Question on HerpeSelect test timing.

[PandaZhu]

Dear Grace and Jess, thank you so much for providing such excellent service. I have a question on the HerpeSelect igg test timing. My concern is over a one time unprotected oral and vaginal sex with a female on June 10th 2011 for catching HSV2. She said she was clean and test regularly (don't know if HSV was part of it.) But she also lives a very promiscuous life. I have tested on the 5th and 8th week both with a +HSV1 and -HSV2. Now, I'm at my 12 week after exposure and I'm so ready to put the whole thing behind me. However, I have read that Herpes tests can go from 2 weeks to 6 months, and some claim from 4 weeks to 6 weeks on some commercial testing services. One thing for sure is I will be requesting a HerpeSelect igg test next week. I'm getting so nervous. Can I put it all behind me if the results remain the same and I don't have HSV2? I'm so confused on the time frame. I have some symptoms like small red dots all over the head of the penis with no pain, no itch, no blisters, and saw 10 different doctors ranging from STD clinicians, urgent care docs, to one urologist. All said the symptoms are not herpetic. I've been cleared for all other STDs on the 8th week. Should I go for the 6 month suggestion or be happy with this upcoming result? Thank you so much in advance!

[Mistakeguy789]

I think whats she saying is review Dr. Hook's responses and you will be able to answer your own questions.  

[PandaZhu]

Thanks again Grace, it can be hard for me to tell the difference between the two. So you are saying that my risk is very low after the encounter and the two Neg tests?

[gracefromHHP]

don't confuse guilt with risk.

keep rereading Dr Hook's discussion with you until you start believing what he told you :)

[PandaZhu]

Thanks Grace. Even I get frustrated about my own anxiety on some days. It is just that I'm worried that I have already infected someone dear to me and the guilt that came along with it is what drives me insane. That said, my partner have not experience any symptoms and it is now 8 weeks for her. I have already ordered the HSV2 HerpeSelect test to be done next week before I saw your reply =( but I can do it again at the four month mark I guess... I'm asking because I've read somewhere that the Focus HerpeSelect test is conclusive at 12 weeks or three month and I'm ready to make this my last test. So basically in your opinion, there was nothing to warrant the herpes concern and I should just let it go after this one? I will gladly hammer the last nail to this coffin. Thank you so much for your patience.

[gracefromHHP]

as Dr Hook already assured you, your symptoms do not sound at all like herpes. It's not likely you contracted hsv2 but if you really need the peace of mind, wait at this point and repeat your igg testing at the 4 month mark since you already tested twice so far.

honestly it's not even worth repeating your test again.

grace