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?

Any advice/help would be appreciated...thanks.

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.

there are a lot of things that can cause 'bumps' on the pecker the great majority of which are not STDs at all -    

get tested specifically for HSV-2 -    

you probably have HSV-1 - the "cold sore" virus - 80% of Americans do - so be sure that it is a test specific for HSV-2....

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.

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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.

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.

 -- Modified on 8/2/2014 8:55:42 AM

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False negatives are problematic. My doctor told me the same thing. But a positive is a positive.

My full-panel test includes an antibody test (done via blood screening) for both HSV 1 and 2. So does the test at planned parenthood, which I have gotten on occasion.

Love how a man can never let a woman be right on a few choice subjects...science, politics, and computers. Especially when that woman is a working girl.

I would throw in sports, but strangely, guys seem to take delight in a woman being on the money about sports. So long as he agrees with her, lol

As for your last comment, it was immature and totally uncalled for...and just proves my point that some men HATE to let a working girl be right.

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I have HSV 1. I get sores on my lip every great once in the while. I had it site tested, it is HSV 1. I get a HSV 1 antibody test as part of my STD screening and the test says I don't have it. Now I am not saying the antibody test is useless as if it tests positive you have it and can spread it. But a negative means little only the site test is 100% but only when shedding. He is right get the site test if possible, but between outbreaks the antibody test can give peace of mind at least tell symptoms reappears.

My gyn told me that a guy/girl could be negative and still carry the virus.

But she said that after an outbreak, the antibodies will always be detectable....maybe that's just for HSV2?  

(I do not have direct experience...just sayin')

This makes me curious about the implications for sectors of the industry (brothels, porn) in which one or both parties are tested prior to play.

-- Modified on 8/2/2014 12:29:56 PM

Antibody levels go up and down over time. That's why you need booster (repeat) vaccines for many diseases. The repeat vaccine boosts the antibody levels back up. Perhaps what your Gyne meant was that soon after an outbreak, the antibody will always be detectable, the outbreak acts like a booster. But over time, it could fade away and become undetectable.  
Best way to diagnose HSV is see a doctor during an outbreak.