Should I pursue a western blot test?

[walkinthru]

Hi Terri,
In 1989, I developed blisters in my genital area after a sexual contact. My family doctor did a culture and said HSV results were negative. However, my next two sexual partners developed what appeared to be a herpes sores in there genital areas after sexual contact with me. Fast forward to 1997…I got married and we enjoyed 15 years of sex with no issues or symptoms of herpes. My wife, however, did develop an occasional cold sore. I have remained symptom free since 1989. After my divorce in 2009, I remained single for 4 years. In 2013, I decided to start dating again. For peace of mind, I decided to get checked for stds. My wife was unfaithful, and I did not want to enter into a relationship without knowing I was sexually healthy. I was tested for basically everything including HSV-1 and HSV-2. The Herpes Serologies (IGG and IGM) results were negative for both types 1 and 2. No numbers are listed on ‘MyChart.’ All tests simply say ‘negative.’ I live in MN, and the bloodwork was sent to the Mayo. This test was done in 2013. I am now in a serious relationship. We have not yet had sexual intercourse. I’m hesitant because of the experience/symptoms I had in 1989, even though I have never experienced any types of symptoms since. I am concerned that the test I took in 2013 may have given me a false negative. I don’t want to spread HSV if I do indeed have it and am asymptomatic. I would appreciate your guidance moving forward. Thank you.

[Terri Warren]

To be most certain, you should obtain a western blot, as you imagined. The IgG test misses 30% of HSV 1 and 8% of HSV 2. Few things cause blisters in the genital area so that concerns me. If I were in your situation, that’s what I would do – no question

Terri

[walkinthru]

Thank you, Terri. I will pursue the western blot. I have attempted to schedule an online video chat with you, but I am unsure of which time zone to choose. I believe MN is Central, which is not one of the choices. Can you tell me which one I need to choose? Also, is it safe for my partner and I to engage in oral sex at this time? Or can the HSV (if I have it) be transmitted this way, too. By the way, my partner is HSV 1 positive. Is video chat the next step for me in pursuing the western blot, or is there something else I should do first.

[Terri Warren]

If you have questions about the scheduling the help desk with evisit is very helpful. I haven’t seen the choices for time zones so I can’t help, sorry. I think I would be cautious about sex.
Yes, if you want to do the western blot with them, the video conference is the first step. I do them on Tuesdays and occasionally I will get cancellation on the same day so keep an eye open if you want one today.

Terri

[walkinthru]

Hi Terri, thank you for your reply. I have just a couple more questions. As previously stated, my girlfriend has HSV 1. While we have not yet had sexual intercourse, I’m wondering what the risks are associated with oral sex. We have performed oral sex on each other. So, my first question is am I at risk of contracting HSV from her as she performs oral sex on me, even though she does not currently have symptoms? My second question is (if I have asymptotic HSV 2) is there a danger of her contracting this from me when performing oral sex on me?

I am feeling distressed about this whole situation. I can’t bear the thought of infecting someone I love.

I have ordered the western blot test from the University of Washington. Any Lab Test Now tells me they can draw blood and ship the sample for me.

I’m not sure if my doctor will sign off on this, but I’m going to give it a try. I am scheduled to talk with a nurse about it tomorrow.

Any specifics you can give me regarding oral sex and associated risks of passing HSV 1 or 2 would be much appreciated.

I am very concerned about this.

Thank you for your response thus far.

Last question: If it’s now too late to prevent the passing of HSV in my current situation, what symptoms should we watch for?

Should I recommend to my partner to be tested as well, or am I getting ahead of myself?

Thank you

[Terri Warren]

It is possible that you partner could get HSV 2 orally but that is not common.
There is a huge degree of certainty that you won’t get HSV 1.
Just be certain that you know that you cannot order this test yourself – you must have a clinician order.
It isn’t too late to do anything and yes, I think she should be tested to be certain that she does not have asymptomatic HSV 2.

This is your final post on this subscription. I you have more questions, please feel free to renew

Terri

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