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Nonspecific IGG test: Trustworthy?
Hello,
Recently i've been going through an STD scare, after having rashing on the glans of the penis shortly after an unprotected sexual encounter with a female of unknown status. I've been to various doctors, all of which have assured me that i'm not dealing with herpes based on the symptoms. However, I continue to get marks following intercourse (protected) so I continue to hold concerns - I don't want to spread something to anyone. The marks are reddish spots, without water blisters... Almost like small abrasions.
82 days post exposure, I received an IGG EIA NON-specific herpes blood test (just short of 3 months). It came back negative, meaning neither HSV1 or 2 antibodies were found.
I've read on numerous occasions that only type-specific blood tests should be trusted, but these are not offered through public health. Thus, my question is this; Should I trust the results of the NONSPECIFIC IGG test, or seek a more reputable test (such as western blot), considering the marks which continue to appear.
I feel obligated to wear condoms, but wish I could stop using them and get back to my old sex life, as well as my old self.
Recently i've been going through an STD scare, after having rashing on the glans of the penis shortly after an unprotected sexual encounter with a female of unknown status. I've been to various doctors, all of which have assured me that i'm not dealing with herpes based on the symptoms. However, I continue to get marks following intercourse (protected) so I continue to hold concerns - I don't want to spread something to anyone. The marks are reddish spots, without water blisters... Almost like small abrasions.
82 days post exposure, I received an IGG EIA NON-specific herpes blood test (just short of 3 months). It came back negative, meaning neither HSV1 or 2 antibodies were found.
I've read on numerous occasions that only type-specific blood tests should be trusted, but these are not offered through public health. Thus, my question is this; Should I trust the results of the NONSPECIFIC IGG test, or seek a more reputable test (such as western blot), considering the marks which continue to appear.
I feel obligated to wear condoms, but wish I could stop using them and get back to my old sex life, as well as my old self.
I finally took the time to reread your entire post and i see you have tried antifungals and steroid ointment. Maybe it is the ointment. Maybe stress/anxiety. Do you drink plenty of fluids? I hear stress can do crazy stuff. I am hoping that is partly my issue too. Not sure if you are religious but I prayed for you today.
Yeah perhaps its just friction if it showed that soon after, but then why do you still have it, right? Have you tried a steriod ointment? Im sure if they thought it would help your docs would have suggested it. All you can do is keep trying. Its frustrating i am sure. That is why I named myself worndown. Im tired from researching, wondering, worrying, and no answers to my bizarre symptoms. I feel like its some sort of punishment. I feel i have suffered enough.....even though I know it could be worse like cancer, etc. so I should be grateful.
I thought about it but I don't think it'd be yeast. No white discharge and no itch. I've ran the thought passed a couple of the doctors here but none of them seem to think that's what it could be. Guess it is possible though, considering i'm uncircumcised and the nature of it all.. the rash showed 12 hours after exposure originally, which I know to be too early for any STD but not yeast. Thanks for the advice, i'll look into it.
I think you should try treating for yeast. It cant hurt. Its worth a try. Ask for diflucan or whatever they give men. Maybe it will fix your rash.
A negative combo test result is as accurate as two negative type specific tests, no question. By all means test one more time using either combo or type specific. However there is only the need for you to accept the facts that have presented themselves; you're clear of herpes.
Thanks Fleetwood,
So i'm guessing that a lower control for positive means a positive result is somewhat more likely in the non-specific, making negative is a good sign(?) Grace, I was hoping you'd be able to give your 2 cents on this matter (considering the symptoms vs test results). I value your input as you seem quite knowledgeable, as do all the experts on this forum.
So i'm guessing that a lower control for positive means a positive result is somewhat more likely in the non-specific, making negative is a good sign(?) Grace, I was hoping you'd be able to give your 2 cents on this matter (considering the symptoms vs test results). I value your input as you seem quite knowledgeable, as do all the experts on this forum.
The tests are fine. Type specific tests use the gG-1 antigen for HSV-1 and gG-2 antigen for HSV-2.
I believe that most test manufacturers who make a combination test today simply coat their testing wells with both these antigens. For this reason, the control level for positive is somewhat 'lower' to allow for the possibility that you have antibodies that react to only half the antigens.
A combination test is simply of minimal value if positive. These days, the cost differential of doing the two tests is becoming minimal.
