Herpes tests

[busta1282]

Hello,

About 11.5 weeks ago I had unprotected sex with a male, I am female. It was a mistake on my part and a serious lapse in judgement. Since then, I have been trying to stay level headed and get all the necessary tests done. I came across an STD website that has Dr. Hansfield listed as one of their Dr.'s and wanted to clarify something. I ordered a standard STD panel which included a test for genital and oral herpes tests. I had by blood drawn Monday and got my results back yesterday, all of which were negative.

My questions to this post are regarding the results for the herpes test. The test was performed through Quest Diagnostics and it says that it was an IgG test, type specific. Both results came back with an index of 0.0 and were considered to be negative. I called the hotline associated with the website to ask if my tests were reliable in the time frame that I had taken them, and they stated to me that the test's window period is 3-6 weeks (this window period is also printed right on their website). They went on to say that since I had tested well beyond that, there would be no need for further testing and that they adhered to CDC guidlines for this. My question with regard to this, is whether or not I did test too early? I have read some posts from Dr. Hansfield that state the window period is between 12-16 weeks (with 12 weeks or 3 moths being the most commone number I have found) but then he is on a website that states otherwise. I was pretty close to 12 weeks but not at it, should I test again? Do I need to wait for 16 weeks?

Another thing, is that I saw my primary care physician for a normal yearly check-up. I told her about my incident and she suggested a full STD panel as well. I told her I had already ordered one. She asked me what I had ordered, I explained it to her and reported the results that I had received. She decided not to order any repeats except for the herpes test. She wanted to order an IgM test to look for what she refered to as early infection because the IgG would not be able to catch that. I have yet to recieve those results from my Dr. My question regarding this, is what would be the reason to order this test? Is 11.5 weeks considered ealry infection? I have not engaged in any form of sexual act since.

I apologize for the lengthy post and the numerous questions but any clarity in this time of confusion would be very much appreciated.

[gracefromHHP]

I just wish I could invite y'all with anxiety over encounters to my house - I could keep you all so busy that you'd forget you even had nether regions :)  

[busta1282]

Hello Grace,

       That's what I thought. I just feel so silly even having posted again. I know I should be jumping for joy. I'm going to work on it and move forward from here. Thanks again for your patience with me.

[gracefromHHP]

you are your own worse enemy at this point. your anxiety is your issue now, not your odds of a false negative on the blood tests.  you should be dancing in the streets with joy, not wondering if you are one of the few who aren't going to test accurately at that point.

[busta1282]

One last question. If I had a lesion indicative of herpes, would it be obvious to see?

Thank you

[busta1282]

Hello Grace,

    I really hate to be doing this, but I can't seem to get this out of my head. I know that you have stated that I should not be testing anymore, but I had another Herpeselect test done at 13 weeks post possible exposure. The test results came back negative and for a while I was fine with it. Then I started reading all of these posts from people that have had positive cultures but negative blood tests. I began thinking that I might be one of these people. I don't notice any obvious symptoms other than some tingling/prickling from time to time but I am not sure if that is just in my head. Lately I have been doing the daily "crotch watch" as you call it. I have no idea what I am even looking for but any little thing I see I manage to convince myself is a cause for concern.
    Is the Herpeselect reliable at 13 weeks or should I have waited 16? Should I really just let this go and assume that I do not have herpes? I'm just worried that despite the negative blood tests, I do have herpes and am one of those that doesn't test right with the Herpeselect.

Thank you for your time and I apologize if I am being annoying and bothersome.

[busta1282]

Hello Grace,

    Thank you for your time and for your response. I appreciate it greatly.

[gracefromHHP]

I wouldn't bother with more testing.

[busta1282]

Hello Grace,

       I wanted to check back in with you. I reviewed my IgM and IgG back from my primary care physician last Monday and both were negative. I was wondering if I can just consider this conclusive or is going back at 16 weeks still recommended? I thank you again for your time.

[busta1282]

Thank you for your time and for answering my questions. I, as well as many others I'm sure, appreciate your time and effort.

[gracefromHHP]

due to the false positive issues with the igm, if it's positive, ignoring it is fine.

[busta1282]

Thank you for your response. I did not have a + HSV 1 or 2 prior to this encounter and since this encounter I have not noticed any obvious or "classic" symptoms. I think I just get a little paranoid and start looking for things that aren't really there but yet convince myself that they are (if that makes any sense).

Just one last question. Let's say my doctor calls me and says the IgM is positive. Should I just ignore that and move on with my life? Or should I retest with and IgG again just to be certain?

Sorry if the question is repetitive, I just want to be certain.

Thanks again.

[gracefromHHP]

herpes igm testing isn't recommended. encourage your provider to update their herpes testing knowledge by reading the 2010 cdc herpes guidelines. there is absolutely no reason to be ordering a herpes igm test on and especially not 12 weeks into things.

you tested at a fine time. no reason to doubt your results. if you were negative for both hsv1 and hsv2 prior to this encounter, you would've had obvious and "classic" symptoms that you would've taken notice to.

we all have our 'what was I thinking' sexual encounters - it's what keeps the forum so busy! You've covered your bases properly and really no reason to second guess your results. go celebrate :)

grace

[busta1282]

I am worried because the sex was unprotected and although the person I was with an I might have discussed our statuses with one another, it is possible that he (or I) might not have been aware of infections.

From what I understand, HSV is the most common of all STDs and I just want to be sure. I understand that gracefromHHP consults with the Dr. and I would like to hear what she has to say about the information I have provided here. Again, I am just looking to understand the situation and become more educated on the matter.

Thank you

[AverageJohnny]

Why is there confusion and why in the world are you so worried about STD's. People have sex all the time any only a small minority get STD's. Did the guy have HSV? If not why are you so worried? Relax. Four months is a good time for a follow up blood test.