Doctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Herpes test (HSV-2): IgG antibody blood test
This herpes test (HSV-2) is a blood antibody (IgG) test that can show whether you have had earlier contact with herpes simplex virus type 2, which is commonly genital. An IgG result reflects past exposure, not necessarily a current or recent infection. It cannot tell you where or when contact occurred.
What It Measures
This test measures IgG antibodies specific to herpes simplex virus type 2 in your blood. IgG antibodies are produced after initial infection and persist in the body indefinitely, serving as a marker of HSV-2 exposure.
A positive result confirms that you have been infected with HSV-2, though it cannot determine when the infection occurred or predict the frequency of outbreaks. It is important to note that many people with HSV-2 are unaware they carry the virus.
Why It Matters
HSV-2 often causes few or no clear symptoms, so an antibody test may simply tell you whether your body has encountered the virus before. This can give context or reassurance, without being alarming. A doctor can help put the result in perspective for your situation and discuss any next steps.
When to Test
IgG antibodies can take from a few weeks up to around 12 weeks to develop after exposure, so testing very soon after a possible contact may not yet show a reaction. Because of this window, timing affects what the result can show. A doctor can advise on the best moment to test and whether a repeat test is useful.
Recommendations
Male
Negative result indicates no HSV-2 exposure. Practice safe sexual practices.
Positive result indicates past HSV-2 exposure. Discuss disclosure with partners and consider daily antiviral therapy to reduce transmission risk.
Female
Negative result indicates no HSV-2 exposure. Practice safe sexual practices.
Positive result indicates past HSV-2 exposure. Discuss disclosure with partners and consider daily antiviral therapy to reduce transmission risk.
Lifestyle Tips
If you have HSV-2, antiviral suppressive therapy can reduce the frequency of outbreaks and lower the risk of transmission to partners. Consistent condom use further decreases transmission risk, though it does not eliminate it entirely as the virus can shed from areas not covered by condoms.
Avoid sexual contact during active outbreaks. Manage stress, get adequate sleep, and maintain a healthy immune system, as these factors can influence outbreak frequency. Open and honest communication with partners about your status supports healthy relationships.