I believe that most test manufacturers who make a combination test today simply coat their testing wells with both these antigens. For this reason, the control level for positive is somewhat 'lower' to allow for the possibility that you have antibodies that react to only half the antigens.
A combination test is simply of minimal value if positive. These days, the cost differential of doing the two tests is becoming minimal.
I am curious about this too! I have had type specific igg testing only, all negative so far at 13 weeks. Just had my 17 week no results back yet. Perhaps i should have the nonspecific test ?? This HSV stuff is so complicated. Paranoid guy, i would trust what Howard said (only my opinion). I know its difficult when you are having strange symptoms. I am in the same boat, i understand. Good luck to you!
I found this asha article that states; "Older, serologic tests that are not type-specific are inaccurate and should never be ordered." You seem very knowledgeable and you're previous reassurance has helped me quite a bit. I just wanted to run it passed you and see your thoughts. I value your take on this. Also, would you be able to direct me to evidence towards the contrary?
The article seems pretty recent and legit; http://ashasexualhealth.org/pdfs/HerpesTestingToolkit.pdf
Thanks for your time
The article seems pretty recent and legit; http://ashasexualhealth.org/pdfs/HerpesTestingToolkit.pdf
Thanks for your time
I appreciate it, and apologize. Believe me, I am not trying to dismiss what you're saying and it has brought me a great deal of relief. I'm simply trying to protect the ones I love. I've never had issues such as these prior to the encounter I have aforementioned, and would love nothing more than to put it all behind me - however, this remains difficult considering the worsening marks covering my genitals. I'll take you're advice on seeing a dermatologist as my next course of action, although i'm not exactly sure how to set up an appointment with one. Perhaps the redness could somehow be related to the anti-fungal / steroid cream i've been prescribed, leading to a thinning of the skin in combination with the friction of sex and masturbation.
Again, thank you for your knowledge and support. It means a lot.
Again, thank you for your knowledge and support. It means a lot.
Any red spots that primarily show up "following sex" absolutely cannot be herpes. More likely it's some sort of blood vessel anomaly, with increased blood flow which goes along with sexual arousal making the spots more prominent -- which goes along with sexual arousal and/or friction. Don't be so hung up on herpes or STDs just because it involves the penis; most genital skin problems are not STDs. In any case, this doesn't sound like a big deal and certainly not a "nightmare". If none of your doctors so far has been a dermatologist, that might make sense as a next step. But stop fretting about herpes. No way.
Still getting those damn red spots. Had a swab done but it came back negative. Not sure if the sore was fresh enough.. basically happens every time following sex at this point. Guess I'll go in for another blood test.
Been using an antifungal, but it hasn't seemed to make much of a difference. Hoping its just friction causing it.. i'm uncircumcised so maybe its from too much foreskin friction or a lack of lubrication. The nightmare continues.
Been using an antifungal, but it hasn't seemed to make much of a difference. Hoping its just friction causing it.. i'm uncircumcised so maybe its from too much foreskin friction or a lack of lubrication. The nightmare continues.
Your girlfriend's discharge cannot be related in any way to herpes and almost certainly not to your other sexual exposure a few months ago. Most vaginal discharges are caused by problems other than STD. If your partner is concerned about it, she should see her doctor. But at this point you shouldn't worry and need not say anything about your past activities.
Thanks for the response... It brought me a great deal of relief.
However, my girlfriend is now having a high amount of vaginal discharge following sex. We had unprotected sex a couple of times last week, after I had gotten the results back and i'm afraid this is somehow related. She doesn't claim to have pain.
However, my girlfriend is now having a high amount of vaginal discharge following sex. We had unprotected sex a couple of times last week, after I had gotten the results back and i'm afraid this is somehow related. She doesn't claim to have pain.
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
In fact, this test is so sensitive that it is often used in very sophisticated medical settings. For example, before bone marrow transplantation, which can result in reactivation of serious HSV infections. a non-type specific test is often done as the test of choice. If negative, they go ahead with transplant without worry about herpes. If positive, a type-specific test is done in follow-up and the patient often is treated preventatively with acyclovir.
So no need to mention herpes to future sex partners, and no need for condoms to prevent HSV transmission. Of course condoms are still always recommended for vaginal or anal sex with new or casual partners.