Do I get less contagious over time?

[JF4]

04/26/2008 I had a (HSV) TYPES I AND II, Specific Antibodies, IgG (QHO), HSV-2 aB IgG TEST

Out of Range. Reference
RESULT: >5.00 H <0.90. Positive.

On 6/17/2008 I had another test. The test sheet is identical except the it reads Specific Antibodies, IgG (MA). The results were the same.
Now, 15 years later and 79 years old, I would like to stop using a condom with my life partner. I have never had any symptoms. Am I any less contagious? Might those test results be false positives? Should I get a Western Blot test?

[Terri Warren]

I doubt that that is a false positive, but yes, over the years, usually one does shed less. is your partner OK with not using condoms, do you think? Are you on daily antiviral medicine? That reduces transmission by 48%. have you had outbreaks over the years that you recognize?

Terri

[JF4]

We have an open marriage. I have had sex another woman – she is informed- over the last 15 years but not with my wife. (Our stoping was not related to the diagnosis.) Two days ago my wife asked if I would like to try intercourse (I deal with ED). I reminded her about the HSV2, she had forgotten. She and I discussed it. That raised the question if a condom was necessary. No, I have never had any outbreaks that I recognized. No, I am not on anti-viral medication. Your questions strongly implies that I should use a condom, which I suspected would be your response having reread The Good News (which I purchased in 2009)

[JF4]

So in spite of less shedding, does that leave me with a 10% risk of transmitting without a condom and 5% with a condom? (Sounds like I should totally abstain.)

[Terri Warren]

If you were diagnosed years ago but have never had an outbreak, I recommend obtaining a confirmatory test. HSV 2 doesn’t normally behave in that way. This could be a false positive. If you take daily antiviral medication and don’t use a condom and have no symptoms for at least 15 years, I think transmission is highly unlikely. I know that condoms are more challenging as we age. Another option, if your wife is worried about transmission, would be for her to obtain female condoms and use them. They are kind of the perfect solution for your situation, I think

Terri

[JF4]

In the 15 years since diagnosis I have never had any symptoms and have never taken any anti-viral medication. For a confirmatory test, if I go to a local place – outside of Boston- they will give me an unreliable “(HSV) TYPES I AND II, Specific Antibodies, IgG (QHO), HSV-2 aB IgG TEST, right? You would recommend a Western Blot test? What is the process, estimated time, and cost? Thanks so much for your help.

[JF4]

I just read your information about the evisit consult. I assume you recommend that is the next step I should take. I went to the AnyLabTestNow.com site. The nearest site in 8 hours away. Suggestions?

[JF4]

My previous post is unclear. I have always used a condom since I was first diagnosed about 15 years ago.

[Terri Warren]

We can use other labs – would you share your city and state?

Terri

[JF4]

I live in one of the suburbs west of Boston, Massachusetts. (I have shared a lot o personal information and am starting to feel a little uncomfortable sharing more.) If you wish, I can be more specific.

[Terri Warren]

we have labs we can use in your area, for sure. No need for more personal info here.

Terri

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