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Can Genital Herpes Be Asymptotic?

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Posted on Tue, 12 Jul 2016
Question: Hey an ex lover from about 6 months ago told me she had genetial herpes I dont have any symptoms i had a urinary infection a couple times but thats it how likely am i to have this?
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Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.

It is difficult to say for sure what the exact likelihood that you may have contracted the herpes virus might be. As you might already know the virus can be transmitted even without obvious external symptoms.

The only way to tell for sure would be to have a laboratory test performed where your doctor can check for active antibodies in your system for herpes virus type 2. This is the herpes virus that causes symptoms related to genital herpes.

Symptoms related to herpes typically involve skin changes which can be sometimes painful or itchy with associated redness and sometimes some swelling. It does not sound like you have had any symptoms suggestive of this in the past.

If you would like to know for sure I would suggest that you contact your primary care physician and request a blood test to evaluate for the presence of antibodies to the herpes virus. If you do not have antibodies then it is safe to assume that you do not have the virus in your system.

Thank you again for sending your question.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
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Answered by
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Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

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Can Genital Herpes Be Asymptotic?

Brief Answer: Considerations Detailed Answer: hello and thank you for sending the question. It is difficult to say for sure what the exact likelihood that you may have contracted the herpes virus might be. As you might already know the virus can be transmitted even without obvious external symptoms. The only way to tell for sure would be to have a laboratory test performed where your doctor can check for active antibodies in your system for herpes virus type 2. This is the herpes virus that causes symptoms related to genital herpes. Symptoms related to herpes typically involve skin changes which can be sometimes painful or itchy with associated redness and sometimes some swelling. It does not sound like you have had any symptoms suggestive of this in the past. If you would like to know for sure I would suggest that you contact your primary care physician and request a blood test to evaluate for the presence of antibodies to the herpes virus. If you do not have antibodies then it is safe to assume that you do not have the virus in your system. Thank you again for sending your question. Sincerely, Dr. Galamaga