Igm positive but doctor says not to worry

[moab2015]

Hello, about 22 months ago, I went to my doc asking for a routine full STD check-up as I was starting a new relationship. Everything came back negative other than “combined igm at 1.61 – positive”. The doc said that it meant I had HSV-1 but that most everyone had it and so to simply forget about it, nothing to worry about. I did just that.
But now I am starting a new relationship and for some reason starting thinking about it. I reviewed the test, and did a lot of reading. And I remembered that right before that blood test, I had had a fling with another woman, used protection every time, and also that about a month later, I had a boil on my buttock. I thought it was because of cycling. This boil came back (similar area) about 2 months ago. Last a few days. So my question is: should I worry and get another test done, and in the meantime avoid intercourse with my new partner? (we have not had sex yet, only foreplay).

Thanks!

[moab2015]

After going through more of your posts, I have a few more things to add:

– I’ve not had any fevers or genital outbreaks or anything like that. Only the two times one boil/white head on my left buttock, with no lesions, no oozing or any ype of pus coming out. My doc thought it was an ingrown hair.
– Never had any lip sores.
– This partner I had at the time just told me that she had had a HSV 1 genital outbreak 9 months after we had had intercourse. She found out however that her new partner had HSV 1 oral and had an outbreak at about the same time. Conclusion is that she acquired HSV 1 genital from him through oral sex. She had had no outbreaks before, so she does not believe she had the virus prior to her new partner.
– I have also had 3-4 times a couple of very small white heads in my inner left thigh. Would stay for a couple of day max, especially when I apply a natural anti-bacterial cream (with propolis). This has helped the second time around with my buttock boil.
– Also, shortly after I had my first buttock boil, I developed a boil on my finger. They diagnosed it as a staph infection and I took antibiotics. That boil came back about 1 month ago, but it went away quickly once I applied the propolis cream.

Having said that, I have a couple more questions, and I don’t know if you can answer all of them or if I have to pay more for it. Just let me know.

– Assuming there is cause for concern, until I have clarified one way or another, should I avoid making out with my partner? Avoid kissing her elsewhere?
– Since my only outbreaks would be my buttock, would it be safe to have sex with a condom for now, when I don’t have an outbreak (which I do not)?

I have done a lot of research on this and your web site and this forum is priceless. So thank you for that.

[Terri Warren]

So the IgM test is completely useless. What you need is an IgG type specific antibody test. And before you have a lot more sexual contact with your partner, I would suggest getting tested again with the IgG antibody test. You can order this yourself online easily. Do NOT get IgM testing again. There are many false positives on that test.
If this is herpes and the outbreaks on your buttocks are herpes, you will also shed from the genital area intermittently so condoms will still be necessary.

While you are awaiting testing, if you get another lesion anywhere, be sure to get it swab tested right away.
Your symptoms do sound concerning to me.

Terri

[moab2015]

Hello,
Thank you for your reply. First question si regarding payment, how do I know when I am out of “credit”?

There is one question/answer which I am not clear on: should I avoid further physical contact with my partner, or just physical intercourse? You indicate that I should wear a condom, but if I don’t have an outbreak, is it safe with a condom or best to avoid intercourse period?

Thanks,
Pete.

[Terri Warren]

How long have you been with your partner? If you’ve been kissing her regularly, then I see no reason to stop but intercourse might be best postponed until you get your IgG test back and see what it shows.

If you do actually have genital herpes, condoms will reduce transmission but won’t eliminate it. If you are positive, I think it would best to wait and have her tested to see what her status is as she might also be positive and not know it.

You have one more post to go – after that, you subscription will need to be renewed to post more questions.

Terri

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