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Dear Dr. Gian,
I had the blood work done today, for the Herpes 1 & 2 IgM recent exposure test, and am waiting for the results. In the meantime, I am trying to find a comprehensive and accurate list of Herpes-2 symptoms.
At no time have I had sores, redness, discharge, burning or tingling. I have examined my genitals in a magnifying mirror, and I don’t see any blisters, sores, irritation, etc. I had some very mild itching, but I am not sure this is not simply due to my worrying.
My new boyfriend has had genital herpes (herpes type 2) for many years (10+). He does not take any kind of anti-viral medication. We became sexually active 2 months ago, and have had only 2 sexual encounters – both using condoms, when he was not having an outbreak. Prior to this, I was celibate for one year and had no symptoms of any kind.
About 2 weeks after the first encounter, I noticed mild PMS like symptoms – very mild cramping and feeling tired. My period started 11 days earlier than normal (I am usually very regular), and I had more cramping than normal – I usually have very few menstrual pains/cramps/headaches, etc.
After the second encounter, I had slight vaginal irritation, which I believe was due (at least in part), to the condom and insufficient lubrication. This was mild, and only lasted a few days. There was never any redness or sores/blisters.
I had mild flu-like symptoms, a headache, and some cramping/pressure in my lower abdomen, which I thought might have been a bladder infection (I have had one before, and know how it feels). The doctor took a urine sample, and gave me a prescription for Cipro. After 3 days, the headache is almost gone, I have very mild diarrhea and some mild cramping that feels like menstrual camps. (Urine sample was negative for infection.)
I have read that some people have flu-like symptoms during an initial outbreak/after Herpes 2 infection.
Might my these flu-like/menstrual cramp symptoms be due to herpes-2 infection? Could an initial infection cause my period to start early? Is sex with a condom, not during an outbreak considered any safer than unprotected sex, when dealing with Herpes 2? If so, how much safer? What is the truth about asymptomatic viral shedding and the possibility of contagion? Is there a website where I can get reliable information on Herpes 2 symptoms?
Please advise.
Many thanks.
Hi,
I would point to you the book The Truth About Herpes by Stephen L. Sacks, M.D. both for symptoms description and preventive measures for a person who knowingly has intercourse with a partner who is Herpes type 2 positive. Consider also that some of your symptoms could be due to the emotional and cognitive adaptations that a person in a situation like yours must undergo.
Be well.
Dr. Gian
Thank you, Dr. Gian.
I will buy the book. My test result was negative, by the way. I spoke with my primary care physician who suggested abstaining; taking a second test in April; and daily anti-viral medication for my boyfriend, should I continue in this relationship.
I have never even had to contemplate dealing with something like this, but I have visited almost every website/chat room/online support group I could find to educate myself. I have come to understand the range of emotional duress that it might place on someone who is infected – alienation, anger, despair, anxiety, low self-esteem; and I have been impressed with the consideration, respect and empathy with which many health care providers treat herpes sufferers and “friends of herpes sufferers”. You are very clearly an empathetic medical professional – well suited to the task, as are the people who answer the phone in your office. I called about three times, and each time I hung up feeling a little less anxious.
Again, thank you for the kind words and solid direction.
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