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How is accuracy of HSV IgG test after 4 and 8 weeks?
I had a protected sex with a female that I don't know about her STD situation. Unfortunately, condom broke. About 3 weeks after the exposure, I had one red spot on side of my penis. It is not burning, itchy, and painful. Also it do not have any painful sense when peeing. I think for 3 weeks I needed to pee more than before (hope that is because of stress). I had two HSV IgG blood test:
The first one was 4 weeks after exposure.
HSV I index: 0.3
HSV II index < 0.2
The second one was 8 weeks after exposure.
HSV I index: 0.2
HSV II index <0.2.
I'm still have the red spot with no sense. I think it is herpes and I'm feeling depression now. lost my mind these days and do not have any hope. I'm waiting to have another blood test after 10 and 12 weeks but stress is killing me.
It would be really appreciated if anyone can tell me how accurate are HSV tests 8 weeks after exposure.
The first one was 4 weeks after exposure.
HSV I index: 0.3
HSV II index < 0.2
The second one was 8 weeks after exposure.
HSV I index: 0.2
HSV II index <0.2.
I'm still have the red spot with no sense. I think it is herpes and I'm feeling depression now. lost my mind these days and do not have any hope. I'm waiting to have another blood test after 10 and 12 weeks but stress is killing me.
It would be really appreciated if anyone can tell me how accurate are HSV tests 8 weeks after exposure.
COMMUNITY LEADER
A herpes sore wouldn't last this long. A syphilis sore might, though. A syphilis sore usually shows up at about 3 weeks, and lasts 3-6 weeks. It's round and painless.
You need to get a syphilis test, and let a doctor see this sore. Syphilis is easily cured with antibiotics, but it's really important that you get it treated if that's what you have.
It could also be a fungal infection, dermatitis, or a host of other things.
By 6 weeks, 70% of people test positive for herpes, and it goes up from there until 12 weeks, when it's conclusive. However, a herpes sore isn't going to last this long.
If you are in the US, and money is a concern, call your local health department, tell them you think you might have syphilis, and need testing. They will put you in touch with your local STD clinic. You can also go to a Planned Parenthood, which offers services on a sliding fee scale.
To find your local health department, google "your county and health department", like New York County Health Department" or "Dade County Health Department". You can also google your city and STD clinic, etc. Always call before you go to see if the address/hours are correct, or if any services are limited because of covid, or if masks are required, etc.
If you aren't in the US, you can still google your city and STD clinic to find the nearest one.
You can also go to an urgent care clinic or your regular doctor.
Let us know what happens.
You need to get a syphilis test, and let a doctor see this sore. Syphilis is easily cured with antibiotics, but it's really important that you get it treated if that's what you have.
It could also be a fungal infection, dermatitis, or a host of other things.
By 6 weeks, 70% of people test positive for herpes, and it goes up from there until 12 weeks, when it's conclusive. However, a herpes sore isn't going to last this long.
If you are in the US, and money is a concern, call your local health department, tell them you think you might have syphilis, and need testing. They will put you in touch with your local STD clinic. You can also go to a Planned Parenthood, which offers services on a sliding fee scale.
To find your local health department, google "your county and health department", like New York County Health Department" or "Dade County Health Department". You can also google your city and STD clinic, etc. Always call before you go to see if the address/hours are correct, or if any services are limited because of covid, or if masks are required, etc.
If you aren't in the US, you can still google your city and STD clinic to find the nearest one.
You can also go to an urgent care clinic or your regular doctor.
Let us know what happens.
56 Comments
Thank you very much for your response. Yes, I'm an international student in US who does not have any family or friend here. I tested for STD 4 weeks after exposure and every things was negative. it really is not a sore. it's like a pimple but its head is red. please pray for me. I do not have hope. Stress is killing me.
Thanks again for your response.
Thanks again for your response.
Ok, that doesn't sound like syphilis, either. You can get a pimple on your penis, or an infected hair follicle, or a clogged oil gland. It could be an ingrown hair.
