Should I do the Western Blot again?

[hello1234]

Hi Terri,

My husband has GSV1 from a young age and we had unprotected sex for 5 years before he had an obvious outbreak and tested positive for HSV1 (HSV2 negative). Since then (about the last 3 years), we have used condoms and I am always wondering if I have acquired the virus.

In July 2021, my igG results for HSV1 were 1.44 and HSV2 was negative. I then made an appointment with you and got the Western Blot in September 2021, which was negative for both HSV1 & HSV2.

In July this year, I had some concerning symptoms: A sharp, pulling sensation in my upper thigh (which had been happening on and off for months but it was particularly painful at this time) which culminated in a very sore singular lump about the size of a small grape on my outer labia. While quite sore, it never came to the surface, so to speak. It was never itchy or anything, never leaked fluid or scabbed over, and it diminished within about 2 days. Still, I went and got another igG test done, the results of which were negative. Because my symptoms resolved so quickly, I soon forgot about it.

Fast forward to this month, I had surgery. A week afterwards, in the shower I noticed a swollen lump on the inside of my outer labia which felt exactly the same as the one I had last year but in a slightly different location. Initially I didn’t feel any thigh sensations, but that evening I did have some mild pain and burning on my upper thigh, and this went on for a couple of days on and off. I noticed some lower abdominal pain as well. Just the same, the lump disappeared completely within 2 days and seemed to have been totally beneath the skin.

The weird pulling/slightly painful sensation in my thigh has remained an on and off thing for the last year, but I still worry that it has anything to do with the virus.

Do you think my symptoms are concerning? Do you think I should retest with the Western Blot?

Thank you for your guidance!

[Terri Warren]

I do not think that your symptoms are concerning, no. Genital HSV 1 is so rarely shed and probably even more rarely transmitted during sex. I don’t think any of this warrants another western blot, no.

Terri

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