IGG vs. IGM Next Steps

[chillax]

Terri!

I am just looking for insight/advice, as I don’t want to be incorrect or miss anything.

Here is all the information I have.

IGG:
November 2017 (Negative <0.2)
March 23, 2018 (Negative <0.9)
May 04, 2018 (Negative <0.9)
June 01, 2018 (Negative <0.2)

IGM:
March 17, 2018 (Equivocal = 1.09)
June 01, 2018 (Low Positive = 1.14)

*have had chicken pox vacc.

Partners:
A (Prior Significant other – February 2018 – May 13, 2018)
B (Trusted casual partner – May 17th & 21st)
C (New partner – said was fine, is getting checkup – May 23rd & 25th)
D (Other trusted casual partner – May 26th)
E (Current exclusive partner – May 27th – present)

I understand the sexual history is less than stellar. Not proud of it, and it’s something I’m making changes to. But I have always been honest.

March 2018 saw an equivocal IGM and negative IGG. This happened again June 2018 with low positive IGM and negative IGG. Spoke with doctor and confirmed that March 2018 IGM was to be disregarded.

However. June’s IGM and doctor’s responses have me confused.

**I’ve had no experience with HSV symptoms whatsoever. And, apparently, I have no reason to worry about exposure other than the number/frequency/reliability of sexual partners. I asked the doctors about the conflicting IGM/IGG results and they said they believe the IGM can be unreliable sometimes – and that since all IGGs were negative (and no symptoms) – I’m likely safe to assume I’m fine. What do you think of this?

Of course, June’s test was too soon for some recent encounters. My plan is to retest (IGG only) at the end of June – then W-Blot at the beginning of September to confirm. Is this a reasonable time-frame and plan of action?

What other insight do you have, and what is your take on the situation?
Should I stop having sex with current partner?
Would telling them about the conflicting results be advisable, or would it just cause undue worry? I’d planned to chat w/ partner if retest at the end of month is cause for concern.

Ty.

[Terri Warren]

The I GM test should never be done to try to diagnose herpes and the Center for disease control says so. It has many false positives and I would ignore it and pay attention only to the IgG test. At this point, your negative by IgG and I see no point in revealing IGm results to sex partners. I would certainly encourage you to be using condoms at these sexual encounters to protect yourself not only against herpes but other sexually transmitted infections as well

Terri

[chillax]

I do regularly use condoms to be safe, and I will certainly continue to do so. Thank you for your help.

[Terri Warren]

You are most welcome

Terri

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