Aa
Blood results
I had a moment of weakness and had intercourse without a condom, once. Being responsible, I went to my gyno and got tested for everything and my Dr. told me herpes came back positive. I want to mention that I was tested during my annual checkup 3 months prior and all results were negative. He also told me this did appear to be a recent exposure. So, my question (not to sound niave) is if my blood results were:
HSV 1 IGg .75
HSV 2 IGg .19
HSV 1&2 IGM 1.35
1.) Do you agree these numbers are recent?
2.) I've been reading Herpes can never go away but can the count continue to get lower? If someone you sleep with has a higher count (not looking forward to this discussion ever) can you get a more significant case or worsen yours?
He put me on Valtrex 4 times a day for 7 days and now he told me to take 1 a day for 90 days. I am so opposed to taking pills but obviously very upset about this and hope this will eliminate any breakout (I have not had one).
3.) What is the minimum you suggest for maintenance?
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
HSV 1 IGg .75
HSV 2 IGg .19
HSV 1&2 IGM 1.35
1.) Do you agree these numbers are recent?
2.) I've been reading Herpes can never go away but can the count continue to get lower? If someone you sleep with has a higher count (not looking forward to this discussion ever) can you get a more significant case or worsen yours?
He put me on Valtrex 4 times a day for 7 days and now he told me to take 1 a day for 90 days. I am so opposed to taking pills but obviously very upset about this and hope this will eliminate any breakout (I have not had one).
3.) What is the minimum you suggest for maintenance?
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Thanks MonkeyFlower:
I will get tested again next week at 6 weeks and again at 12 weeks and see the numbers. Since I only had unprotected sex once, I have the luxury of knowing when exactly it might have occured (the exposure), so my Dr. was sure I was infected and that is why my counts were low .75 and .19, since just 2 weeks after. But sounds like 6 and 12 weeks will tell for sure. I stopped taking Valtrex a few days ago ;) Do you happen to know if a person can test 0.0 on the HSV IgG for both 1 and 2 test? Or everyone register's something? I'm wondering if my .19 count is a little exposure or could end up being none? That's confusing to me. Because I just spoke to the guy I slept with and he swears his test for everything came back negative but wasn't specific when I asked about herpes...he just said negative. And not sure I believe he was even tested anyway (but he did sound convincing)...
I will get tested again next week at 6 weeks and again at 12 weeks and see the numbers. Since I only had unprotected sex once, I have the luxury of knowing when exactly it might have occured (the exposure), so my Dr. was sure I was infected and that is why my counts were low .75 and .19, since just 2 weeks after. But sounds like 6 and 12 weeks will tell for sure. I stopped taking Valtrex a few days ago ;) Do you happen to know if a person can test 0.0 on the HSV IgG for both 1 and 2 test? Or everyone register's something? I'm wondering if my .19 count is a little exposure or could end up being none? That's confusing to me. Because I just spoke to the guy I slept with and he swears his test for everything came back negative but wasn't specific when I asked about herpes...he just said negative. And not sure I believe he was even tested anyway (but he did sound convincing)...
The IgG results are negative so far; I don't know that you can predict whether you'll test positive next time or not. Hopefully Dr. Handsfield will respond :-)
I just wanted to say that you don't have to be on suppressive therapy unless you're having frequent outbreaks, and/or want the extra protection for a partner, and/or are concerned about HIV transmission. I have herpes, and never have recognizable outbreaks. I have a prescription for Valtrex, but don't take it every day since I sort of made up my own dosage regimen (hopefully this is still effective); I only take it starting about five days before I know I'll be with others. Since I'm not bothered by outbreaks, my concern is only the extra protection for my partners, and my increased risk of contracting HIV as a result of having herpes. In the end, it's really up to you whether you take Valtrex or not.
Dr. Handsfield is right. I think you may want to look for a more herpes-savvy doctor, since it sounds like you've gotten a ton of inaccurate info from him/her. Read through the FAQ here and some of Dr. Handsfield's posts for accurate herpes info. Also, there's a regular poster here, Grace, who is quite knowledgeable as well. You may want to read through her posts as well :-)
I just wanted to say that you don't have to be on suppressive therapy unless you're having frequent outbreaks, and/or want the extra protection for a partner, and/or are concerned about HIV transmission. I have herpes, and never have recognizable outbreaks. I have a prescription for Valtrex, but don't take it every day since I sort of made up my own dosage regimen (hopefully this is still effective); I only take it starting about five days before I know I'll be with others. Since I'm not bothered by outbreaks, my concern is only the extra protection for my partners, and my increased risk of contracting HIV as a result of having herpes. In the end, it's really up to you whether you take Valtrex or not.
