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Positive IgM, waiting for results of specific igG
To ease my mind, I need to at least hear a doctor's opinion on this. First off, I'm a college male that has recently learned the dangers of risky sexual behavior, so my actions up to this point have not been flattering to me personally; I just obviously have issues turning down sex and making correct decisions in the heat of the moment.
Basically, up until Oct. 1, 2010, I had no reason to think I could have an STD (always practiced safe sex). Anyway, on Oct. 1, I had unprotected oral sex and gave unprotected oral sex to a girl. No symptoms, so I just waited to get a full STD test done after 28 days. After 28 days, I wasn't concerned, so I didn't have a test done at all. Anyway, on Nov. 11, I had unprotected vaginal sex with another girl once. I instantly regretted it. However, no symptoms again, but I did get a STD test, except no HSV as it was not offered. I tested negative for everything. Then on Dec. 14th I had unprotected oral sex and condom-protected sex. I didn't have any symptoms aside from a small, non-inflamed cut from the oral sex, or so I hope that's what it was. It wasn't red, just slightly flaky but very small. It is gone now. After this, I read some material on the subject and had an IgM test (now know this was a waste). Anyway, I tested out at 1.51 with >1.09 being "positive." I just took the HSV specific IgG from Labcorp and am now waiting for the results.
Since taking the test, I've learned that I should have waited at least 3 months post last exposure for more accurate results. I'm extremely nervous and now depressed, as I could potentially shy away a potential spouse in the future if I'm HSV 2 positive.
My questions are the following:
1. If I test positive on the IgG test for HSV 2, does that mean I for sure have HSV 2?
2. If so, what do I do?
3. Is it likely that I could have gotten HSV 2 from these minimal exposures?
4. Does a 1.51 on the IgM give any indication to the expected results of the IgG test?
Thank you!
Basically, up until Oct. 1, 2010, I had no reason to think I could have an STD (always practiced safe sex). Anyway, on Oct. 1, I had unprotected oral sex and gave unprotected oral sex to a girl. No symptoms, so I just waited to get a full STD test done after 28 days. After 28 days, I wasn't concerned, so I didn't have a test done at all. Anyway, on Nov. 11, I had unprotected vaginal sex with another girl once. I instantly regretted it. However, no symptoms again, but I did get a STD test, except no HSV as it was not offered. I tested negative for everything. Then on Dec. 14th I had unprotected oral sex and condom-protected sex. I didn't have any symptoms aside from a small, non-inflamed cut from the oral sex, or so I hope that's what it was. It wasn't red, just slightly flaky but very small. It is gone now. After this, I read some material on the subject and had an IgM test (now know this was a waste). Anyway, I tested out at 1.51 with >1.09 being "positive." I just took the HSV specific IgG from Labcorp and am now waiting for the results.
Since taking the test, I've learned that I should have waited at least 3 months post last exposure for more accurate results. I'm extremely nervous and now depressed, as I could potentially shy away a potential spouse in the future if I'm HSV 2 positive.
My questions are the following:
1. If I test positive on the IgG test for HSV 2, does that mean I for sure have HSV 2?
2. If so, what do I do?
3. Is it likely that I could have gotten HSV 2 from these minimal exposures?
4. Does a 1.51 on the IgM give any indication to the expected results of the IgG test?
Thank you!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Thanks for the thanks. Good luck.
I guess in my defense I wanted to know if I had herpes or not, given that I had unprotected forms of sex. The initial decision to get tested was well before I found this website and had your advice. Basically, I would be extremely distraught if I actually infected someone else because I was too careless / cheap not to get tested. If I had indeed been positive, I would have never had sex again, except with my wife (if that comes to fruition).
As for the girl, I am very close friends with her roommate and she told me, as she knew I was concerned and got tested. Therefore, having this knowledge, I politely asked my last exposure. She understood and was not offended. However, even if she was, I wouldn't feel too bad asking someone an honest question that could potentially affect the life and health of another, given that I didn't feel 100% comfortable with their explanation. I would wager the vast majority of people taking Valtrex are not taking it for shingles. With that said, I could be incorrect.
Anyway, I understand your position, and I appreciate your advice and service you provide on this website. The level of care I received was much above the doctor that recommended I take the IgM test.
