STD testing results making me so SCARED

[veryscared928]

I stupidly had unprotected sex with another man about 13 weeks ago.  I had herpes type 1 & 2 IGM testing and IGG testing done through bloodwork (not sure exactly what brand of testing) at approximately 9.5 weeks after exposure.  I also had a culture done on a crack that the doctor did not think was a typical herpes sore.

The culture came back negative.  I tested positive for Herpes type 1 (greater than 5.0) on the IGG test and "mixed" results for herpes type 2 (0.06) and my results for the Herpes IGM came back with positive antibodies greater than 5.00.  The doctor said that he could not confirm if I had herpes type 2 because of the positive IGM results.  He suggested that I get tested again a month or so later.

1.  Based on the above information, do I appear to have Herpes type 2?
2.  When is the best time to take the blood test again to confirm if I have herpes type 2?  Would 13 weeks after initial exposure (5 weeks after first test) be enough time to get accurate results?  
3.  If the test results come back negative, should I retake the test in the future (if no other partners)?

I also had other STD testing done at 10 weeks after exposure.  Chlamidia, Gonorrea, Hep. a, b & c, and HIV all came back negative and I am still waiting for the HPV test results.  If these results came back negative at 10 weeks, do I need to retake the tests for these STD's in the future?

FYI:  Intercource was very short.  It lasted all of 2 minutes or less.  Is this enough time to be exposed to a STD if there were no visible signs that the other party had one?

Thank you for your time and help.  I am in extreme panic mode and have been questioning every decision I make.  Please help.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

HSV testing is not recommended in the circumstance you describe, i.e. after a high risk exposure but without symptoms that suggest herpes.  Just as you found, the results more often are confusing than helpful.  But in any case, you don't have HSV-2.  Unless you got the numbers wrong, the HSV-2 result is not "mixed"; it is just plain negative.  Postive results are OD ratios >1.1 and usually >3.5.

The IgM result is totally meaningless:  IgM antibody is not useful in diagnosing HSV of any type.  Health care providers are taught that IgM antibody is positive early in a new infection then goes away later, and many docs are confused on this, as yours appears to be.  It just doesn't work that way with HSV:  IgM often is present in chronic infection, often absent in early infection, and the test itself is lousy, with very high rate of false positive results.  Use the search link for "IgM" for many discussions of this.

To your specific questons:

1) You do not have HSV-2.  But I remain confused about your doc's interpretation of the test; either he is wrong or the lab value you posted is wrong.  If the HSV-2 ratio was something other than 0.06, let me know.

2) You don't need additional HSV testing.  You have HSV-1 (like half the population) and don't have HSV-2.

3) You can rely on all your negative test results and need no further testing.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

"This is my first and hopefully last encounter with STD's."  You don't describe any encouter with STD, only a single episode of sex.  Sheesh.  You are badly overreacting.  Nobody in your situation needs all the testing you have done and are worried about.  STDs are not as common or as dangerous as you seem to believe, and putting together all the facts you describe, it simply is not credible that you have any STD.  (Well, you could have asymptomatic HPV, but every sexually active person has that at one time or another.  Without an abnormal pap smear, it doesn't matter.)

Accept the reassurance and let it go.  If you cannot, you likely will need counseling.  It is not normal to be as anxious as you are in this circumstance.

I won't have any further comments or advice

[veryscared928]

I am still STRESSING out about my STD results.  I have been so sore and slightly swullen in my vagina area.  It could be frompaying so close attention and looking often for anything that could be an STD symptom.  I need this nightmare to end.  I've lost 10+ pounds now and I already weigh less than 100 pounds.  Please HELP!!!

Posted after your original reply:
Thank you for your information.  I have been reading information on the ASHA std website and still a little confused and concerned.  It recommends that STD testing for Hep.  b  been done at 3-4 months and HIV at 6 months and 1 year.  They also recommend Syphyllis be tested at 3+ months.  I had these test done at 9-10 weeks.  Is this too soon for accurate test results.  Should I take any of these again?  I'm sorry to ask again, I am just so scared and confused and want to make sure that my negative results are accurate.

I also received HPV test results today that were negative for both long term & short term HPV.  They did a culture from my Cervex.  These were taken at 12 weeks after possible exposure.  Is this an accurate test and results?  Do I need to retake this test again in the future?

The doctor called to remind me that I should have another blood test to test for Herpes type 2.  I am considering taking it again just to give myself peace of mind that I am free from Herpes type 2.  What is the best time to be 100% sure of results.  It currently is 13 weeks after possible exposure.  I have read that I should wait for 16 weeks?  Is this correct?  

Is it possible for my antibodies to convert after 16 weeks?  Thanks again for your help.  This is my first and hopefully last encounter with STD's.  I am so scared.

[veryscared928]

Thank you for your information.  I have been reading information on the ASHA std website and still a little confused and concerned.  It recommends that STD testing for Hep.  b  been done at 3-4 months and HIV at 6 months and 1 year.  They also recommend Syphyllis be tested at 3+ months.  I had these test done at 9-10 weeks.  Is this too soon for accurate test results.  Should I take any of these again?  I'm sorry to ask again, I am just so scared and confused and want to make sure that my negative results are accurate.

I also received HPV test results today that were negative for both long term & short term HPV.  They did a culture from my Cervex.  These were taken at 12 weeks after possible exposure.  Is this an accurate test and results?  Do I need to retake this test again in the future?

The doctor called to remind me that I should have another blood test to test for Herpes type 2.  I am considering taking it again just to give myself peace of mind that I am free from Herpes type 2.  What is the best time to be 100% sure of results.  It currently is 13 weeks after possible exposure.  I have read that I should wait for 16 weeks?  Is this correct?  

Is it possible for my antibodies to convert after 16 weeks?  Thanks again for your help.  This is my first and hopefully last encounter with STD's.  I am so scared.