Dr. Handsfield is right. I think you may want to look for a more herpes-savvy doctor, since it sounds like you've gotten a ton of inaccurate info from him/her. Read through the FAQ here and some of Dr. Handsfield's posts for accurate herpes info. Also, there's a regular poster here, Grace, who is quite knowledgeable as well. You may want to read through her posts as well :-)
Dr: Last question (and I did make another contribution)...if I do have herpes, do you agree with Valrex one a day? Will it have to be for life? I am so opposed to medication (only take tylenol), so what is the minimum you would recommend to make sure I never (well hopefully) get an outbreak. Thanks and will keep you posted in 3 weeks!! MUCH appreciated.
DR: Ok, will get the HerpeSelect again in a few weeks but if I don't get the IgG antibody results (I assume those are the specific readings):
HSV 1 IGg .75
HSV 2 IGg .19
HSV 1&2 IGM 1.35
What can I anticipate... Just a positive or negative answer with no specific numbers?
HSV 1 IGg .75
HSV 2 IGg .19
HSV 1&2 IGM 1.35
What can I anticipate... Just a positive or negative answer with no specific numbers?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Request the same IgG test, which probably was HerpeSelect. But insist that your doctor tell the lab not to test for IgM antibody, which is the confusing factor here.
Valtrex treatment does not affect the test result.
By the way, prompt treatment of herpes does not protect against establishment of latent infection or prevent recurrent outbreaks; your doctor is flatly wrong about that. In animal models, such as guinea pigs, if antiviral therapy is administed intravenously within 1 hour of inoculation with HSV, the animals do not develop latent infection. Beyond 1 hr, treatment makes no difference.
HHH, MD
Valtrex treatment does not affect the test result.
By the way, prompt treatment of herpes does not protect against establishment of latent infection or prevent recurrent outbreaks; your doctor is flatly wrong about that. In animal models, such as guinea pigs, if antiviral therapy is administed intravenously within 1 hour of inoculation with HSV, the animals do not develop latent infection. Beyond 1 hr, treatment makes no difference.
HHH, MD
Thank you Dr. I wish, hope etc. I will take your advice and get tested again in 6 weeks, 12 weeks. Are you suggesting I do the same blood test and see if the counts are over 1.0? Is that how I tell if I am indeed positive (or negative)? Can Valtrex bring your count lower??
So heres the scoop, I was Tested for every STD (except herpes) at about 7.5 weeks ago and everything was negative. Then all of a sudden a couple of days ago i noticed a little bump by my pee hole, now this morning it looks like a second bump had formed. The reason me and my college's doc decided for the HSV-2 test was b/c he can't figure out why it burns when I urinate. Thanks Doctor.
Hi: I appreciate all your comments...kind of like a support group I never wanted to be part of ;) So, you all are convinced I may be negative for herpes (I WISH) but I saw the paper and it said positive (the lab made that interpretation not my Dr.). A few days later after reading this site I called back for the IGg counts. My Dr (who is pretty sharp) confirmed with these results it was definitely a recent exposure (I was tested for everything 3 months prior and everything was negative). When I repeat the test as suggested, I expect the numbers to be above 1.0 (unless Valtrex keeps numbers low). Does anyone know that? My Dr. is sure I'm positive and put me on a high dose of Valtrex for a week (already took it) and now I'm taking one a day. My Dr. said something about I was lucky to catch it so early before it gets dormant in my nervous system (or something like that). So in a nutshell, I haven't had any sores but was just being responsible when I got tested within a week of "the encounter".
p.s. when I asked the guy (a friend) he said he does get cold sores in the sun, so sure he has HSV 1 (at least). And he will get tested!!
p.s. when I asked the guy (a friend) he said he does get cold sores in the sun, so sure he has HSV 1 (at least). And he will get tested!!
Hey Doc I started a previous thread a couple days ago about HIV, thanks for your response by the way. So about 11 weeks after my unprotected vaginal exposure I have felt a burning/tingling sensation at the tip of penis, it also burns a bit to pee. Testicles feel kind of heavy as well as scrotum. It also looks like a little raised bump is starting to form right by my pee hole. I am going in for a HSV-2 blood test after the weekend is up since my school clinic is closed on those days. Just wanted to see if you had any input even though it's virtually impossible for you to know by this description. Thanks!
