IGG Results

[Stevo95]

Good day. I was recommended to this forum regarding herpes concerns. So here’s the thing. I had an exposure back in March 26. Since then I’ve had I guess about 5 or 6 igg tests. The last one being on June 30 (96 days after exposure). All of them came back negative. The girl in question also contacted me out of the blue a week after the encounter saying that she got tested and came negative. I did test + EBV but I’m not really stressing since 96% of the world has that. What I am stressing though is that the window period for HSV 1 and 2 for an IGG is 4 months. My understanding was that after 3 months, all blood exam results for std’s are 99% conclusive. I could try Western blot but that is super expensive and frankly I’m hoping I could get your feedback from this first and avoid going though that. Could I consider my HSV results as conclusive? I ‘ve had no flu symptoms, flare ups, cold sores, oral chandyosis or anything. Only Fordyce spots. I asked a bunch of doctors including two infectious disease specialists about this and all of them are saying that I don’t need any more testing. On the other hand, many comments and articles on various forums and sites are saying other wise. I only feel little warmth sensation (maybe irritation) around my lips but that could be a result of shaving. It’s not really acute. Again, thanks for your feedback on this. It could really give me some clarity on this and calm me a bit. I really don’t want to test, but it’s the window period for HSV and the 30% and 5% error margins that have me on the fence again. Hopefully your feedback could reassure me that I do not need any more testing. Please keep me informed and have a good day.

• This topic was modified 8 months, 2 weeks ago by Stevo95.

[Terri Warren]

Nothing that you’ve stated here makes me concerned that you have herpes. But you are correct that the IgG test misses 8% of HSV 2 infections and 30% of HSV 1 infections compared to the western blot.

If the partner tested negative and contacted you to tell you so, is there a reason you are still concerned?

Terri

[Stevo95]

The partner is a sex worker. Also, I have experienced symptoms such as aching, tinnitus, and diarrhea (first time today). Even if the IgG misses that percentage, what is the probability of a false negative after 4 or 5 IgG tests? Also, could I consider my results conclusive despite the 4 month window period or is the 3 month window period enough?

Thanks again.

Erick

[Terri Warren]

The three month period is enough. None of the symptoms you describe sound related to herpes. We don’t know if repeated negatives are any more reliable in terms of missing infections than one negative. With HSV 1, I know that repeated testing does not help pick up more HSV 1 infections in an individual. I think it’s great that the sex worker reached out to you to reassure you about this. I think you should move on with a negative IgG at 12 weeks out.

Terri

[Stevo95]

Is there a way in which I can email you? I have some physical manifestations as well that I would do not feel comfortable showing here since they are in the genital area. My PCP says their Fordyce spots, I think they are something else since they were definitely not there before the encounter. I have also informed my ID dr. of this whom I will see tomorrow but in the mean time. Maybe a second opinion could help. Let me know

Erick

[Terri Warren]

No, I don’t email individuals with their concerns. If you want to show my photos of changes in the genital area, you can set up a telehealth consult with me. I would suggest that you rely upon the opinion of a provider that you see in person about these concerns, however.

Terri

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