Questions regarding encounters with HSV2

[river]

Hi Terri:

I had oral sex with an HSV-2 positive man (confirmed via Western Blot test). A year and 1/2 later, we had unprotected sex. A month and 1/2 after the second sexual encounter, I noticed a pimple near the labial hood area (which I’ve never had before). It was not painful and I did not pop it (and it never popped or seeped fluid on its own). Before and after the sexual encounter, I had experienced (on about 2 occasions) symptoms similar to a yeast infection, though I generally do not get yeast infections or vaginitis. I have since, however, concluded that these were due to use of a vibrator that was not sterilized after my sole previous use. (I concluded this because I started sterilizing after use and have not had any further symptoms similar to yeast infections.

I sought help and testing twice from my dr., who each time told me not to test, because it was only a test that would pick up HSV-1. (I have had lots of cold sores and cancres). By the time I was able to see her, however, the pimple was gone. (I had been out of the country when it first appeared). My dr. did not recommend further testing. However, I have since obtained blood tests (I assume IGG), and I am waiting for results.

My sex partner did not disclose the positive HSV-2 test until after I discovered the pimple. He told me that he hadn’t had an outbreak for about a year prior to our sex encounter.

My questions:
1. Could I have contracted HSV-2 during oral sex?
2. If so, can HSV-2 be spread from my mouth to a man’s genitals, if no visible symptoms?
3. What are the chances of me (female) getting HSV-2 from a sexual encounter when no obvious symptom of HSV-2 is present?
4. If the IGG test is positive for HSV-2, would you recommend that I get the Western Blot test?

Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Sincerely,

[Terri Warren]

1. Could I have contracted HSV-2 during oral sex?
Were you the giver or receiver of oral sex ? if you were the giver, it is possible that you could get HSV-2 on your mouth but not likely. If you were the receiver of oral sex, there is no risk if his infection is genital only
2. If so, can HSV-2 be spread from my mouth to a man’s genitals, if no visible symptoms?

If you happened to acquire HSV-2 orally, it is theoretically possible to transmit the virus by giving oral sex to someone else but HSV two of the mouth rarely recurs and is shed infrequently.

3. What are the chances of me (female) getting HSV-2 from a sexual encounter when no obvious symptom of HSV-2 is present?

Are we talking now about intercourse or oral sex? If your partner is taking daily antiviral therapy and using a condom and you are having sex about twice per week, there is about a 2 to 3% risk in the year of you acquiring genital herpes.
4. If the IGG test is positive for HSV-2, would you recommend that I get the Western Blot test?

You would only need a Western blot if the value of a positive type to test Falls between 1.1 and and 3.5

Terri

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