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How possible is it that I have herpes?
I was concerned about herpes, so I took a few tests and here are the results:
HSV 1 IGM - Negative at 2 weeks post exposure
HSV 1 IGM - Negative at 8 weeks post exposure
HSV 1 IGG - Negative at 2 weeks post exposure
(Doctor didn't take HSV 1 IGG test at 8 weeks, for whatever reason)
HSV 2 IGM - Negative at 2 weeks post exposure
HSV 2 IGM - Negative at 8 weeks post exposure
HSV 2 IGG - Negative at 2 weeks post exposure
HSV 2 IGG - Negative at 8 weeks post exposure
I have seen two doctors, and both of them said I was "not even exposed" and it would be an "insanely low chance" for me to have Herpes. I have not shown any symptoms (beyond a yeast infection, which has been tested and diagnosed separately), nor did he show any symptoms at the time of "possible exposure".
I am really just curious how likely it is I have herpes, I think it is pretty low from such little exposure, and not even knowing if he has it or not, but I plan on getting the IGG for 1 and 2 re-tested at the 3 month mark anyways. At the same time, even though the chance is low... I can't stop worrying about it :(
Thanks again, any insight would be helpful
HSV 1 IGM - Negative at 2 weeks post exposure
HSV 1 IGM - Negative at 8 weeks post exposure
HSV 1 IGG - Negative at 2 weeks post exposure
(Doctor didn't take HSV 1 IGG test at 8 weeks, for whatever reason)
HSV 2 IGM - Negative at 2 weeks post exposure
HSV 2 IGM - Negative at 8 weeks post exposure
HSV 2 IGG - Negative at 2 weeks post exposure
HSV 2 IGG - Negative at 8 weeks post exposure
I have seen two doctors, and both of them said I was "not even exposed" and it would be an "insanely low chance" for me to have Herpes. I have not shown any symptoms (beyond a yeast infection, which has been tested and diagnosed separately), nor did he show any symptoms at the time of "possible exposure".
I am really just curious how likely it is I have herpes, I think it is pretty low from such little exposure, and not even knowing if he has it or not, but I plan on getting the IGG for 1 and 2 re-tested at the 3 month mark anyways. At the same time, even though the chance is low... I can't stop worrying about it :(
Thanks again, any insight would be helpful
Well assume about 20% of people will get HSV2 in their lifetimes. Divide that into the number of times you have sex in your life? Say 4,000 times for a sexually active person. Actually you divide by 2,000 as average number of episodes before infection
Then that is 1 infection each 10,000 episodes of sex between 2 random people with no knowledge of status. and about 1 in 2,000 if one has HSV2!
All very rough, but you get the idea. Given the amount of sexual activity between people, 20% is actually modest.
Then that is 1 infection each 10,000 episodes of sex between 2 random people with no knowledge of status. and about 1 in 2,000 if one has HSV2!
All very rough, but you get the idea. Given the amount of sexual activity between people, 20% is actually modest.
Thank you. I do feel better about it.
To completely ease my mind, I just want to know worst case scenario... Is it still very unlikely, even if let's say he is infected with both HSV-1 and HSV-2? (even though he tests frequently, every 6 months or so, I know he has been around...)
Also I am wondering, if it is so unlikely to transmit, then why is HSV-2 so common?
To completely ease my mind, I just want to know worst case scenario... Is it still very unlikely, even if let's say he is infected with both HSV-1 and HSV-2? (even though he tests frequently, every 6 months or so, I know he has been around...)
Also I am wondering, if it is so unlikely to transmit, then why is HSV-2 so common?
"the exposure described carried littel ro for it."
I shouldn't be concerned about 3 days of vaginal sex? Also, just want to be clear about the IGM tests (see my question above)
I shouldn't be concerned about 3 days of vaginal sex? Also, just want to be clear about the IGM tests (see my question above)
Thank you for the quick response.
It gave me some comfort, but I still have some worries:
- Since some of his spit could have been contagious with HSV-1, he could have passed that to me genitally, and I was not tested for the IGG at a late enough time for likely seroconversion (only tested for negative IGG for HSV-1 at 2 weeks)
- I am not sure if 8 weeks is enough time for seroconversion for my HSV-2 IGG
- I am not sure how reliable the negative IGM tests are, since the IGM antibodies supposedly a) aren't even always detectable in all individuals recently exposed and b) are sort of transient and don't come and go at completely predictable times
Curious on your thoughts. Thank you again, I really appreciate all feedback.
It gave me some comfort, but I still have some worries:
- Since some of his spit could have been contagious with HSV-1, he could have passed that to me genitally, and I was not tested for the IGG at a late enough time for likely seroconversion (only tested for negative IGG for HSV-1 at 2 weeks)
- I am not sure if 8 weeks is enough time for seroconversion for my HSV-2 IGG
- I am not sure how reliable the negative IGM tests are, since the IGM antibodies supposedly a) aren't even always detectable in all individuals recently exposed and b) are sort of transient and don't come and go at completely predictable times
Curious on your thoughts. Thank you again, I really appreciate all feedback.
alwaysquestion is exactly right. You have no reason to be concerned about herpes; the exposure described carried littel ro for it. In any case, your test results are entirely negative and your doctor is exactly right in reassuring you that you aren't infected. You should stick with her and continue to rely on her advice.
I would say that you can relax. You've had A LOT of testing for someone with no symptoms. At some point, you need to accept your test results and take comfort in them. It was very responsible of you to take such concern about your own health and that of any future partners. I think you've done enough. Please consider protection in the future so you don't need to put yourself through all this again. Have a great night.
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
IgM testing is worthless. That was a waste of money; only IgG testing is valid. But anyway, you had a very low risk exposure, and although IgG testing isn't conclusive until 12+ weeks, most infected persons have positve results by 8 weeks.
Don't split hairs. There is no reason to suppose you are the exception to the rule. Listen to your doctor and rely on her advice. And move on without worry.