HERPES

No Outbreaks for 9 Years

Dear Dr. Rob:

I was tested for genital herpes last week from a blood sample. I have never had a break out or lesions at all. The doctor tested me because of frequent yeast infections which I have always had. The nurse that works in the lab told me that my results were all negative, but, then the midwife of my ob-gyn office called and said that the results were positive.

I am so confused. I have been married for 7 years and if it is positive, then it would have to had been from about 9 or 10 years ago. Is it possible to have genital herpes for that long and never have an outbreak? My husband had a sore like three years ago and the doctor told him that it was just an infection from a pubic hair. What should I believe now? I am also concerned about giving it to my two and five year old who both drink after me.

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Dr. Rob’s Response:

Dear Mother with Recent Diagnosis:

Rather than deciding who gave whom what, I would suggest that both you and your husband be tested for the herpes virus using the Herpes Select Test and then you will know if one or both of you are infected and what you should do in terms of protecting each other during sex and with your children.

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