As for the girl, I am very close friends with her roommate and she told me, as she knew I was concerned and got tested. Therefore, having this knowledge, I politely asked my last exposure. She understood and was not offended. However, even if she was, I wouldn't feel too bad asking someone an honest question that could potentially affect the life and health of another, given that I didn't feel 100% comfortable with their explanation. I would wager the vast majority of people taking Valtrex are not taking it for shingles. With that said, I could be incorrect.
Anyway, I understand your position, and I appreciate your advice and service you provide on this website. The level of care I received was much above the doctor that recommended I take the IgM test.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
1) The risk of herpes was too low for testing at all. But if you had been infected in December, you probably would have had a positive result by now, i.e. over 1.1, so my advice is tha tyou stop testing. But if you insist on following through, have another test 3 months after the exposure. You can expect it to remain negative.
2) Even though 1.0 is the cut-off for a positive result, many results from 1.0 up to 3.5 are false; only 3.5 or higher is definitely positive.
3) Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is standard treatment for shingles. I see no reason to believe she has genital herpes. But how did you come to learn she was taking the drug? Once she answered no to the genital herpes question, it seems quite inappropriate that you went on to press her on what drugs she was taking.
4) If I were in your situation, I would not have been tested for HSV and would say nothing to a new partner. But since you are concerned about it, I suggest you plan on not being sexually active until after your next blood test.
You seem to be much more psyched up about herpes than warranted in this situation. If you would like to post your follow-up (3 month) HSV blood test, feel free. Until then, however, I will have no further comments or advice.
2) Even though 1.0 is the cut-off for a positive result, many results from 1.0 up to 3.5 are false; only 3.5 or higher is definitely positive.
3) Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is standard treatment for shingles. I see no reason to believe she has genital herpes. But how did you come to learn she was taking the drug? Once she answered no to the genital herpes question, it seems quite inappropriate that you went on to press her on what drugs she was taking.
4) If I were in your situation, I would not have been tested for HSV and would say nothing to a new partner. But since you are concerned about it, I suggest you plan on not being sexually active until after your next blood test.
You seem to be much more psyched up about herpes than warranted in this situation. If you would like to post your follow-up (3 month) HSV blood test, feel free. Until then, however, I will have no further comments or advice.
The results section didn't post correctly. Sorry!
less than .9 equals "negative"
.9 - 1.0 equals equivocal
greater than 1.0 equals "positive"
less than .9 equals "negative"
.9 - 1.0 equals equivocal
greater than 1.0 equals "positive"
Thank you for clarifying the unprotected sex vs. unprotected oral sex question I had regarding risk of HSV infection, Doc!
Anyway, I received my test results back today. I tested at "<.9" with the following parameters on the HSV I/II IgG Rflx I-II Type Specific test:
1.0 = "positive"
With these results, I naturally have a few questions:
1. First off, I'm pleased that I didn't get a 3.5 or above, as you stated earlier. However, I still should get another test in about two months from now, given that I had an encounter in mid-December, correct?
2. You stated that the IgG tests are very reliable. Would I be showing a score higher than .9 if I was indeed be infected? Meaning, after a month post exposure, would be my score be exhibiting some sort of precursory movement toward a much higher number? Or should my number be lower than <.9? Meaning, that possibly <.9 is not the only value attainable in the "negative" parameter??
3. I recently spoke with the girl with whom I had the last exposure and asked her a few questions. I was surprised and scared by her answer. First off, she stated (as she did when we had the last exposure) that she did not have herpes or any other STD. However, she now admitted to taking the generic form of Valtrex. When pressed for a reason why, she stated it was for some other medical reason -- something along the lines of chicken pox / shingles. She didn't quite know for some reason, which didn't inspire much confidence in myself. Can you glean anything (medically related) from this, and how it might relate to me?
4. Going forward with my life, if I am to wait two more months for a definitive answer, how do I broach this subject with a prospective partner? I've recently gotten back with my ex of two years, who I know for a fact is clear. Do I post-pone any physical contact (that is, contact that could transfer the virus if I indeed have it) or tell her up-front? I know this is personal, but what are my moral obligations in this instance, given my "negative" test result one month out.
Once again, Doctor, I'm extremely grateful for your help! You've been a God send.
Anyway, I received my test results back today. I tested at "<.9" with the following parameters on the HSV I/II IgG Rflx I-II Type Specific test:
1.0 = "positive"
With these results, I naturally have a few questions:
1. First off, I'm pleased that I didn't get a 3.5 or above, as you stated earlier. However, I still should get another test in about two months from now, given that I had an encounter in mid-December, correct?
