Doctor/OBGYN refuses herpies blood test

[John1234]

Hello,

I am in a new relationship and spoke with my partner about us both testing for STDs prior to engaging in sexual activities. I got the full checkup and came back negative for everything. She also got check up but says her doctor/OBGYN strongly advised not getting tested for Herpies. Neither of us show symptoms, nor have we ever shown symptoms. Still, it seems a bit odd…Based on the recommendation she did not receive Herpies blood test and tested negative for everything else. Should I be concerned, or is Herpies blood test only recommended if showing symptoms?

Thanks

[Terri Warren]

If you are doing a full STD screen to find out what you both have, then herpes is actually the most likely thing either of your have. She can order her own herpes IgG test online without a provider order. She likely will have to pay for it herself, however.

Please let me know what else I can help you with today.

Terri

[John1234]

Thank you for the quick reply. I will discuss the option of igG test online with her. I would like to know however if you have ever heard of a Doctor/OBGYN advising against Herpies blood test? If so, why would they advise against?

Thanks

[Terri Warren]

Yes, I have of course heard of this. There are several reasons one might not agree to testing.
1) they don’t know what to do with a positive antibody test in someone who has had no symptoms
2) they don’t want to deal with the emotional fallout of telling someone they have a lifelong transmissible infection
3) they don’t want to “needlessly” upset someone
4) they believe that everyone who has herpes would know it because everyone with herpes has symptoms
5) they believe the tests are not type specific
6) they believe “everyone has herpes anyway”
7) they believe there are high rates of false positives (not so: about 2.7% of people who take test has a false positive and that can be sorted out with the western blot”
Those are the main reasons, all of which I disagree with.

Terri

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