Blood test for Herpes Simplex 2?

I had a full STD test and came back negative for everything except HSV 1 and HSV 2. I knew I had HSV 1 cold sores etc however the HSV 2 blood test came as a shock. The office said that the blood tests only show that I may have come in contact with HSV 1 and 2 not that i necessarily have it.

Anyway - I've had a great deal of itching in the groin/scrotum and the doctor examined and said it was eczema - not an STD. Who do I believe now after the tests came back positive for HSV 2.

My girlfriend has HSV 1 - maybe HSV 2 -- i don't feel like asking her if she has it. Anyone know how reliable the blood test is if I don't have any blisters, puss, warts or pain other than than rash in the groin. I"m on antibiotic cream now - hoping this will go away or am I a Herpes guy for life now...Thanks.

HSV - 1 is usually the 'cold sore' virus, and HSV - 2 is usually the genital variety. However, due to various...ehm, creative combinations we humans have collectively taken part in, the two have become blurred somewhat.

Basically, it is completely possible that the cold sores you have been getting are in fact both HSV-1 and HSV-2 related. (i.e. if you swabbed each one as it came, you might find some mostly HSV-1 and some HSV-2)

When they say the tests just show you have come into contact with it and you don't necessarily 'have' it, I am a little confused about what they meant - once you're testing positive you are infected (your body has seroconverted and is producing antibodies to HSV-2 due to its substantial presence in your system), and there is no cure. Maybe they meant your active irritation might not acutally be HSV-2? That is entirely possible, there are a lot of itchy skin consitions out there.

p.s. - is this the same office that put you on antibiotic cream for a possible viral outbreak? Antibiotics won't touch viruses...and yes, you're a herpes guy for life. At least the lesions do go away and lie dormant most of the time!

if its herpes, than you have it for life, but i thought herpes simplex 2 was the cold sore canker sore virus, i have that one, and thats what everyone has always called it.

If you have it then you have it for life - it might not flare up enough cause physical symptoms, but you'll always have it - and if you have it then your partner will have it too. Two thirds of people who have it never have any symptoms.

Most people acquire HSV1 while they're a child - from their elderly relatives.

Check out the infor at http://www.herpes.com/hsv1-2.html

I've read blood tests can be REALLY inaccurate for testing herpes. I've heard some doctors will even order 2 or 3 tests and then compare the results.

Genital herpes is usually diagnosed by a physical exam and testing of the puss or fluid from the sores.

If I were you I think I would go back and get tested 1 or 2 more times, just to be sure. Test are not always accurate!