2. You stated that the IgG tests are very reliable. Would I be showing a score higher than .9 if I was indeed be infected? Meaning, after a month post exposure, would be my score be exhibiting some sort of precursory movement toward a much higher number? Or should my number be lower than <.9? Meaning, that possibly <.9 is not the only value attainable in the "negative" parameter??
3. I recently spoke with the girl with whom I had the last exposure and asked her a few questions. I was surprised and scared by her answer. First off, she stated (as she did when we had the last exposure) that she did not have herpes or any other STD. However, she now admitted to taking the generic form of Valtrex. When pressed for a reason why, she stated it was for some other medical reason -- something along the lines of chicken pox / shingles. She didn't quite know for some reason, which didn't inspire much confidence in myself. Can you glean anything (medically related) from this, and how it might relate to me?
4. Going forward with my life, if I am to wait two more months for a definitive answer, how do I broach this subject with a prospective partner? I've recently gotten back with my ex of two years, who I know for a fact is clear. Do I post-pone any physical contact (that is, contact that could transfer the virus if I indeed have it) or tell her up-front? I know this is personal, but what are my moral obligations in this instance, given my "negative" test result one month out.
Once again, Doctor, I'm extremely grateful for your help! You've been a God send.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
For most STDs, including HIV, oral sex carries much lower risk than vaginal or anal sex. But the herpes risk probably is "roughly the same", as you put it. Oral sex risks genital HSV-1, and most likely that risk is in the same ballpark as for HSV-2 from genital intercourse. But although nobody wants genital herpes, genital HSV-1 is much less a problem then HSV-2 (fewer outbreaks, less chance of transmission to other partners).
Also, should I assume that unprotected oral sex is less dangerous for HSV infection than unprotected vaginal sex? Or roughly the same? Sorry my mind is full of questions.
Thank you, Doctor! You have at least put my mind at ease and now will allow me to focus on my studies. I will post my results as soon as I receive them.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
You are correct that your IgM test "was a waste". The results are to be ignored. Here is a thread that explains the reasons; although a few years old, the information remains accurate: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/Confusiion-over-other-IgM-Herpes-posts/show/248394
The risk of genital herpes from any single sexual exposure, even unprotected, is low -- probably on the order of 1 in 1,000 for unprotected vaginal sex if your partner had genital herpes -- but probably she did not. It is conceivable you have a new HSV infection (either HSV-1 or HSV-2) and that your HSV IgG test will be positive. But most likely you don't have HSV-2. To your specific questions:
1) Unlike IgM, the HSV IgG tests are highly reliable. Most likely it will be negative, but if the HSV-2 result is strongly positive, with a numerical value 3.5 or greater, it will definitely mean you are infected.
2) There is no point in speculating or spending mental energy (either yours or mine) until and unless you know you have it. Cross this bridge if your test is positive.
3) It is very unlikely you were infected in these exposure.
4) As discussed, the IgM result probably is false. See my comments above.
Come back with a follow-up comment to let me know your IgG test results -- but I won't speculate further or have any other advice until then. Stay mellow in the meantime; as discussed, I expect it to be negative.
Regards-- HHH, MD
You are correct that your IgM test "was a waste". The results are to be ignored. Here is a thread that explains the reasons; although a few years old, the information remains accurate: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/Confusiion-over-other-IgM-Herpes-posts/show/248394
The risk of genital herpes from any single sexual exposure, even unprotected, is low -- probably on the order of 1 in 1,000 for unprotected vaginal sex if your partner had genital herpes -- but probably she did not. It is conceivable you have a new HSV infection (either HSV-1 or HSV-2) and that your HSV IgG test will be positive. But most likely you don't have HSV-2. To your specific questions:
1) Unlike IgM, the HSV IgG tests are highly reliable. Most likely it will be negative, but if the HSV-2 result is strongly positive, with a numerical value 3.5 or greater, it will definitely mean you are infected.
2) There is no point in speculating or spending mental energy (either yours or mine) until and unless you know you have it. Cross this bridge if your test is positive.
3) It is very unlikely you were infected in these exposure.
4) As discussed, the IgM result probably is false. See my comments above.
Come back with a follow-up comment to let me know your IgG test results -- but I won't speculate further or have any other advice until then. Stay mellow in the meantime; as discussed, I expect it to be negative.
Regards-- 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.
