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Igm v. Igg - Confused and scared
I'm writing to get some answers to questions regarding recent tests that my boyfriend and I had done.
My boyfriend and I were previously both in long term marriages. The fidelity of our prior spouses is questionable.
For many reasons, and in part to be safe, we waited a very long time after meeting one another to have intercourse, although we did have oral sex. After about 15 long months of waiting, we had protected sex, and then went to have testing done before proceding with unprotected sex.
Our first tests were apparently Igm tests. We both tested positive for Hsv1 and negative for Hsv2. Assuming we were safe, we began having unprotected sex at that time.
Four months later, I felt a little sore in the genital region, and there appeared to be a swollen spot and possible bump that went away within a few days. I didn't think much of it. However, shortly thereafter, my boyfriend developed a rash and had two sore spots on the shaft of his penis which turned into two bumps that looked like insect bites, more than anything else.
To be on the safe side, he went to have additional testing. This time, he had an Igg test done with a doctor and the results came back positive for HSV2. His result number was 1.17.
I am planning on scheduling a visit to have additional test work done as well.
I am assuming that he is positive for Hsv2, and I know that there is a strong likelihood that I am as well. While I am incredibly upset by this, I really would like someone to explain to me why the results would change from negative to positive. I don't want to doubt his fidelity. Any help would be appreciated. I've spent the past several days crying. Thought we were being as prudent as possible.
My boyfriend and I were previously both in long term marriages. The fidelity of our prior spouses is questionable.
For many reasons, and in part to be safe, we waited a very long time after meeting one another to have intercourse, although we did have oral sex. After about 15 long months of waiting, we had protected sex, and then went to have testing done before proceding with unprotected sex.
Our first tests were apparently Igm tests. We both tested positive for Hsv1 and negative for Hsv2. Assuming we were safe, we began having unprotected sex at that time.
Four months later, I felt a little sore in the genital region, and there appeared to be a swollen spot and possible bump that went away within a few days. I didn't think much of it. However, shortly thereafter, my boyfriend developed a rash and had two sore spots on the shaft of his penis which turned into two bumps that looked like insect bites, more than anything else.
To be on the safe side, he went to have additional testing. This time, he had an Igg test done with a doctor and the results came back positive for HSV2. His result number was 1.17.
I am planning on scheduling a visit to have additional test work done as well.
I am assuming that he is positive for Hsv2, and I know that there is a strong likelihood that I am as well. While I am incredibly upset by this, I really would like someone to explain to me why the results would change from negative to positive. I don't want to doubt his fidelity. Any help would be appreciated. I've spent the past several days crying. Thought we were being as prudent as possible.
the testing companies are just fine as far as the accuracy of the tests most of them offer.
you would need type specific herpes igg blood tests but wait awhile as I recommended in my previous post.
grace
you would need type specific herpes igg blood tests but wait awhile as I recommended in my previous post.
grace
Probably makes no difference, but thought I'd mention that when we did the original testing, no physician was involved. We just used a testing company we found online.
I'm scheduled to see my doctor this week. If he retests, what test should he request?
I'm scheduled to see my doctor this week. If he retests, what test should he request?
odds are this isn't hsv2 going on from the sounds of it. many things that are non-std related that can cause genital symptoms. at this point I'd wait and both of you repeat your herpes igg blood tests in another month or two and see what they show. should either of you get genital symptoms before then, be seen promptly for further evaluation.
I removed the repetitive posts for you - thought maybe you were having computer/cell phone issues reposting them for you.
grace
I removed the repetitive posts for you - thought maybe you were having computer/cell phone issues reposting them for you.
grace
it was a doctor at a medical clinic. When he first went the doctor he saw said that the only STD she thought it could be was Herpes.she had the test run. He then saw someone to get results, who simply said the test was positive.
What does it mean if I'm positive. I was negative before as well, and I know for a fact I've been faithful. If I'm positive wouldn't I have had to get it from him? If mine is negative and his remains positive, is infidelity the only explanation? Tjanks for responding, and sorry for repetitive posts, I didn't see the "moree results" link.
What does it mean if I'm positive. I was negative before as well, and I know for a fact I've been faithful. If I'm positive wouldn't I have had to get it from him? If mine is negative and his remains positive, is infidelity the only explanation? Tjanks for responding, and sorry for repetitive posts, I didn't see the "moree results" link.
you aren't the first rambler here...he he he
so what did his doc think was going on? did his doc think it looked like herpes or was he at a loss as to what was going on?
so what did his doc think was going on? did his doc think it looked like herpes or was he at a loss as to what was going on?
Sorry for the confusion. The reason I originally said igm test was because a week before our original igg tests (4 months ago) we took early detection tests which were apparently igm tests. Both of us came back positive. So, the following week we took igg tests, we both showed positive for HSV1 and negative HSV2. Based on that igg test we felt it was safe to proceed with unprotected sex. After my bf recently experienced mild symptoms, he once again took the igg test that had the 1.17 result. The positive result les me to post the forum. Does any of that help clarify? I have no idea how you are able to translate my hysterical ramblings, but am impressed.
if you are still hsv2 negative and he confirms that he really does have hsv2 then indeed it's very likely he's had another partner. what did his provider feel was going on when he was seen?
