The following is from my gyn, who I regularly pepper with questions.
When our blood is screened for the herpes virus, that is actually an antibody test... Once you have a breakout (but not before), your body will produce antibodies that are detectable via testing. My gyn tells me that most people will have an initial breakout within 3-4 weeks of becoming infected. However, it is possible, although rare, to never have symptoms, or to not have them for years after being infected...in that case, you will test negative even though the virus lives dormant in your nerve cells. But once you do have a breakout, the antibodies will always be detectable.
I am 90% positive I have herpes (HSV 2) and 100% positive I got it from a provider (ONLY EVER had sex with providers and ALWAYS used protection.)
The last time I got tested (8 months ago) I had a small bump and was told it wasn't anything to worry about. I haven't had sex since and the small bumps have slowly spread into a couple larger bumps.
Am I out of the game for good then? Because I really don't want to pass it on. But anywhere between 2-3 out of 10 people have it. Do providers understand that and just assume that risk? Do most providers have it anyways so that's a non-issue?
I don't want to be an asshole and give someone an STD - but I'd also like to continue seeing providers.
Should I be upfront with providers ahead of time like I would with a regular partner? And let them decide whether or not they choose to see me?
Get tested before jumping to conclusions. It could be something else like boils or foliculitis or whatever, only way to find out is to get tested. I'm surprised you said you got tested 8 months ago and you are posting your concerns on a funk board. Get full panel testing again.
FYI some doctors don't even bother checking for cold sore herpes cuz majority of the population has it and it is easy to pass on.
Look it is likely herpes, but only a doctor can tell for sure. Herpes isn't the only thing with that symptom. Second How do you know it is herpes type two if it is even herpes for sure? Location means little as they all can affect any part of the skin, and all twelve kinds, if conditions are right, can mimic those symptoms. See a doctor, get a site and blood test, only then can you know for sure what you have. By the way sex isn't the only way herpes type two spreads, just the most common. I doubt it is herpes as herpes outbreaks usually don't last 8 months, they go away in a few weeks to return sometime in the future. Something is wrong regardless see a doctor. At this time you know nothing.
Now lets say you are right and you have herpes, you really need to see your doctor. There are things that can be done to reduce the spread of herpes. Antivirals can greatly reduce the symptoms, days you can infect someone else, and the odds of doing so if taken religiously. Condoms, especially female condoms, depending infection site can reduce the odds further. you can reduce the odds greatly by playing smart and not playing when any sighs are present and week after symptoms are gone. Sex can still happen without making people sick.
Now if I had type herpes type two I would inform the provider, let her know what you are doing about it and let her make the call or give up the hobby all together. The latter is likely better. If you see providers insist everything is covered BJ's and everything. Condoms aren't as effective on herpes as it is against some other STDs but they do help.
Now the main point, see a doctor. You will need him to find out what you have. You will need him to treat it. You shouldn't have sex with anyone without treatment. See a doctor. Get all the info you can, and educate yourself on the risks. And be honest with all your partners. Now go see a doctor.
Second, should the results come back positive and you continue to see providers, then fuck you. The fact that you'd even question whether or not to disclose that to your partners (professional or no) is astounding.
This is one of those times that I pray the OP is just trolling.
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