Aa
False negative hsv2 after 8 weeks? Igg hsv1/2 test (4.52 -HSV1)?10 day antiviral
What are my chances of hsv2 after 8 weeks hsv1/2 Igg test (labcorp) showed negative for hsv2. Positive (4.52 - HSV1)? 8 years after genital hsv1 acquisition.
I had unprotected sex for about a week, maybe 15 encounters, with someone who I was using a condom with for 2 prior months. She said she didnt notice any symptoms but who knows. On the last day of that mentioned week I noticed that my penis was burning a little bit. I figured it was due to too much sex and my penis not being used to not having a condom and the added barrier to chaffing. About 1 week after the first encounter without a condom I noticed a very small brown scab on my shaft and then the next 2 days, 3 volcano shaped bumps near penis tip and shaft, I thought possible genital warts, but they turned yellowish-white and broke open but all the symptoms start to finish healed in 7 days with fresh red skin. The 2nd day of my "outbreak" I started taking 800mg of acyclovir (I purchased without prescription ,I was abroad but side effects were similar to valtrex I took years ago)for the next 10 days (maybe delay in antibodies)?
My history: I contracted hsv1 genitally 8 years prior,(22 years old) confirmed by swab, had one massive true breakout (3 weeks) and then 2 or 3 subsequent breakouts over the course of the next 5 years although both subsequent breakouts happened in 2013. Last breakout was in 2013 after contracting in 2008. I noticed the similarity of my initial outbreak with hsv1 vs this new "outbreak" even though this only lasted a week and was very mild, minor groin pain, (maybe 3 bumps). The subsequent hsv1 outbreaks however, years ago, were more circular or ring-like and rash-like in appearance (less or no blisters) and were on the side of my shaft (where initial hsv1 was) about 1 inch from this new outbreak, not near my tip, hence why I think I may have acquired hsv2.
I've read for hours over my chances of contracting hsv2 with previous hsv1, and that it wouldnt be a true primary outbreak like my hsv1. I had a full panel std test twice, the last, 3 years ago from major online testing services and am pretty sure both or at least one used igg. In those test however, no antibodies for hsv1 were present in the results. This new test however, I come in at 4.52 for hsv1, and negative <0.91 for hsv2. I have had more than 50 partners over the years and use condoms 99% of the time for vaginal/anal intercourse only not when they have broke or slipped off mainly, but never for oral so Im sure I've come across hsv1 again after my first acquisition.
Could my antibodies have gone away for hsv1 after 6 years because it was a long length of time and not at the preffered site after contracting hsv1 and now showed up? Or because this recent reoccurence was possibly hsv1, my antibodies are higher now? If this recent outbreak looked similar to my hsv1 reoccurences or was in exact same spots I would not even think twice.
Subsequently, should I retake at 12 or 16 week for conclusive results and should I use the same igg hsv1/2 test or should I use a hsv2 test only. I've read being previously positive for hsv1 affects hsv2 results.
My legs have had about 2 weeks or pressure near the groin after my sores cleared, and my lower back has felt achy since my last outbreak. I remember my initial hsv1 acquistion having similar leg pains but not back pain. I cant tell if the neuralgia is due to my stress of thinking I acquired hsv2 and lack of sleep. I have never been this stressed before in life, I slept maybe 15 hours in a week due to international travelling and heavy alcohol intake along with stress from possible hsv2 and high personal relationship stress.
Side note: I noticed 2 small bumps on my scrotum where condom coverage ends. I'm certain they were genital warts because they reacted to apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide causing a white appearance, I think I acquired when I started having sex with said new partner 3 months ago, so typical time frame. I applied home wart freeze removal, twice, 1 week intervals and it has cleared. I applied freeze away years earlier from a similar genital wart appearance that reacted to apple cider vinegar so I guess I am experienced in self wart removal unfortunately. Not sure if my immune system is completely drained at the moment. It is a sad irony that I may have acquired both major hsv strains while in monogmous relationships and while sleeping around I never did.
In a nutshell, what should I conclude from my negative hsv2 result after a previous hsv1 genital swab confirmation 8 years ago, 8 weeks since exposure unprotected to possible hsv2+partner and 10 days of antiviral therapy thereafter. There is a lot of variables to consider
I had unprotected sex for about a week, maybe 15 encounters, with someone who I was using a condom with for 2 prior months. She said she didnt notice any symptoms but who knows. On the last day of that mentioned week I noticed that my penis was burning a little bit. I figured it was due to too much sex and my penis not being used to not having a condom and the added barrier to chaffing. About 1 week after the first encounter without a condom I noticed a very small brown scab on my shaft and then the next 2 days, 3 volcano shaped bumps near penis tip and shaft, I thought possible genital warts, but they turned yellowish-white and broke open but all the symptoms start to finish healed in 7 days with fresh red skin. The 2nd day of my "outbreak" I started taking 800mg of acyclovir (I purchased without prescription ,I was abroad but side effects were similar to valtrex I took years ago)for the next 10 days (maybe delay in antibodies)?
