A swab from my vaginal tear showed positive HSV-1 and IgG. Please help.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
After a few days of having rough intercourse with my boyfriend, I began having pain and yellowish discharge from my vagina. A nurse examined me and told me that I had a tear inside my vagina. She took a swab of the tear, and I had blood workup done. The reports showed positive HSV-1 and IgG. I used to get a burning sensation on my upper lip and have frequent sores on my lips years ago, but after some time they stopped. I was wondering if I got the HSV-1 because of the vaginal tear or the lip sores years ago? I am having anxiety since this happened and I cannot sleep. I have attached my reports and photos. I will appreciate your help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
- It is rare but possible to isolate HSV-1 from vaginal discharge as you have a history of the same infection.
- Isolation of HSV-1 from vagina does not confirm it as a causative agent in your case because your reports and clinical photo (attachment removed to protect patient identity) show chlamydial infection also.
- Isolation of IgG may also be because of the previous infection. This antibody persists in the body for years even after the treatment.
- Chlamydial infection can be treated using medicines. To prevent the spread of such infection, use protective barriers during sexual activities.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you so much, you have helped ease my anxiety. Is it possible to isolate HSV because it was already in my body from previous oral outbreaks? And also, does isolation mean the virus was isolated, or the antibody was isolated? I took antibiotics for chlamydia, but I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend again after three days of taking medicines. Could I be re-infected with chlamydia?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
- You have undergone two tests one for IgG antibody, and one for HSV-1 virus isolation, and both tests were found to be positive.
- But as I said IgG antibody persist in the body for years after infection and the virus usually disappear after some time. The period is not fixed but varies from person to person and viral load is present in the body. And its presence does not indicate disease.
- I have advised you to use protection during sexual intercourse because the chances of cross-infection and re-infection are higher during this time.
- Confirmation of removal of the virus from the vagina can only be done after culture.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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