Note: None of these data are saved and calculations are done over a secure https connection
Help With Input | Why these questions? | Understanding Output
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the leading cause of genital herpes and affects hundreds of millions of people globally. Because symptoms can be mild or absent, transmission may occur even when no sores are visible.
This calculator applies a statistical model grounded in published clinical and epidemiological research to estimate HSV-2 likelihood from the factors you enter. It is intended for education and risk context, not as a stand-alone diagnostic tool.
What this tool does: Translates population-level evidence into a practical estimate you can discuss with a clinician.
What this tool does not do: It does not confirm or rule out HSV-2 infection, determine exactly when infection occurred, or replace type-specific blood testing, lesion swab/PCR testing, or clinical evaluation.
Model outputs reflect associations across large groups. Association does not prove causation for any one person, and your real risk can vary based on factors not fully captured here.
Privacy note: This page uses secure HTTPS, and entries are not stored as a personal medical record on this calculator page.
If you have active sores, a clinician may recommend a swab or PCR test as the most direct method of confirmation. Use this estimate as one input and review next steps with a licensed medical professional.
Quick answers for common questions. Educational only, not a diagnosis.
It estimates how likely an HSV-2 test result is to represent a true infection given test characteristics and timing. It does not replace medical evaluation.
No. Genital symptoms can have multiple causes, and testing plus clinical assessment is needed for a more reliable conclusion.
PCR or culture from a lesion and blood tests for HSV-2 antibodies are common. Swabbing a fresh lesion for PCR is often the most direct test when sores are present.
It suggests prior HSV-2 exposure and is often associated with anogenital infection. It typically does not show when infection occurred.
It suggests no detectable HSV-2 antibodies at the time of testing. If exposure was recent, repeat testing later may be considered.
Antibodies can take several weeks to develop, and some people take longer. Testing too early can miss infection.
Yes, especially with low or borderline index values depending on the assay. Confirmatory testing is often considered when the result is low-positive or unexpected.
It refers to a second, different test used to clarify an initial blood test result. A clinician can advise which options are available and appropriate.
A blood test can help, but a swab PCR from a new lesion is usually preferred when sores are present. Other conditions can mimic herpes, so evaluation is important.
Yes, HSV-2 can shed from genital skin without symptoms. Avoiding sex during symptoms and using barriers and antivirals can reduce risk.
Condoms can lower risk but do not eliminate it because herpes can be on uncovered skin. Consistent use helps more than occasional use.
Daily suppressive antivirals can reduce outbreaks and lower the chance of passing HSV-2 to partners, but they do not eliminate risk. Discuss benefits and side effects with a clinician.
Avoid sex during outbreaks or warning symptoms, consider condoms, and discuss suppressive therapy. Partners may also consider type-specific testing and counseling.
Routine screening is not generally recommended because of false positives and the potential for harm from misinterpretation. Testing may be considered in certain higher-risk situations after discussion with a clinician.
Not necessarily. IgG index values are not a reliable measure of contagiousness, outbreak severity, or timing of infection.
HSV-2 infection is associated with increased risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV. If you have HSV-2, talk with a clinician about HIV testing and prevention options.
It means the result is not clearly positive or negative. A clinician may recommend repeat testing after more time or a confirmatory test.
Yes. HSV can be passed to a newborn, especially with a new infection near delivery, so pregnancy care often includes planning for symptoms, testing decisions, and possible antiviral use.
Not always. Outbreak frequency varies widely, and many people have mild or infrequent symptoms over time.
Seek care if you have new genital sores, severe pain, fever, eye symptoms, are pregnant, or have a low-positive or confusing blood test result. Bring the test name, dates, and index values if you have them.