I was wrong. My bf's original negative test was igg. Mine was as wll. The second test (4 months later) was igg 1.17. Getting add'l. testing done, but if it turns out he's positive, does that mean it was recently aquiredm very scared of that prospect, since I tested negative and we've been dating almost 2 years.
originally you stated you thought it was igm testing but you weren't sure. have you gotten copies of your original testing?
your bf's hsv2 igg is still really low. it can be a false positive or signs of a newly acquired infection. It's unfortunate that they didn't culture his symptoms to see if that gave better answers. since both of you have had genital symptoms, further evaluation to try to figure out what is going on is a good idea since it's not likely to be herpes if you both tested negative for both types prior to sex.
your bf's hsv2 igg is still really low. it can be a false positive or signs of a newly acquired infection. It's unfortunate that they didn't culture his symptoms to see if that gave better answers. since both of you have had genital symptoms, further evaluation to try to figure out what is going on is a good idea since it's not likely to be herpes if you both tested negative for both types prior to sex.
By way of background, since I've babbled endlessly, wanted to mention that my bf and I have been dating for almost 2 years, but waited to have sex (except oral) for 15 months. Not sure if any of that makes a difference.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Hi grace,
Seems like I gave you some misinformation, and was hoping you could help me.
In July, my boyfriend and I had testing done. Apparently it was Igg testing. We both tested positive for HSV1 and negative for HSV2 <0.91.
Four months later, my bf found the bumps on his penis shaft. After my bf found the bumps he was retested. His results showed as positive for HSV2 with a reading of 1.17.
Is this change normal. What would cause a change in an HSV2 Igg result from negative to positive. Assuming the positive result is accurate, I am really trying to understand the fluctuation in results from negative to positive. The doctor/testing company have acted like something had to happen to change the igg score from negative to positive. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Seems like I gave you some misinformation, and was hoping you could help me.
In July, my boyfriend and I had testing done. Apparently it was Igg testing. We both tested positive for HSV1 and negative for HSV2 <0.91.
Four months later, my bf found the bumps on his penis shaft. After my bf found the bumps he was retested. His results showed as positive for HSV2 with a reading of 1.17.
Is this change normal. What would cause a change in an HSV2 Igg result from negative to positive. Assuming the positive result is accurate, I am really trying to understand the fluctuation in results from negative to positive. The doctor/testing company have acted like something had to happen to change the igg score from negative to positive. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
you don't even appear to know what testing you both originally had done but since you aren't sure, repeating your herpes test results is the best course of action. if you are hsv2 negative, odds are your partner's hsv2 test is a false positive since it's so low. If you are hsv2+, then indeed your partner repeating his testing later on is the best course of action. did he also have a lesion culture done on his genital symptoms? you also should be examined since you have both had genital symptoms recently to see if anything else is going on.
you have no reason to suspect that your partner has had other partners at this point from the testing you've had done.
you have no reason to suspect that your partner has had other partners at this point from the testing you've had done.
Thanks for your post. It helped me get through the afternoon. I'm terrified at the prospect of HSV2; the "changed" results and the explanations provided by the doctor and testing staff have been terrifying to me as well. Any words of wisdom are welcome. Thanks again.
Hey Grace,
Thanks for responding. I'm sure it's b/c I'm in panic mode so I'm not processing things well, but could you clarify something in your email? What did you mean when you said "to see if HSV2 is part of your relationship or not."
Do you agree with CJC2011 that the result from the two HSV2 tests didn't change. Is the igm test really that useless. The doctor and original testing center have me so confused and scared about fidelity issues.
Hate to be a pain; just so confused and sad.
Thanks for responding. I'm sure it's b/c I'm in panic mode so I'm not processing things well, but could you clarify something in your email? What did you mean when you said "to see if HSV2 is part of your relationship or not."
Do you agree with CJC2011 that the result from the two HSV2 tests didn't change. Is the igm test really that useless. The doctor and original testing center have me so confused and scared about fidelity issues.
Hate to be a pain; just so confused and sad.
your bf's hsv2 igg is very low positive. at this point you need tested properly to know your own status to see if hsv2 is a part of your relationship or not. once we know your results, we can discuss if it's even worthwhile for your partner to get additional testing done or not.
grace
grace
The test didn't change from negative to positive. The IgM was negative, but that test result is completely meaningless. A lot of HSV-2 infected people apparently don't produce IgM antibodies once they start to produce IgG antibodies and some do but only on occasion.
That being said, his result is a low positive. You might want to have his doc order a western blot test to confirm the result.
That being said, his result is a low positive. You might want to have his doc order a western blot test to confirm the result.
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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.
