GHSV1 transmission

[freebird339]

I am a female with genital hsv1, exposed and diagnosed following an outbreak in 2020. Going forward I’d like to encourage potential partners (male) to have herpes testing (IGG?) along with the regular STD testing, before moving forward in an intimate relationship. I have a few questions about this as I have talked to and listened to multiple doctors with conflicting information-

First, would you consider an IGG test appropriate for determining the presence of hsv1?

What is the difference between exposure vs infection. Will both scenarios come up with a positive IGG? (Though I’ve come to understand low values can possibly be false positives.)

If my potential partner has a positive IGG test to hsv1, but has never experienced an outbreak, can I pass my genital hsv1 to them (anywhere on the body). Or since they already have it is it less likely they’ll have an outbreak? Just confused as some doctors say it won’t matter, but I feel like it does. I know a large amount of the population has hsv1 asymptomatic or not- is that beneficial to me with risk of transmission?

[Terri Warren]

There is no place in this discussion for the term “exposed” If an IgG is accurately positive, someone is both infected and potentially infectious to others.

There are a few false positives on the HSV 1 IgG test in the low positive range (below 3.0) but the bigger problem is false negatives.

If you have a partner who also tests positive for HSV 1, and it is oral or location unknown, it is highly unlikely that they would get it in a new location.
And you are likely shedding very little after being infected for two years.

Terri

[freebird339]

Thank you so much! I have searched around a lot for accurate information and found you via (h)opportunity. With regard to the “exposed”- I absolutely know I’m infected. However I was listening to “Episode 33: Something Positive for Positive People- Ask a Doctor About Herpes” and from minutes 20:00 – 21:15 it seems like the doctor gives some false information, and that’s what my exposed vs infection question was in regard to. Sounds like he only recognizes that someone has herpes if they’ve had an outbreak? Which I know is not the case. (The podcast does have some helpful episodes besides this one). I’m sure you don’t have time to listen, but if you do, I’d like to know your thoughts.

Are there any other sources of reliable information you would recommend, especially when I disclose to a partner and would like to give them resources if they want to know more?

Thank you again, this gives me some peace of mind.

[Terri Warren]

I’ll listen. I know the herpes opportunity folks want to only publish that which is correct.
Obviously I am biased, but I would recommend my book, the Good News about the Bad News. It has a good section on disclosure, as well.

Terri

[freebird339]

Thank you! I will look into your book ASAP! I just have one more question (for now). I know there can be risks to baby during pregnancy with herpes. Does the risk decrease with hsv1 vs hsv2? What are the possible complications for baby?

[Terri Warren]

So sorry that I missed this follow up question

We used to think that HSV 2 was more problematic medically with HSV 2 but now, it appears that both types are about equal in the problems that they cause for a newborn

Terri

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