Even if it is an STD, which it doesn't sound like, it doesn't mean there's no hope. It doesn't sound like herpes, and the rest are curable. You definitely have hope.
Do you have insurance? Go to an urgent care this weekend, and let a doctor take a look.
https://www.medicinenet.com/image-collection/syphilis_picture/picture.htm - this has a picture of what a syphilis sore looks like. It doesn't look at all like a pimple.
https://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/ss/slideshow-genital-herpes - this is what herpes looks like. Also, not like a pimple.
I'm not usually around on the weekends, but let us know what happens. You are going to be fine no matter what it is, I promise.
Even if it is an STD, which it doesn't sound like, it doesn't mean there's no hope. It doesn't sound like herpes, and the rest are curable. You definitely have hope.
Do you have insurance? Go to an urgent care this weekend, and let a doctor take a look.
https://www.medicinenet.com/image-collection/syphilis_picture/picture.htm - this has a picture of what a syphilis sore looks like. It doesn't look at all like a pimple.
https://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/ss/slideshow-genital-herpes - this is what herpes looks like. Also, not like a pimple.
I'm not usually around on the weekends, but let us know what happens. You are going to be fine no matter what it is, I promise.
Thank you very much.
I will have an appointment with a dermatologist on Monday.
Please pray for me :(
I will have an appointment with a dermatologist on Monday.
Please pray for me :(
Sorry I have one more question. I had my HSV tests at the "anylab test now". I don't know the name of the test (herpeselect, captia, elisa, or biokit).
I just know that is IgG test. I contacted them but they didn't know as well. Do you know if there is difference between tests?
Really sorry to bother you.
I just know that is IgG test. I contacted them but they didn't know as well. Do you know if there is difference between tests?
Really sorry to bother you.
Is that possible to have arm ashes 8 weeks after exposure? Please answer :(
No STD will have just an arm or 2 arms rash, or even start that way. Nope.
Thank you very much for your response. I meant arm pain.
No STD causes arm pain.
If you had an IgG, it's not a biokit, but could be a herpeselect, captia, elisa - they are all the same thing. I looked at their site - it's definitely an IgG, and that's all that matters.
If you had an IgG, it's not a biokit, but could be a herpeselect, captia, elisa - they are all the same thing. I looked at their site - it's definitely an IgG, and that's all that matters.
Thank you very much Jessi,
I had another test today and I'm sure that is herpeselect. I will have the result in 2 days.
Thanks again.
I had another test today and I'm sure that is herpeselect. I will have the result in 2 days.
Thanks again.
Why are you getting another herpes test? Are you seeing the dermatologist today? What happened with that?
She told me it’s a little bit late to diagnose it. Because it’s getting better. So I decided to have another test. I will have another appointment with her 4 weeks later.
Okay, but what about syphilis testing? Given the timing and the length of it, it's far more likely to be syphilis than herpes. Please don't overlook that in your herpes anxiety. Syphilis is far more dangerous untreated than herpes ever will be.
She didn’t talk about syphilis.
I had std test 4 weeks after exposure.
I had std test 4 weeks after exposure.
Okay, well if she saw it, she'd know best if it looked like syphilis or not. Did she say herpes, or is that your concern?
That is my concern. She saw that i'm really worry about that, then she wanted to do culture test, but I noticed that my insurance has been expired. She said do not touch it and wait for 4 weeks. then come to my office to visit again. I had stress, I decided to have another blood test that is herpeselect. Now it is around 10 weeks after exposure and I'm checking the lab's website to see if the result ready. it isn't available yet.
Ohhh got it.
You said you are an international student. I'm going to guess in college. I don't know where, and you don't have to tell me, but is your college open? Do they have a student health services you can use? They probably won't do herpes blood tests, but they probably will do syphilis testing. I have no idea about cost, but maybe you can call and ask?
