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herpes blood testing
I recently went to the doctor and decided to get a herpes blood test b/c I contracted chlamydia from my partner. My gyno didn't recommend it b/c they arent given out like that, she told me to prepare myself b/c there is a high chance I may test positive. I went thru with it and about 2 weeks later she called and told me that I was positive but she couldnt tell which one it was type 1 or type 2. She then said it was a tricky test and that's why she couldnt confirm which one it was. she gave me the option to retest again in three months. She also told me that I may have acquired it recently but ive read that these test do not determine how long you have it. I have no symptoms as of yet n prior to that I had 2 years w/o sex. I am a female 24 years old. I took this test 5 weeks later. I started having sex in January. Was my test reliable and do I have to wait 3 months from when I first had sex or last time I had it? Thanks!
Thank you so much! I will retest with my general doctor and request a type-specific. Really appreciate the break-down!
Chances are the test that was used is a IgM test. You can confirm that with your doctors office.
If my thoughts are right you weren't tested properly and your gyn needs to review the CDC 2010 guidelines for herpes testing. To be tested you need to be tested using a type specific igg blood test. An accurate result is given when you have waited 3 months since your last sexual encounter from the day you tested. You can get one now to see what your current status is and then 3 months from the day you last had a sexual encounter test at that point or just wait.
The IgM test which is what I believe your doctor used is a flawed test and cross reacts with different things. It shouldn't be used for diagnosis for herpes because when talking about HSV you need to know the type. IgM even if it did find HSV isn't type specific to begin with so you wouldn't know the type. But again the test shouldn't be trusted and a positive shouldn't be believed.
If you have a regular partner you might want to have him get tested as well. That way you both know what each other has. Though same rules will apply with him as far as previous partners for him is concerned.
If my thoughts are right you weren't tested properly and your gyn needs to review the CDC 2010 guidelines for herpes testing. To be tested you need to be tested using a type specific igg blood test. An accurate result is given when you have waited 3 months since your last sexual encounter from the day you tested. You can get one now to see what your current status is and then 3 months from the day you last had a sexual encounter test at that point or just wait.
The IgM test which is what I believe your doctor used is a flawed test and cross reacts with different things. It shouldn't be used for diagnosis for herpes because when talking about HSV you need to know the type. IgM even if it did find HSV isn't type specific to begin with so you wouldn't know the type. But again the test shouldn't be trusted and a positive shouldn't be believed.
If you have a regular partner you might want to have him get tested as well. That way you both know what each other has. Though same rules will apply with him as far as previous partners for him is concerned.
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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.
