Guidance

[Florida_Guy]

Good evening, I am a 27 year-old male and this past week I completed a full spectrum STD check. It was the first time I had ever tested for Herpes. I came back negative on all tests except for HSV2 with an IiG of 1.44. I have never experienced any symptoms in my life that I could connect to it, though I fully understand the signs can often be subtle if at all. In the past year I have had five sexual partners (female), of which I have had approximately six unprotected interactions though this includes oral once and intercourse five times, though all brief before placing a condom on. The last unprotected intercourse I had was roughly one month ago prior to completing the test this week. Prior to that it was approximately 2-3 months, both with the same female. The online provider has already said the test is conclusive and has also mentioned going on drugs.

At this point I am just hoping for some guidance on the next suggested step as I have heard just about everything and seen everything on either side. I feel like I am somewhat on information overload. I do not want to hide myself from the truth, but also would obviously would like to explore the option, if there is one, that I actually do not have it. I have already set-up a phone consultation with the Clinic next week, but was hoping to go into the discussion with a better understanding so I do not waste your time. As I do not really have a specific time of exposure, unless I go off of the last intercourse what should be my next step. Should I go ahead and take the Western Blot? Take another IiG test? Wait longer and do one or the either? Or just accept the fact I have it and move on? Thank you!

[Terri Warren]

I don’t know who the “online provider” is, but they are clearly not up on herpes research so SHAME ON THEM. At your index value for HSV 2, there is an 85% chance that this is a false positive (which means there is a 15% that it is a real positive).

The best thing to do is to ask this most recent partner to get tested as well. If she is negative, then I would advise a western blot now. It hasn’t been 16 weeks yet, but I think if it has been 12 weeks that would be relatively accurate. If you want to 16 weeks for the ultimate results, you sure can. Or you could test now and again at 16 weeks if money is not a factor.

Terri

[Florida_Guy]

Terri,

Thank you for the information. I will go ahead and proceed with the western blot for now once I hold the phone consult and go from there. I have asked my previous partner and passed my information so hopefully will hear that as well. Once I get my results, pending the outcome will test again at 16 weeks.

I can assume safely at this point there is no need for medication? It seemed excessive to me as I am not prone to medication unless I absolutely need to, but again the provider seemed to think it was a good idea. Thank you again!

Respectfully

[Terri Warren]

There is no need for medication in my opinion.

You are most welcome.

Terri

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