If your herpes test is negative at 10 weeks, accept it as conclusive. It won't change in 2 weeks. I suspect it will be negative. I'd be very surprised if it isn't.
You said you are an international student. I'm going to guess in college. I don't know where, and you don't have to tell me, but is your college open? Do they have a student health services you can use? They probably won't do herpes blood tests, but they probably will do syphilis testing. I have no idea about cost, but maybe you can call and ask?
If your herpes test is negative at 10 weeks, accept it as conclusive. It won't change in 2 weeks. I suspect it will be negative. I'd be very surprised if it isn't.
I will have my new insurance contract soon. So I can wait to get it. I hope that my blood test be negative. I'm still checking the website for the result.
Thank you Jessi. You're really kind.
Thank you Jessi. You're really kind.
Jessi, I got my results right now and it was negative as well. That was 10 weeks after exposure.
Good. I would count this as conclusive and not worry about herpes.
As far as STDs, the only other possibility it could be is syphilis - and that's not likely based on your description, but a test wouldn't hurt since your previous test was too early.
Other than that, continue to work with the dermatologist to figure out what's happening.
As far as STDs, the only other possibility it could be is syphilis - and that's not likely based on your description, but a test wouldn't hurt since your previous test was too early.
Other than that, continue to work with the dermatologist to figure out what's happening.
Sure. Thank you again for your response.
Sorry Jessi, is that possible for me to send you a pic from the red spot that I have?
Hi Jessi, I have one more question. I have pain in my left leg now that is 11 weeks after exposure. Is that because of hsv? Is that possible to have pain in leg 11 weeks after exposure?
I plan to have another blood test in two weeks .
I plan to have another blood test in two weeks .
Hi Jessi, I'm around 12 weeks after exposure now. Do you think if I should retest for HSV again? I still have stress.
Thanks for your responses.
Thanks for your responses.
You are negative for herpes. Your 10 week exposure would not change.
Stress can cause different body aches.
I think you should get a syphilis test to rule that out, and if that's negative, see the derm if it hasn't gone away. If it has, and the syphilis test is negative, which I suspect it will be, call it a pimple or an infected hair follicle and move on.
I also think that you're under a lot of pressure, in a place where you don't have a good support system, and have anxiety. I'd encourage you to use your college's counseling center and talk to someone. If they have an International Student Center or club or something similar, join that, if your school is open.
Stress can cause different body aches.
I think you should get a syphilis test to rule that out, and if that's negative, see the derm if it hasn't gone away. If it has, and the syphilis test is negative, which I suspect it will be, call it a pimple or an infected hair follicle and move on.
I also think that you're under a lot of pressure, in a place where you don't have a good support system, and have anxiety. I'd encourage you to use your college's counseling center and talk to someone. If they have an International Student Center or club or something similar, join that, if your school is open.
Thank you Jessi for your response.
Yes, I'm under a lot of pressure here :(
Yes, I'm under a lot of pressure here :(
Sorry. It seems I shouldn’t put a link for pics.
Sorry about that
Sorry about that
I can't see anything on that pic, but you really need to get a test for syphilis. If it's negative now, it's conclusive. You can put that out of your mind, then.
You don't have herpes. It's conclusively negative.
Maybe you have some hemorrhoids.
Does your college have a counseling center? Is it open? Make use of it. Find your international student center or union or whatever they call it now, and make use of that. Even if they don't have face to face things going on, I'd bet they have some online things happening. You're only alone if you choose to be.
Colleges and universities also have clubs for everything - if you like bicycling, chess, playing cards, knitting, airplanes, sports, walking, reading, singing, acting, video games, etc., etc., they probably have a club for it. They are probably even doing stuff online now, so if you're more introverted or shy, it's a good way to get to know people first.
Just try.
It's not likely that you have syphilis. You do not have herpes. You have stress, for sure, maybe anxiety. You can learn some coping skills, and you can find some fun things to do.
