Brief Answer:
Please consult a dermatologist for herpes infection follow up and treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. HSV type 1 and 2 is tested by IgG and IgM antibodies which depends on the immunity of your system. People with active immunity might generate a higher level of antibodies.

2. There are 2 types of antibodies generated, namely IgG and IgM. The IgM antibodies are formed during acute infection and stay for 3 to 6 weeks. The IgG antibodies stay in your system for a long time and some patients might have it lifelong.

3. Medicine is to be taken only if there is rashes and symptoms of a breakout. The medicines used are anti viral like acyclovir or valacyclovir which is to be taken only with prescription. A dermatologist is to be consulted for treatment and follow up of herpes infection.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

---

Brief Answer:
You can lead a happy married life being herpes infected

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. Many people and at least 1 in 5 have positive test for herpes antibodies. Most do not have symptoms of the disease. It is possible that you got the infection many months or years back and during childhood. This should not make you worried.

2. You can surely get married and lead a happy married life.

3. You will able to function normally after marriage and have children. There will be times when you will develop rashes on your genitals and for this you have to take medicines like anti virals after consulting the doctor and in a week you will become normal.

4. There are chances that your wife will get herpes from you after sexual intercourse and this is more if you have rashes due to herpes in your genital region. If there are no rashes then the risk is less. The use of condom when you have rashes might reduce the infectivity rate. However there is still a chance for her to get herpes.

5. For pregnancy, there is a suggestion that keeping in mind that you do not have herpes rashes. After marriage, both of you might have unprotected sex till your wife has a pregnancy. Once she is having a pregnancy then always use condoms during sex. This will protect her from having an acute herpes outbreak during pregnancy.

6. There are chances of baby having herpes complications only if there is acute outbreak in pregnancy or during normal vaginal delivery. Herpes tests are to be done during pregnancy and please go for cesarean section during delivery to avoid direct transmission of herpes to he baby.

7. The herpes virus is not transmitted through breast milk. Therefore breast feeding is not a problem. Please do not panic.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

---

Brief Answer:
Please find details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. Hiding or disclosing your HSV status is your personal decision. However, you might request a doctor to disclose your HSV infection status and make your wife understand every thing about it.

2. If you do not have any rashes then active herpes infection is less likely.

3. Itchiness in genital area might be due to fungal infection and you might consult a dermatologist to confirm it and take required treatment.

4. Herpes causes intense burning pain and rashes in the genital region and mouth. It is not possible to tell whether your wife will get active lesions. If you have fungal infection and do not take treatment then she will also get itchiness.

5. IgM is increased in recent infection. However it is possible that you will not get the rashes.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

---