My history: I contracted hsv1 genitally 8 years prior,(22 years old) confirmed by swab, had one massive true breakout (3 weeks) and then 2 or 3 subsequent breakouts over the course of the next 5 years although both subsequent breakouts happened in 2013. Last breakout was in 2013 after contracting in 2008. I noticed the similarity of my initial outbreak with hsv1 vs this new "outbreak" even though this only lasted a week and was very mild, minor groin pain, (maybe 3 bumps). The subsequent hsv1 outbreaks however, years ago, were more circular or ring-like and rash-like in appearance (less or no blisters) and were on the side of my shaft (where initial hsv1 was) about 1 inch from this new outbreak, not near my tip, hence why I think I may have acquired hsv2.
I've read for hours over my chances of contracting hsv2 with previous hsv1, and that it wouldnt be a true primary outbreak like my hsv1. I had a full panel std test twice, the last, 3 years ago from major online testing services and am pretty sure both or at least one used igg. In those test however, no antibodies for hsv1 were present in the results. This new test however, I come in at 4.52 for hsv1, and negative <0.91 for hsv2. I have had more than 50 partners over the years and use condoms 99% of the time for vaginal/anal intercourse only not when they have broke or slipped off mainly, but never for oral so Im sure I've come across hsv1 again after my first acquisition.
Could my antibodies have gone away for hsv1 after 6 years because it was a long length of time and not at the preffered site after contracting hsv1 and now showed up? Or because this recent reoccurence was possibly hsv1, my antibodies are higher now? If this recent outbreak looked similar to my hsv1 reoccurences or was in exact same spots I would not even think twice.
Subsequently, should I retake at 12 or 16 week for conclusive results and should I use the same igg hsv1/2 test or should I use a hsv2 test only. I've read being previously positive for hsv1 affects hsv2 results.
My legs have had about 2 weeks or pressure near the groin after my sores cleared, and my lower back has felt achy since my last outbreak. I remember my initial hsv1 acquistion having similar leg pains but not back pain. I cant tell if the neuralgia is due to my stress of thinking I acquired hsv2 and lack of sleep. I have never been this stressed before in life, I slept maybe 15 hours in a week due to international travelling and heavy alcohol intake along with stress from possible hsv2 and high personal relationship stress.
Side note: I noticed 2 small bumps on my scrotum where condom coverage ends. I'm certain they were genital warts because they reacted to apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide causing a white appearance, I think I acquired when I started having sex with said new partner 3 months ago, so typical time frame. I applied home wart freeze removal, twice, 1 week intervals and it has cleared. I applied freeze away years earlier from a similar genital wart appearance that reacted to apple cider vinegar so I guess I am experienced in self wart removal unfortunately. Not sure if my immune system is completely drained at the moment. It is a sad irony that I may have acquired both major hsv strains while in monogmous relationships and while sleeping around I never did.
In a nutshell, what should I conclude from my negative hsv2 result after a previous hsv1 genital swab confirmation 8 years ago, 8 weeks since exposure unprotected to possible hsv2+partner and 10 days of antiviral therapy thereafter. There is a lot of variables to consider
Is it possible to see if she will test for hsv2. That will surely help you out. Hsv1 on the genitals usually has a very harsh primary as you know. Hsv2 can be very mild. At 8 weeks your negative test is a good sign. Most people would test positive at that time. It is believed hsv2 antibodies can take longer to develop when you have hsv1.
Don't try to analyze the hsv1 results. The test for hsv1 antibodies can miss infections at a rate of at least 1 in 10 so the fact yours was negative at one point is not surprising. The igg hsv2 test is much more sensitive. Almost to sensitive. I would test again at twelve weeks and see. If you get another lesion then get it swabbed.
Don't try to analyze the hsv1 results. The test for hsv1 antibodies can miss infections at a rate of at least 1 in 10 so the fact yours was negative at one point is not surprising. The igg hsv2 test is much more sensitive. Almost to sensitive. I would test again at twelve weeks and see. If you get another lesion then get it swabbed.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
