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I have the HSV2 virus but I’ve been getting mixed answers about this particular question. I haven’t visited my PCP since this is a confidential matter and I didn’t want to use my insurance due to my parents and I can’t really pay out of pocket since I don’t have that type of money for a quick visit. I’ve spoken to various online resources that allow you to ask free health questions. I’m wondering if you can spread the HSV2 virus to yourself? I ask this because awhile back my nipple piercing fell out and I didn’t realize it until I finished using the restroom. I found one half on the carpet near the toilet and the other near the sink. I panicked and quickly put it back in before washing it off. I’m unsure if the piercing touched my underwear which had discharge on it but I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary with my nipple. I did have a small irritation/ cut prior to the piercing falling out but I’m unsure if it was actually a sore or something more serious. Is there a test that can be done to see if you have infected another site?
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Hello Anon
Thank you for writing! I'm glad we have helped you on this topic before. Here's a little more information because your question is a good one. Herpes 2 is a virus in your body that began in your genitals. It can be spread to your mouth in order to cause cold sores (Herpes 1) if you have oral sex during an outbreak (and vice versa).
July 24, 2019 - 1:20pmHowever, you will not get the virus in your nipples (which are a part of the skin) via a nipple piercing that may fall on your underwear. It's very unlikely it touched your underwear in the first place. In future, sterilize a piercing before putting it back in.
If your piercing is under 12 months old, the irritation could be due to the "growing pains" of getting used to a new piercing.
Best,
Susan
This Comment
Just to clarify with my last comment, I don’t mean if it could spread during sex. I meant can you spread it to yourself through discharge or any genital secretions or via fluid from the sores. For example, if I had a paper cut on my finger and got discharge on it. Should I be concerned?
July 24, 2019 - 5:41pmThis Comment
Hello Anon
No, there should be no concerns in this aspect.
Best,
July 25, 2019 - 10:48amSusan
This Comment
Thank you! I appreciate the response. Regardless of the nipple piercing, can it spread to other areas in general? I’ve heard some professionals say that it stays where it started but I’ve also heard you can spread it to other openings such as eyes, mouth etc. if it can spread to other areas does it do so by the fluid when you have a sore or should be worried every time I might get a little bit of discharge on my hand. (I’d obviously wash it off, but as an example)
July 24, 2019 - 5:35pmThis Comment
Hi again!
As I mentioned, it can spread orally and via the genitals. So you can have lip and mouth herpes as well as oral herpes and either one can spread to the other.
You can get herpes in your eyes but it is a different kind of herpes to genital herpes so you can't get it from genital herpes.
It is spread from the sores yes, but it's also possible to transmit without an obvious outbreak.
I know you are afraid to seek out a gynecologist due to being on your parents insurance but they will have no access to knowing why you went to your gynecologist. They are not allowed this information, even if they ask. You could simply be going for a checkup. The best person to answer these questions is your gynecologist and that way you don't have to rely on the internet for information as some of the information is excellent and accurate, other sources are not reliable at all.
Best,
July 25, 2019 - 10:47amSusan
This Comment