“I’ve been tested and am positive for genital herpes. I’m not sure if it was myself or my partner who contracted it. How can I find out?”
If either of you have had multiple partners, then unfortunately there is no way to find out 100% how one or both of you were infected. Your health care provider can take a detailed sexual health history from you and your partner which may give you an idea of how or when.
However, if you have tested positive for herpes, the most important thing is to talk to your health care provider about protecting your health and getting more information on the ways sexually transmitted infections can be prevented.
“I’ve been with my partner for six months and for the past three months I’ve been feeling bad. Two weeks ago, I decided to go get myself checked and got blood work. My result came back that I am positive for herpes 1 & 2. Is it possible that I got it from him? We have never used protection at all. Also if he gets tested, will he test positive or negative?”
It is possible you were infected by your partner, but someone can be infected with Herpes and not have symptoms for months or years. If he isn’t the only sex partner you have ever had, you may have been infected at some other time. Additionally, if you are someone that gets fever blisters on their mouth, this is caused by Herpes. We used to say the Herpes Simplex 1 caused fever blisters and Herpes Simplex 2 caused genital infections. Today, someone one can have Herpes Simplex 1 or 2 on their lip or in the genital areas.
He may test positive but not necessarily. Both of you need to see a provider that can test for ALL STDs and can give you information on how to protect yourself from exposure in the future. Herpes Simplex 1 & 2 are caused by a virus and cannot be cured; however, there are medications that can be used if you experience an outbreak. Lastly, if you are positive for Herpes Simplex 2, there are precautions that will need to be taken should you become pregnant. Again, your health care provider will discuss this with you.