I don't know if there's guilt involved in this, but there doesn't need to be. You had a sexual encounter. Sex is a human need. If it's a religious thing, ask for forgiveness from your God, and be kind to yourself. :)
You don't have herpes. It's conclusively negative.
Maybe you have some hemorrhoids.
Does your college have a counseling center? Is it open? Make use of it. Find your international student center or union or whatever they call it now, and make use of that. Even if they don't have face to face things going on, I'd bet they have some online things happening. You're only alone if you choose to be.
Colleges and universities also have clubs for everything - if you like bicycling, chess, playing cards, knitting, airplanes, sports, walking, reading, singing, acting, video games, etc., etc., they probably have a club for it. They are probably even doing stuff online now, so if you're more introverted or shy, it's a good way to get to know people first.
Just try.
It's not likely that you have syphilis. You do not have herpes. You have stress, for sure, maybe anxiety. You can learn some coping skills, and you can find some fun things to do.
I don't know if there's guilt involved in this, but there doesn't need to be. You had a sexual encounter. Sex is a human need. If it's a religious thing, ask for forgiveness from your God, and be kind to yourself. :)
Thank you very much Jessi.
I had a test for syphilis today. I will have the results tomorrow.
Your messages give me peace of mind.
Sorry for bothering you
I had a test for syphilis today. I will have the results tomorrow.
Your messages give me peace of mind.
Sorry for bothering you
You aren't bothering me. I just want to give you longer term solutions that will help you more than just messaging me on this site.
Let me know what your results say.
Let me know what your results say.
Sure. I'm waiting for the result. I'll let you know when I get them.
Hi Jessi.
I know I shouldn’t have another hsv test , but unfortunately I had it yesterday.
The results for the syphilis test came today and it was negative.
Unfortunately the result status for the hsv test still is WILL FOLLOW. The test is hsv 1/2 igG with reflex of supplemental hsv 2 test.
I don’t know why the results is not available yet. I don’t know if because of the supplemental test or anything else.
Please pray for me.
I know I shouldn’t have another hsv test , but unfortunately I had it yesterday.
The results for the syphilis test came today and it was negative.
Unfortunately the result status for the hsv test still is WILL FOLLOW. The test is hsv 1/2 igG with reflex of supplemental hsv 2 test.
I don’t know why the results is not available yet. I don’t know if because of the supplemental test or anything else.
Please pray for me.
If your herpes test comes back positive, it is a false positive. There are a lot of those. I don't know why you keep testing for this, but this can happen when you test too much.
Experts and the CDC all state that anything below a 3.5 (and in some cases, above a 3.5 if you don't have symptoms) has a very good chance of being a false positive. This forum is full of those people. Even if the supplemental test is positive, it could still be a false positive because the supplemental test is the same kind of test as the regular.
The lower the number, the better the chance of it being a false positive.
But don't panic. You don't have herpes. All of your tests thus far have already proven that.
Please, today, find out about your counseling center. If you get a false positive result, you're going to need it because it takes weeks to unwind that, and I don't think you're going to just accept that as a false positive without more testing. It causes a lot of anxiety, takes a lot of time, and can cost a lot of money. Get the counseling set up, please.
Experts and the CDC all state that anything below a 3.5 (and in some cases, above a 3.5 if you don't have symptoms) has a very good chance of being a false positive. This forum is full of those people. Even if the supplemental test is positive, it could still be a false positive because the supplemental test is the same kind of test as the regular.
The lower the number, the better the chance of it being a false positive.
But don't panic. You don't have herpes. All of your tests thus far have already proven that.
Please, today, find out about your counseling center. If you get a false positive result, you're going to need it because it takes weeks to unwind that, and I don't think you're going to just accept that as a false positive without more testing. It causes a lot of anxiety, takes a lot of time, and can cost a lot of money. Get the counseling set up, please.
Jessi, I got my test result now. It was negative (Thanks god). It was 13 weeks after exposure. I promise you I do not retest when I don't have symptoms.
