My Boyfriend Seroconverted to Herpes but I Was Negative Should I Get Hested Again

Canker is one of the well-nigh stigmatized, feared, and misunderstood sexually transmitted infections (STI). We examination many patients for herpes at our OBGYN offices in Queens and Long Island, and we get lots of positive results, which understandably cause lots of anxiety for afflicted patients. In this weblog, we'll break information technology down for y'all. Bottom line: There's no need to freak out virtually positive results.

In that location are two types of herpes simplex virus, which can crusade painful sores on the mouth and/or genitals.

• HSV-ane primarily causes sores on the mouth. It can exist contracted by kissing a person with the virus, or sharing personal items (e.g., utensils, lipsticks, or toothbrushes).

• HSV-2 usually causes genital lesions and is generally transmitted past sexual contact.

It used to exist said that "HSV-1 causes lesions above the waist and HSV-two causes lesions below the waist," but this an oversimplification: Oral HSV-1 can exist communicated to the genitals by oral sex and genital HSV-ii can be similarly communicated to the mouth. Both HSV-1 and HSV-ii can cause lesions in the mouth, the genitals, and in other areas (around the anus, in the eyes, or in areas where skin has been traumatized).

At our OBGYN offices in Queens and Long Island, we provide STI testing for hundreds (maybe thousands) of women each twelvemonth, and diagnosis of genital canker is incredibly common. Women are understandably shocked when they hear that they've tested positive, and we ofttimes have to "talk them off the ledge." At that place are a lot of myths and misconceptions about canker out there. Here are 4 reasons why a positive herpes exam is not the end of the world.

• Exposure to HSV is very common. When we examination for canker, we practise blood tests which tell us whether your immune organisation has ever "seen" the canker virus: One time y'all take been exposed to herpes, your body creates antibodies which volition remain present for the rest of your life. Exposure is incredibly common: Co-ordinate to the CDC, about i in 8 people ages fourteen – 49 has been exposed to HSV-ii, and half of people accept been exposed to HSV-1. That's right…that good-looking guy you've been flirting with has about a 50% chance of having HSV-one! Most people still are unaware that they take been exposed, considering they've never noticed an outbreak. Information technology's not until patients are tested that they learn they have HSV. Many people have been exposed to the virus, but are completely unaware.

• Symptoms of HSV are often short-lived and mild. Many people who test positive for herpes antibodies have no symptoms; often, they can't recall even a unmarried outbreak. Other individuals affected by the canker virus have repetitive outbreaks of painful sores in or around the mouth or vagina; some may notice only vaginal irritation or discharge (FYI, if you have any of these symptoms, y'all should be seen ASAP). By and large, the kickoff exposure to the canker virus causes the about severe outbreak, during which skin lesions may be accompanied by systemic influenza-like symptoms. Recurrent outbreaks typically occur in the same location where the initial outbreak occurred, simply recurrences tend to be mild.

Many people who live with herpes outbreaks learn that they are prone to certain "triggers": One patient tells me that she gets outbreaks when she's slumber-deprived, and another tells me she gets lesions when she eats a lot of chocolate. People with herpetic infections tin thus learn to manage their triggers to minimize the risk of an outbreak.

For those who go frequent outbreaks—say, more than 3 or 4 per year—medications are bachelor which shorten the elapsing of symptoms and decrease the likelihood of spreading the virus. If you become frequent outbreaks and are take not discussed the possibility of using medications to suppress the canker virus, you should call us for an appointment.

• HSV is NOT a catastrophe in pregnancy. Many of my patients who are diagnosed with genital canker are understandably worried near the implications herpes infection in pregnancy: They fear that won't be "allowed" to conceive or will not be able to deliver vaginally. These myths exaggerate the true risk of herpes in pregnancy. Infants are generally at risk but if they pass through a birth canal while their mother has an agile HSV lesion. We carefully examine women in labor if they have a history of HSV, and if a lesion is seen, a C-department is advised. Medication is often used during the last few weeks of pregnancy to decrease viral shedding and reduce the risk of an outbreak on the day of childbirth. While many, many people test positive for prior exposure to canker, it'south rare for us to have to do a c-section for this reason. For the vast bulk of women, HSV infection has no consequences in pregnancy.

• You can however accept sexual practice. A diagnosis of genital herpes is not the end of your sexual activity life. If one partner has a history of HSV infection, medication can be used to decrease viral shedding and reduce the risk of sexual transmission of the virus. Condoms can drive this risk even lower. Of course, if yous have a history of herpes infection, we would encourage you lot to exist open and honest with your partner so that you lot can work together to find satisfying solutions.

A diagnosis of herpes is non the end of the world, only women should know where they stand. We encourage testing for all sexually active women. If you suspect you may have had exposure to the canker virus, you should come see the states for an evaluation. Nosotros're here to respond your questions candidly and discuss a long-term management strategy.

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Source: https://www.ilovemygyn.com/blog/4-reasons-not-to-freak-out-about-your-positive-herpes-test/

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