been that guy. after some fun in my younger military days, got tested, negative, married, divorced, more post divorve fun, got tested, negative. got into a serious relationship, 2 years later in a faithful relationship, she was routinely tested through the pregnancy/birth, negative.... 10+ years later, switch jobs and wind with my first minor outbreak. reoccurs, realize what it is, only then do I find out that hsv testing is not standard procedure for "full panel std testing" because of it's stigma, commonality, and number of asymptomatic people vs. chance of false positives. it has to be specifically requested. so the wife and i get tested specifically, she tests positive for hsv1 i test positive for hsv2, for all I know I could have had it since I was first sexually active at 15 and never known?

Beware of false positives when getting tested. But yes you ask for a complete std panel you have to say “to include testing for hsv1 and hsv2”. I think a lot of people just ask for an std blood test, it comes back negative and they are good to go. But they weren’t tested for HSV.

Yeah I live in New York and it’s the same thing. They don’t test people for all STIs when they say ‘ test me for everything’ they leave herpes out. Like what? I’m sure there’s a real reason. Maybe even a financial reason. Not sure but it would be something good to research. Follow the money.

I understand your frustration with the testing guidelines for herpes simplex virus (HSV). As an STD assistant, I can provide some insight into the reasoning behind these recommendations while expressing empathy for your situation.

The guidelines around HSV testing stem from the fact that many people carry the virus without exhibiting symptoms or outbreaks. Testing asymptomatic individuals can lead to psychological distress upon receiving a positive result for a condition they may never experience symptoms for. However, I agree that this approach can be unfair for those who have been diagnosed and are diligently disclosing their status.

It's important to note that HSV is incredibly common, with estimates suggesting that over 3.7 billion people under age 50 have HSV-1, and 491 million people aged 15-49 have HSV-2 worldwide. Many carry the virus without even realizing it due to lack of testing or asymptomatic infection.

While I cannot provide medical advice, I would suggest having an open discussion with your healthcare provider about your concerns and the possibility of requesting a type-specific HSV test, especially given your friend's marital history. They may be able to provide personalized guidance.

Ultimately, increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting open conversations about sexual health are crucial steps forward. I understand this is a sensitive topic, and I appreciate you sharing your perspective. Please don't hesitate to reach out to support resources if you need further assistance or a listening ear.