Thanks again for your kind messages.
Thanks again for your kind messages.
I'm glad to hear it. Please get the counseling anyway, and DO NOT get any more herpes testing. You don't need it from this encounter - it's conclusive. You didn't get herpes or syphilis, or any other STD.
Take care of yourself - that's really important. :)
Take care of yourself - that's really important. :)
Hi dear auntiejessi
Hope all is well with you.
Today I was shaving, then I noticed some small points on my genital area. I put a pic here.
It would be really appreciated if you tell me your opinion about it. Is that something related to herpes?
Thanks
Link: https://patient.azureedge.net/forums/images/upload-sm/1331535-637390697094527789.jpg
Hope all is well with you.
Today I was shaving, then I noticed some small points on my genital area. I put a pic here.
It would be really appreciated if you tell me your opinion about it. Is that something related to herpes?
Thanks
Link: https://patient.azureedge.net/forums/images/upload-sm/1331535-637390697094527789.jpg
Jessi, shall I make an appointment with dermatologist?
That doesn't look like herpes, but are they hard or soft like blisters?
If they are hard, they could be genital warts. If they are warts, they could have come from any encounter you've had in the last several months, protected or not protected. They are very common, and very contagious.
Make the appointment. They can treat them, whatever it is. If they are soft like blisters, get in as soon as you can. If they are hard like warts, then there isn't as much of a rush.
Let me know what happens.
If they are hard, they could be genital warts. If they are warts, they could have come from any encounter you've had in the last several months, protected or not protected. They are very common, and very contagious.
Make the appointment. They can treat them, whatever it is. If they are soft like blisters, get in as soon as you can. If they are hard like warts, then there isn't as much of a rush.
Let me know what happens.
Thanks Jessi for your answer. They are so small and I don't know if they are hard or soft. So I make an appointment.
Hi Jessi, I went to the dermatologist today. She took a look at the spots and said they are not warts nor herpes.
Did she say what they were, then?
She said it because of some irritations and rubbing.
Got it. Then leave it alone, and let things heal. :)
Sure Jessi. Thanks again for your response.
Hi again Jessi. Last night I send the pic to another doctor. He believed that the small spots are warts. But the dermatologist I visited this week said they aren't warts.
I'm really confused Jessi. It would be really appreciated if you tell me what I shall to do. :(
I'm really confused Jessi. It would be really appreciated if you tell me what I shall to do. :(
The only way to know is to get them biopsied. If it is irritation, and you were leaving it alone, it would be clearing up.
I'm not a doctor, so I can't tell you what they are, nor really can anyone from a picture. Go back to the dermatologist and ask for a biopsy.
I'm not a doctor, so I can't tell you what they are, nor really can anyone from a picture. Go back to the dermatologist and ask for a biopsy.
Hi Jessi, Good morning. I have this bump for around 2 weeks. It sometimes small and sometimes big.
It would be appreciated if you give me your idea about that.
Thanks
link: https://patient.info/forums/discuss/herpes--749524
It would be appreciated if you give me your idea about that.
Thanks
link: https://patient.info/forums/discuss/herpes--749524
My last potential exposure was 5 months ago. Do you think if it is a good idea to have an IgG test?
You had a test at 13 weeks - that's conclusive. You did not get herpes from that encounter.
You can do as you choose, but keep in mind that there are false positives with the hsv2 IgG, and unraveling that takes a long time (months, sometimes), a lot of money (into the hundreds of dollars), and untold anxiety.
I think you should see your doctor and get this bump biopsied or tested somehow - however the doctor thinks is best. I do not think it's herpes. Herpes is not a bump under the skin. It's blisters on the skin.
You do not have herpes. I don't know how else to say it. Work with your dermatologist.
You can do as you choose, but keep in mind that there are false positives with the hsv2 IgG, and unraveling that takes a long time (months, sometimes), a lot of money (into the hundreds of dollars), and untold anxiety.
