Diagnisis questions

[rwah1234]

Hi Terri,

I was diagnosed with GHSV1 5 years ago via swab test of a very small sore. I haven’t had another outbreak since.

In September 2021, I developed a throbbing, itching, burning sensation on one side of my vagina opening. Occasionally the sensation moves around and can cause shooting and stabbing pain in my clitoris and labia on one side, and occasionally to my anus.

I initially thought this was an HSV1 outbreak but no sores, spots or blisters have ever come, the sensation come for a few days to a week, and then goes away from a few days, then comes back. Its been this way since September. I have tried thrush treatments, BV treatment, hydrocortisone cream and epimax cream, changed underwear and washing powder, all had no effect taken. I have had a full STD panel, and all were negative. There seems to be no trigger or pattern to it.

I am now concerned I have contracted genital HSV2. The last time I have unprotected sex was 16.10.21.

I started taking Aciclovir on 6.1.22 to see if it helped with the symptoms (as I had tried everything else), but it made very little difference.

I took two antibody tests since from different providers (whilst taking the Aciclovir 400mg BD).

First test: 19.1.22 (13 wks after UPSI, 13 days Aciclovir) – HSV1 0.695 HSV2 <0.5
second test: 7.2.22 (16 wks after UPSI, 32 days aciclovir) – HSV 1 0.66 HSV2 <0.5

I am worried that as I was taking Aciclovir that is has affected my test results, as I know I have HSV1.

1. Why have both tests come back negative for HSV1?

2. Does my symptoms sound like I have contracted GHSV2 (milder symptoms due to the GHSV1)?

2. Does taking antivirals affect IGG results? mixed information around about this

3. I know it’s best to wait 12-16 weeks for an IGG test, but does having HSV1 then getting HSV2 slow down antibody production or affect IGG result? Should I wait longer?

3. I have now stopped taking the Aciclovir, how long should I wait before I take another test?

[Terri Warren]

I am worried that as I was taking Aciclovir that is has affected my test results, as I know I have HSV1.
How much did you take and for how long?

1. Why have both tests come back negative for HSV1?
Because the HSV 1 IgG test misses 20% of HSV 1 infections, compared to the western blot

2. Does my symptoms sound like I have contracted GHSV2 (milder symptoms due to the GHSV1)?
No

2. Does taking antivirals affect IGG results? mixed information around about this
It can, yes, depends upon how much and how long.

3. I know it’s best to wait 12-16 weeks for an IGG test, but does having HSV1 then getting HSV2 slow down antibody production or affect IGG result? Should I wait longer?
Let’s answer the question about antivirals before I answer this question. Certainly no shorter than 12 weeks.

3. I have now stopped taking the Aciclovir, how long should I wait before I take another test?
How long and how much?

Terri

[rwah1234]

Hi Terri,

Thanks for you quick response.

So I took aciclovir 400mg BD for 12 days prior to the first test which I took 13 weeks after the last time I had unprotected sex.

The second test I took I’d been on 400mg BD for 32 days and that test was 16.5 weeks after my last unprotected sex.

I’ve now been off it for 8 days, and plan to stay off it. I have another test paid for but I don’t want to take it if it will be inaccurate as I have to pay for it privately.

Thanks again.

[Terri Warren]

What matters is how much you had taken prior to the test at 13 weeks out. YOu did not take enough to impact your test, no.

Terri

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