Disregard the last sentence of my last comment. I had a different thread in mind. My comment about your doctor still stands, regardless of how "sharp" s/he seemed to be.
HHH, MD
HHH, MD
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Those symptoms don't sound like herpes. Don't just get tested without professional evaluation. See a health care provider examination and then follow his/her advice.
HHH, MD
HHH, MD
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Your description suggests your doctor actually does not know much about herpes or its diagnosis and treatment. It seems likely you are not infected. Feel free to start a new thread if you would like more feedback.
HHH, MD
HHH, MD
I agree - your doctor didn't properly diagnose you. The igm for herpes testing is notoriously falsely positive and isn't recommended for routine hsv diagnosis in otherwise healthy adults. There are many excellent posts here in the archives from Dr H on this if you want to read more.
Your igg results are negative for both hsv1 and hsv2.
You do not need valtrex based on what you've posted here. You have no symptoms right? This was just following up on a possible exposure?
You need to repeat your blood test in 3 months - just the igg. If you notice any obvious lesions before then see your doctor for a lesion culture and typing.
The herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com is a terrific resource to learn more about herpes. www.herpesdiagnosis.com is a terrific place to learn more about herpes testing.
grace
Your igg results are negative for both hsv1 and hsv2.
You do not need valtrex based on what you've posted here. You have no symptoms right? This was just following up on a possible exposure?
You need to repeat your blood test in 3 months - just the igg. If you notice any obvious lesions before then see your doctor for a lesion culture and typing.
The herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com is a terrific resource to learn more about herpes. www.herpesdiagnosis.com is a terrific place to learn more about herpes testing.
grace
The test results (if HerpesSelect test) above appear to be a negative result for for HSV 1 and HSV 2 - I think your doctor needs to get updated on the HerpesSelect test as he/she has obvioulsy misinterpreted the results. Anything less than 1.0 is a negative result.
I'm no doctor, but I don't think you have herpes. Unfortunately, I think your doctor is basing your diagnosis on your useless IgM results. The first two numbers you gave, though, look like the same format my results were in, and that was a HerpeSelect blood test (a reliable test). If that's the case, I believe only those above a 1 are positive, so those would be negative results. Also, I may be wrong, but Valtrex four times a day (especially for someone without an outbreak and with negative results), seems awfully excessive to me.
If it were me, I'd go back to my doctor and ask for a HerpeSelect test (if that's not what you had already). I'd also take some time to educate your doctor while you're at it. Look through some of Dr. Handsfield's comments about accurate, appropriate testing, and maybe print some out for your doctor to read. You might also get some material on testing from www.cdc.gov/std, or www.ashastd.org. Be tactful and nice about it, though... s/he has only about a zillion things to keep up with :-)
If it were me, I'd go back to my doctor and ask for a HerpeSelect test (if that's not what you had already). I'd also take some time to educate your doctor while you're at it. Look through some of Dr. Handsfield's comments about accurate, appropriate testing, and maybe print some out for your doctor to read. You might also get some material on testing from www.cdc.gov/std, or www.ashastd.org. Be tactful and nice about it, though... s/he has only about a zillion things to keep up with :-)
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It is conceivable that you have an early HSV infection. However, IgM results are notoriously unreliable, and the odds are you were not infected. (Unfortunately, many doctors do not understand that IgM antibody testing is useless in diagnosing herpes.) Since you describe no symptoms, I do not understand why your doctor put you on Valtrex. Also, the dose you are on is entirely wrong, which further supports my suspicion that your doctor does not know much about genital herpes. I do not recommend maintenance therapy with Valtrex (or or any other drug) at all, unless/until your diagnosis is confirmed.
Since you had the unnecessary and inaccurate IgM test, but the result is technically positive, I suggest you have a repeat blood test (without the IgM) 6 weeks and 12 weeks from now. If you really were infected during the encounter you describe, the 6 week result probably will be positive for HSV-1 or -2. If still negative at 12 weeks, you will know for sure you aren't infected. In the meantime, if you indeed have no symptoms, stop the valacyclovir; and consider finding a health care provider who understands herpes.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Since you had the unnecessary and inaccurate IgM test, but the result is technically positive, I suggest you have a repeat blood test (without the IgM) 6 weeks and 12 weeks from now. If you really were infected during the encounter you describe, the 6 week result probably will be positive for HSV-1 or -2. If still negative at 12 weeks, you will know for sure you aren't infected. In the meantime, if you indeed have no symptoms, stop the valacyclovir; and consider finding a health care provider who understands herpes.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