I think you should see your doctor and get this bump biopsied or tested somehow - however the doctor thinks is best. I do not think it's herpes. Herpes is not a bump under the skin. It's blisters on the skin.
You do not have herpes. I don't know how else to say it. Work with your dermatologist.
Thank you very much. OK. Your'e right. It also isn't itchy nor painful.
So, I don't get test anymore. I'll work with my dermatologist.
So, I don't get test anymore. I'll work with my dermatologist.
Good. :)
Hi Jessi,
Today I had an appointment with the doctor since I have still the same bumps. This time she again took a look at them and she believed that they are Mollucus contagiosum warts.
She freezed them with nitrogen.
Is Mollucus contagiosum for lifelong? is that big deal?
Thanks
Today I had an appointment with the doctor since I have still the same bumps. This time she again took a look at them and she believed that they are Mollucus contagiosum warts.
She freezed them with nitrogen.
Is Mollucus contagiosum for lifelong? is that big deal?
Thanks
The same bumps since August? Have any of them scabbed over or changed in any way? Have they spread?
Did she biopsy them?
No, molluscum is not a big deal. It's a pretty common viral infection that usually clears up within 6-12 months, though it can last longer, rarely up to 4 years. They aren't warts - warts are a different virus.
They are very contagious, and you can get them from sex, or from the gym, sharing towels, etc. It's often found in day cares, as kids share everything, like toys, nap mats, and the like.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2547245
https://www.medicinenet.com/molluscum_contagiosum_facts/article.htm
Did she biopsy them?
No, molluscum is not a big deal. It's a pretty common viral infection that usually clears up within 6-12 months, though it can last longer, rarely up to 4 years. They aren't warts - warts are a different virus.
They are very contagious, and you can get them from sex, or from the gym, sharing towels, etc. It's often found in day cares, as kids share everything, like toys, nap mats, and the like.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2547245
https://www.medicinenet.com/molluscum_contagiosum_facts/article.htm
I had 3 bumps since October. Here is a link for pics. She didn’t biopsy them.
Link: https://patient.azureedge.net/forums/images/upload-sm/1331535-637390697094527789.jpg
Link: https://patient.azureedge.net/forums/images/upload-sm/1331535-637390697094527789.jpg
I can't diagnose - I'm not a doctor. Without seeing them close up, it's hard to tell the difference between molluscum and HPV. The treatment is similar for both, and they are both very common, and neither are lifelong - HPV clears within 2 years, molluscum in less than 4. HPV is very, very common.
The links I gave you have pics for molluscum. Look at those and see. That's the best I can do.
The links I gave you have pics for molluscum. Look at those and see. That's the best I can do.
Hi antiejessi,
I'm back. Hope all is well with you.
I still go to see my doctor . Every time that I go there they say you don't have anything.
I had a biopsy test to make sure if I have hpv. The results came back negative. However, I believe my penis skin is getting darker. I showed it to the doctor but they said it is not important. I have uploaded a link here to know your opinion. Could that be a sign of penile cancer?
Thanks for your help.
Link: https://patient.azureedge.net/forums/images/upload-sm/1331535-637644775875510554.jpg
I'm back. Hope all is well with you.
I still go to see my doctor . Every time that I go there they say you don't have anything.
I had a biopsy test to make sure if I have hpv. The results came back negative. However, I believe my penis skin is getting darker. I showed it to the doctor but they said it is not important. I have uploaded a link here to know your opinion. Could that be a sign of penile cancer?
Thanks for your help.
Link: https://patient.azureedge.net/forums/images/upload-sm/1331535-637644775875510554.jpg
I have never seen penis cancer, but that looks like dry skin.
Is this all still about the encounter a year ago? You need to find a way to let that go. It's time for counseling if you can't.
Is this all still about the encounter a year ago? You need to find a way to let that go. It's time for counseling if you can't.
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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.
