Hello all, 🙂newly diagnosed and may have also unknowingly infected my current partner.
background:the first time i had a herpes culture screening was in may of 2018 and test was negative. Since then I have had routine STI/HIV screenings( 1-2 times a year) as well as other vaginal exams. During these exams (routine or due to possible herpes/other vaginal or sti health symptoms) I was informed what was present was genital warts (have been diagnosed with this previously before) or had no other glaring signs of herpes infection so I was never tested for herpes again. Since my initial herpes screening, i had unprotected sex with 2 partners, One of whom is my current partner who has never had or reported any symptoms. Neither partner has been tested. 2 weeks ago i experienced what I know now was an outbreak. the sore was swabbed for testing, I was prescribed acyclovir for treatment, and informed I would be contacted if results were positive. I Received results shortly after and tested positive for hsv2.
I informed my current partner of the diagnosis and fortunately he has been great and supportive. i also informed my previous partner of my diagnosis and advised them to get tested.
I have many doubts and insecurities of how this will now affect my relationship moving forward. Because he has never reported or shown any symptoms I can’t help but be concerned about me having possibly infected him or Infecting him in the future and possibly never knowing should he never show any obvious symptoms. yes, its possible he infected me unknowingly same way i may have possibly infected him, but the only one who knows they have it is me. I have come to terms that if he was the carrier I am accepting of it and it will not affect my relationship with him. while he has been incredibly supportive and open to us discussing our options to move forward and work on this together, (including him getting full sti/hiv screening and us using protection/ adjustments to our sex life) he cannot be tested for herpes only if he has active sores. i think its important for us to both know if we have it or not. with this insecurity there will always be doubt and concern of me possibly infecting him and us having unprotected sex now being a huge risk of infection. i understand the importance of practicing safe sex always, but with a monogamous partner i trust, i choose not to always be protected. has anyone been able to get a blood test for being exposed to the virus but not having actual sores? what was your experience? I’ve read many reports and posts on here of the blood tests being unreliable so it’s really no help or relief in site 😞 How have your partners/ you handled moving forward and the changes in your relationship after knowing you’re positive AFTER already being sexually active.
thank you for your time 🙂