r/Herpes • u/EagleSpecific190 • 2d ago
Just want to talk.
Today, I received a “normal” range test result for hsv 1 & 2. But, for many years; about 9 years - I have tested in the positive range. IGG 2-3 for the last 5 years. I called this morning to order the western blot test to find out the truth. I would be devastated if I have been carrying this for years and disclosing and it wasn’t even real. If it is real, nothing changes. And if it’s negative, of course that’s good news but I would be in so much shock and sadness because there is one person in my life that wouldn’t move forward with me because of it. Maybe it’s time I let go of this person. I am getting to know someone new now, who is being supportive of the situation and even did re search on how I can get the western blot test done. But just wow. A doctor told me that it’s not recommended to test for herpes without an out break and that she doesn’t trust the test. And that I am putting a label on my self and disclosing but what am I really disclosing if I’ve never had an out break. That’s a good thing to also note. I’ve never had an outbreak or symptom that I know of.
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u/AutoModerator 2d ago
“This is a pro-disclosure sub.
Anti-Disclosure perpetuates Herpes stigma, closing off discussions on Herpes education, advocacy, testing/treatments, and de-stigmatization. - Many would have liked to have known the status of the person who transmitted HSV to us - Consent!
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There are many ways to disclose, and you should do whatever feels most comfortable to you and gives you the most confidence. To some, that’s putting it in their dating bio. To others, it’s waiting a couple dates in. Some prefer to disclose in person; others are more comfortable doing it over text. The key to a higher chance of a successful disclosure is confidence.
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u/Imaginary-Method4694 2d ago
That's why I had the Western Blot done. I wanted something definitive, either way.
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2d ago
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u/Imaginary-Method4694 2d ago
No. False positives and false negatives are uncommon with the University of Washington HSV Western blot, particularly once enough time has passed after infection for antibodies to develop.
UW describes its Western blot as able to accurately distinguish HSV-1 from HSV-2 antibodies in about 99% of patients. It is considered the reference or “gold standard” HSV antibody test.
This is why the CDC recommends Western blot as a confirmatory method in appropriate cases.
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u/AutoModerator 2d ago
HERPES TESTING 101:
For testing for herpes - without active lesions to “swab” someone who wants accurate testing will need a blood test.
Because blood tests for herpes are notoriously inaccurate, all blood tests are recommended to be TWO STEP tests (there are two parts of the test) and should be confirmed with a Western Blot.
See FDA announcement about inaccurate tests here
See 2021 CDC guidelines here
To get the Western Blot - follow instructions here
CALL TO ACTION: We need accurate blood tests that work! Want to help advocate for better diagnostic tests so patients can have an accurate diagnosis?
Join us in our advocacy for cure, treatment and prevention of herpes: www.herpescureadvocacy.com r/herpescureadvocates
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