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Negative IgM Results - Potential Exposure to HSV
I'm a 38 yr old man. I had unprotected sex with two different women. The second woman recently had a positive HSV culture from a small lesion on her labia. I requested a full STD screening, as well as test for HSV. At the time of the tests, it had been 9 and 7 weeks since my encounters with the two women. All STD results were negative, including a negative IgM. I've never had, nor currently have any symptoms or indications of the virus.
The doctor insisted that I'm fine, to accept the result, be more responsible and move on. Another doctor explained that I am now simply part of a very large population that are, or may be infected, but not aware, nor will likely ever know or have reason to believe they are, and better off not knowing, since the detrimental social and pyschological affects greatly outweigh the alternative.
I questioned both doctors about an IgG test. Both felt it was not necessary, but if I insisted, would order the test.
I am incredibly stressed about this and have not slept well in weeks. The negative IgM result was a huge relief. However, as I understand, may only be encouraging news, and not accurate. I am terrified to return and do yet another test (IgG), and wait for the results.
I've heard and read so many different bits of advice from people in, or associated with, the medical field about how common HSV is (prevalence of un-diagnosed, asymptomatic carriers), the social and psychological affects of knowing, why its not part of standard screenings, your better off not knowing, etc... I'm not sure what to do at this point. And frankly am very scared.
Do I go ahead with an IgG test? Are the potential social and psychological affects worth having?
The doctor insisted that I'm fine, to accept the result, be more responsible and move on. Another doctor explained that I am now simply part of a very large population that are, or may be infected, but not aware, nor will likely ever know or have reason to believe they are, and better off not knowing, since the detrimental social and pyschological affects greatly outweigh the alternative.
I questioned both doctors about an IgG test. Both felt it was not necessary, but if I insisted, would order the test.
I am incredibly stressed about this and have not slept well in weeks. The negative IgM result was a huge relief. However, as I understand, may only be encouraging news, and not accurate. I am terrified to return and do yet another test (IgG), and wait for the results.
I've heard and read so many different bits of advice from people in, or associated with, the medical field about how common HSV is (prevalence of un-diagnosed, asymptomatic carriers), the social and psychological affects of knowing, why its not part of standard screenings, your better off not knowing, etc... I'm not sure what to do at this point. And frankly am very scared.
Do I go ahead with an IgG test? Are the potential social and psychological affects worth having?
Terri,
I've tried finding information on how long it typically takes for blood to turn positive IgG for Type-2. Many sources say that after exposure and acquisition, 50%, or most, will show positive IgG by 1 month, about 75% - 85% by 2 months, and all or nearly all will show by 3 months. A few say it can take up to 6 months. So which is it?
And yes, I believe a retest in a few months is the only way I will really know for certain what happened.
I've tried finding information on how long it typically takes for blood to turn positive IgG for Type-2. Many sources say that after exposure and acquisition, 50%, or most, will show positive IgG by 1 month, about 75% - 85% by 2 months, and all or nearly all will show by 3 months. A few say it can take up to 6 months. So which is it?
And yes, I believe a retest in a few months is the only way I will really know for certain what happened.
You can get tested again in a few months and it will show negative. these tests are not reliable. western medicine (no offense Terri) does not have a good understanding of these "viruses".
you will find plenty of people who tested positive at one time and then negative at another time. this is impossible according to western medicine because the virus stays for life.
its just not true. i have been exposed to women with std's many times and i have tested negative. testing positive is based on your mindset at the time. the test is only for antibodies anyway...if you dont have symptoms then why say you have a virus? doesnt make sense.
you will find plenty of people who tested positive at one time and then negative at another time. this is impossible according to western medicine because the virus stays for life.
its just not true. i have been exposed to women with std's many times and i have tested negative. testing positive is based on your mindset at the time. the test is only for antibodies anyway...if you dont have symptoms then why say you have a virus? doesnt make sense.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I guess I would recommend that you get retested in a couple of months. I'm really not sure what happened here.
Terri
Terri
No, I've never taken medication. I just found out my IgG results last week.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes, I'm concerned that you may have acquired it from the first woman and gave it to the second woman also. It is a long time for no antibody response, but you do have a strong HSV 1 result and it can take longer for seroconversion when you have HSV 1 and acquire HSV 2. I don't recall - have you taken any antiherpes medicine? That would also slow seroconversion.
If I had to guess, and this is a guess, the above happened.
Terri
If I had to guess, and this is a guess, the above happened.
Terri
Also - Just FYI
This is ver-batum how my results were posted on my online medical profile by the clinic/lab:
HERPES SIMPLEX TYPE 1 & 2 AB, IGG
Component Your Value Standard Range Units
Herpes Simplex 1, IgG >8.0 AI
Herpes Simplex 2, IgG <0.2 AI
This is ver-batum how my results were posted on my online medical profile by the clinic/lab:
HERPES SIMPLEX TYPE 1 & 2 AB, IGG
Component Your Value Standard Range Units
Herpes Simplex 1, IgG >8.0 AI
Herpes Simplex 2, IgG <0.2 AI
You are reading content posted in the Herpes 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.
