7 weeks from now when it will be 12 weeks from possible exposure. The lesions are healed up so I cannot get the swabbed again but now I am convinced that I have HSV-2 and will start getting more frequent outbreaks because I am experiencing some pain to the vaginal area a week after my outbreak which seems like it could be another one. I can't believe the clinic made such a mess up.