Strength123

@Steve888 I'm so sorry you are going through this. I can't imagine the stress that you and your family are going through. Fortunately, you are already on the right path by seeking support and information. Here are some answers based on my two weeks of frantic research: Yes, you could have had it all this time and not have noticed (it happens to many people). Yes, stress is a huge trigger and the stress of your wife's health definitely could have triggered this outbreak. Yes, it's possible you had more mild outbreaks in the past that went un-noticed. It's possible that she does not have it, but it's also possible that she does have it and has not shown symptoms. Now for the biggest question of all, how to tell your wife. If I put myself in her shoes, I would like to find this out from a partner in a way that is calm, informative, supportive and comforting. I would anticipate many questions regarding possible contraction of hsv, transmission rate, symptoms, infidelity etc, and be ready with answers for all of these questions. Fidelity does quickly come into question but after research most people will understand that this is something that you could not have noticed for years and does not mean anyone had an affair. Talk to her in a way that conveys your deep love and support. I think if you do your research and present this in a loving, calm manor, then things will go better than you expect. I hope that helped. I'm wishing you all the best. Please let us know how it goes. Warmly, Strength123

Based on my understanding the swab is very accurate so I would trust that result. Warmly, Strength123

@Amando For me, the hardest part about a positive H 2 result is thinking about how it will affect my relationship with future partners. I was recently diagnosed with HSV 2 through a blood test during a routine std screening. I have not had any physical symptoms but have been on an emotional rollercoaster ever since. Immediately after receiving my test results I contacted my current partner of a month and we talked about the symptoms and how our relationship would proceed. He took some time to think, said the right things such as "we will figure this out together" but over the course of two weeks he became distant and eventually stopped talking to me. I have officially had my first rejection and it was from someone who possibly have it to me. The idea of someone accepting my H 2 result in the future seems so unlikely. I re-read that last sentence and know I'm not cheering anyone up, I just want to say that I share your feelings. Something that helps me is to read other people's success stories. While being accepted with H may feel unlikely, stories here prove it can happen. I'm going to think of it as a numbers game, the more I put myself out there and disclose, the higher chance I will have at being accepted. We can't let our fear of rejection hold back our potential for finding someone who will accept us. Wishing you all the best.

@Nathalie I am going through a similar situation and I completely understand the emotional rollercoaster you are going through. Its been a couple weeks since my first blood test came back positive and there have been a lot of ups and downs. Like most, I spent my share of time crying and believing my life is going to forever change for the worse. I still battle with idea of how much my life with change for the worst but after a couple weeks I can say my optimism, self worth, and general outlook on life has improved. I still have healing to do but deep down I know I will be okay and so will you. Thank you for being apart of this community and sharing your experience. I'm wishing you all the best.

Hello everyone, I received my first H 2+ result a couple weeks ago after a general std screening. The test administered was a igg blood test. I have not had any noticeable HSV symptoms. In light of not having symptoms I requested to take the Western Blot test for a definitive result because the igg blood test can produce false positives. My doctor said she was unable to order the Western Blot test but offered another igg blood test, which I took and which also came back positive today. Should I be confident that I have HSV 2 based on two positive igg test and no symptoms or is it still worth trying to get the Western Blot test to be sure? Thank you

Hello @New2GH and @Lvsandy, thank you both for taking the time to reply. I am going to take another test. I just want to know for sure, at the same time I am so dang scared. I'm grieving and having a hard time keeping my chin up but I will continue to try. Thank you again.

Yesterday I received a positive test result for H 2 based on blood work and no showing of symptoms. One of the most painful parts was not messaging my current and past partners about it but hearing from my current partner that "he has a lot to think about" in regards of continuing to see me or not. I hadn't cried until I received that text. Needless to say, I am struggling with a lot of feelings: sadness, shame, guilt, and hopefulness for a false positive result. I'm kicking myself in the ass for demanding this test when my doctor strongly recommend against it. On the other hand, knowledge is power and if I do have it, I want to know so I can reduce the risk of spreading it to others. My doctor says the result may be a false positive but not to worry until I actually show symptoms. I feel helpless, I feel like all I can do is sit and wait to see if I show any symptoms. And what happens if I don't show any symptoms? Do I assume I do or don't have it? Do I ask to do a second test of the same kind and see if I get a different result? At the same time I am scared to do another test and receive possibly a second positive. I could really use support and advice. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.