HSV IgG Testing Question

[TooHip1973]

For the past 4 months I have been experiencing ongoing genital symptoms following protected sex with a casual partner. It all started a few days after the encounter with redness on the labia minora and some white discharge. Thinking I had a yeast infection, minus the itching, I saw my OBGYN. While the area was red and a bit inflamed, she saw nothing of concern after doing a full exam. Did STD testing and BV/yeast and everything came back clear. Prescribed an antibiotic cream for 7 nights. Had some random clear discharge one time and felt on and off tingles and burning in the area. After seeing her 5 more times, as well as my GP and a nurse at Planned Parenthood (all who saw nothing of concern other than irritation and slight inflammation), I was diagnosed with inflammatory vaginitis. At the encouragement of a friend, saw a new NP who really seemed to address my concerns with more knowledge. Ran an IgG test through Labcorp at 12.5 weeks. Came back negative for both HSV 1 and HSV 2, though I always suspected I had HSV 1 because of the occasional corner of the mouth cold sore. After reading more about the IgG, learned it's not so accurate for HSV 2 but fairly sensitive to HSV 2. After reading more from Terri Warren, it sounds as if the IgG for HSV 2 is only about 92% accurate. This is where my question comes in.
1. I know there are atypical presentations of genital HSV and I am worried that mine align with some of them. Does it sound worrisome? This has been an ongoing issue with continuous irritation/slight burning/redness for 4+ months.
2. I just had another IgG done through Quest this time at 18+ weeks. How confident can I really be in this test if Nurse Warren, an expert in the field, says the IgG is only about 92% accurate?
3. Are there reasons why someone wouldn't seroconvert? What is the average time for most? I haven't taken antivirals and have a pretty healthy immune system (rarely get a cold).
I guess my worry is I am one of the 8%.
I will get results sometimes this week.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.

[TooHip1973]

Hi feelingundone! Waiting for my 18 week test results and going a little insane (should've had them by now, test done last Monday).
Reading some of your other answers, I see you mentioned people who don't make antibodies to HSV. Do you know why some people don't make them? Are there conditions that would interfere with the production of them?
Also, reading that the IgG for HSV2 is only about 92% accurate (per Terri Warren) can anyone really be confident in the results? Do you have any theories as to why some don't show up on IgG or take more than 12 weeks?
I know this is a lot of questions! I am just trying to move forward, no matter what my results say. THANK YOU!!!

[TooHip1973]

Thank you so much for your response, feelingundone. It's helped to calm my nerves as I wait for test results. It's been a bear of a 4+ months and I just want to move forward. The not knowing is crippling. I am going to hold tight to those 12 week results and try to keep upbeat as I wait! Your knowledge is so appreciated!

[feelingundone]

You are very welcome. Keep me posted please

[TooHip1973]

Hi feelingundone! Just wanted to give you an update, since I said I would. Got my IgG 1/2 results today from Quest.
Both <0.90.
This test was 18 weeks after possible exposure. My first test, through Labcorp at 12.5 weeks, was also negative. No index values given with either test but assume that is normal. I know I could've stopped at the 12.5 week test but wanted extra assurance from a different lab. Figured if there was something to be found, one of them would have.
Honestly quite surprised that HSV 1 came back negative on both because I assumed I had it because I get rare, very small corner of the mouth sores. I know the IgG isn't great for that.
Going to try my darndest to move on and hope that my ongoing issues down below subside a bit because I know mentally, I am just making things worse by focusing and obsessing. The mind is a beast!!
So...of course I have to ask...considering the test isn't a 100%, move forward as negative for HSV2?

[TooHip1973]

Just bumping this up hoping feelingundone sees it and comments! :)

[feelingundone]

It surely does not sound like hsv. First, atypical hsv presentations are much more rare than the internet woukd lead you to believe. Yes igg hsv1 tests can miss up to 25% of infections and hsv2 tests are much better. There are people who never make antibodies but its also pretty rare.
Now as far as you go. I surely don't believe it's hsv. Four months is way to long for hsv symptoms to last. Your protected exposure was almost no risk. Condoms for a single exposure protect the female about 95% according to new studies. They protect the female better than the male partner. Now a single unprotected exposure with a known positive partner has roughly 1 in a 1000 chance of passing the virus. Add a condom and it's almost zero. For all these reasons (not to mention your negative testing) hsv is beyond a long shot for your issues. I really hope they figure it out so you can get some relief.

[TooHip1973]

I can't thank you enough for your response! And so quick. I think part of the issue is not only the timing (so soon after intercourse) and all the strange symptoms. Reading all these "initial" symptoms put me in a panic. Add into it, reading about tests missing infections and their questionable accuracy, had me convinced it was HSV. I am eager to put this behind me or at least figure out what the heck is going on (treatments mainly consist of being patient with my body and that's hard). Is it realistic for me to think my test results now, 18 weeks later, should stay consistent with my 12.5 week? HSV1 wouldn't shock, or even shake, me. I know the test isn't great for that. I just want to move on. The summer has pretty much been a wash. The internet, while helpful, can also be out worst enemy!

[feelingundone]

I agree with the internet being a blessing and a curse. Your test are conclusive. If you want to retest go for it.
Hsv1 from intercourse is extremely rare. So rare that all the experts i know have never seen a case. This is because hsv1 wben a genital infection sheds very very little and isn't very potent when it does.
I truly believe you don't have hsv. I would bet the kitchen sink on it.

[PeterPutts]

This is why I love this site; the users here are truly helpful, specifically feelingundone in the Herpes Community. I've read some of Terri's responses in the expert forusm; very insightful. I've learnt more about the nuances of herpes here than on any other site or online forum. Kudos!