HSV-2: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment Options

Regarding HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus)

Hello, my boyfriend experienced frequent abdominal pain in May of this year.
After seeing a doctor, he was told it might be due to a gastrointestinal infection and was prescribed some anti-inflammatory medication, which helped him recover.
However, recently he has been experiencing abdominal pain again, along with diarrhea, and even discomfort while urinating.
He underwent blood tests, and today the doctor informed him that he is infected with HSV type 2.

I would like to ask which specialty clinic he should visit regarding HSV type 2.
He is worried that I might also be infected and even suspects that I transmitted it to him, but I have no symptoms! Furthermore, I do not have another sexual partner, but he does.
The doctor told him that HSV type 2 is transmitted through sexual intercourse and is chronic (does this mean there is a latent period?).
If it weren't for his abdominal pain, he wouldn't have sought blood testing and would have been unaware of his infection.
However, HSV type 2 should manifest with physical changes, such as sores on the mouth or genitals.

What should I do now? Do I need to make an appointment for a consultation, and which specialty should I choose? Additionally, how should I advise him to proceed? Also, if he is indeed infected with HSV type 2, is it possible to determine the source of the infection? Can we identify who the carrier is or who the infected person is? We are really worried, and we are concerned that we might inadvertently transmit it to our children through close contact.
Thank you!

Yingtao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/07/26

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology

If the blood test shows positive for HSV-2 and there are no symptoms, treatment is not necessary, and there is no need to worry, as it cannot be changed to negative.
As for children, just avoid kissing them or sharing towels during an active outbreak of cold sores.

Reply Date: 2005/07/26

More Info

Understanding HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2) is crucial for managing health concerns related to this virus. HSV-2 is primarily known for causing genital herpes, which is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is important to address your concerns regarding symptoms, testing, and treatment options, especially considering your boyfriend's recent diagnosis and your worries about potential transmission.

Symptoms of HSV-2
Many individuals infected with HSV-2 may not exhibit noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Painful blisters or sores in the genital area.

- Itching or discomfort in the genital region.

- Flu-like symptoms during the initial outbreak, such as fever and swollen lymph nodes.

- Recurrent outbreaks, which may be less severe than the initial episode.

However, it is also possible for individuals to carry the virus asymptomatically, meaning they do not show any signs of infection. This is particularly concerning because asymptomatic individuals can still transmit the virus to their partners.

Testing for HSV-2
Testing for HSV-2 typically involves blood tests that detect antibodies to the virus. The most common tests are:
- IgG Tests: These tests indicate whether a person has been exposed to HSV-2. A positive result means that the person has been infected at some point, but it does not necessarily indicate an active infection.

- IgM Tests: These tests are less reliable for diagnosing HSV-2 because they can yield false positives and are not specific to the type of herpes virus.

In your boyfriend's case, if he has tested positive for HSV-2, it is essential to understand that this does not automatically mean he has active symptoms or that he is currently contagious. The virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate later.

Treatment Options
There is currently no cure for HSV-2, but there are effective treatment options available to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission:
- Antiviral Medications: Drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir can help reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks. They can also be taken daily as suppressive therapy to lower the risk of transmission to partners.

- Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy immune system through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management can help reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Addressing Your Concerns
1. Consulting a Specialist: If you are concerned about potential HSV-2 infection, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare provider, preferably a dermatologist or an infectious disease specialist. They can provide guidance on testing and management.

2. Transmission Concerns: Since you do not have any symptoms and have not had other sexual partners, the likelihood of you transmitting HSV-2 to your boyfriend is low. However, it is essential to have open communication with your partner about sexual health and to consider using protection, such as condoms, to reduce the risk of transmission.

3. Understanding Asymptomatic Carriers: Many people with HSV-2 do not know they are infected. It is possible for someone to transmit the virus even when they do not have visible symptoms. This is why regular testing and honest discussions about sexual health are important in relationships.

4. Impact on Children: If you have children or are concerned about potential exposure to them, it is important to avoid direct contact with any active sores and to practice good hygiene. HSV-2 is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, but HSV-1 (which can cause oral herpes) can be transmitted through kissing.

Conclusion
In summary, while HSV-2 is a chronic infection that can cause concern, understanding the nature of the virus, its transmission, and available treatment options can help alleviate anxiety. Open communication with your partner and consulting with healthcare professionals will provide the best approach to managing your health and any potential risks. Remember that many individuals live with HSV-2 without significant issues, and with proper management, it is possible to maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

Similar Q&A

Understanding HSV-2: Testing, Symptoms, and Transmission Concerns

Dear Dr. Hsu, I would like to consult you regarding my condition and some questions I have. I hope you can take the time to respond: 1) I have only had one sexual partner, my wife. However, in 1998, I had an incident of unprotected sex after drinking, and three months later, I ...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
SadMan: Hello, even if you are infected with herpes, so what? There is really no need to worry unless your immune system is compromised, such as in the case of HIV patients; otherwise, treatment is not necessary. Note: In Taiwan, over 50% of adults are carriers, just not showing ...

Understanding HSV-2: Oral vs. Genital Infection and Treatment Options

Hello, Doctor: After engaging in unprotected sexual activity on April 5, I noticed a herpes outbreak on my lips on April 11. I went to a medical laboratory for a blood test on April 16, and by that time, the herpes lesions had crusted over, and I had been applying Acyclovir topic...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: HSV IgM can help understand the infection, but it should also depend on the medical history. Based on the description alone, there may currently be an HSV-2 infection. Additionally, there are likely lesions on the lips, indicating a possible oral infection. It's impor...

Understanding Genital Herpes Type 2: Treatment Options and Myths

Three months ago, I went to a medical laboratory for a sexually transmitted infection screening and found out that I have herpes simplex virus type 2. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent outbreaks with several red lesions that are itchy but not painful. The medical techni...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Desperate person: The herpes virus generally lies dormant within the body and can become active when the immune system is weakened. Typically, there are no symptoms when the virus is inactive. Herpes usually presents with blisters and red rashes; it may be necessary to take a clo...

Understanding Genital Herpes and Balanitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Dear Director: On March 8, I had my last sexual encounter. On the morning of March 12, I experienced painful urination and noticed two or three red spots near the urethral opening of the glans. I consulted a doctor on March 13 (no internal examination, only a urine test), and t...

Dr. Li Minghui reply Urology
We recommend that you discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. Wishing you good health. Thank you!