Aa
Am I positive?
In 2008, I noticed a single small sore on my left labia majora. It never began as a bump or blister just an open sore/ulcer. It did not hurt at all when touched and disappeared within 2 days. It never crusted/scabbed. I went to have it swabbed by a physician, and it came back negative for herpes. Recently on 10/20, I got in the shower and was surprised that the hot water stung my labia. Upon examination, I saw 3 small open sores/ulcers at the same location, left labia. The sores were gone within a day or two and there was no scabbing or crusting and there was never a bump or blister prior. On 10/27 I went to the doctor and the HSV blood test done. The results were IgG HSV 1&2 = .10/.13 negative and the IgM = .92 equivocal. I was advised to return in 4 weeks. I then saw another single sore on 11/3, couldn't get to a doctor until 11/5 and by then it had disappeared. Upon examination, the physician saw no trace any sore and advised that I come back in 4 weeks like before to be tested again. I was tested again on 11/26 and the results were as follows IgG HSV 1&2 = .08/.16 negative and the IgM = 1.15 positive. I was advised that I most likely have HSV 1 genitally and I'm just taking longer than normal to produce antibodies that would give me a positive IgG result and that I should return in 8 weeks to be type. My problem is I have only engaged in oral sex with my boyfriend so I don't understand how I could have had a recent exposure especially when he is negative for both the IgG and IgM. I known him my whole life and he's never exhibited anything remotely similar to a cold sore. Is this herpes? Was it dormant? If it is herpes, why havent he or I had cold cores from kissing? If its a recurrence from a previous infection, wouldn't my IgG be positive by now? Could it be Crohns or Bechets Disease (which I have exhibited symptoms)? I know that the IgM can fluctuate from negative to false positive? Just looking for a clear diagnosis, thanks!
Hi Grace,
I just wanted to update you and the readers on my condition. I went to the dermatologist like you recommended and was diagnosed with lichen sclerosis. I did have additional blood testing done where both my Igg and IBM were negative. Thanks again for your help and encouragement. xoxo
I just wanted to update you and the readers on my condition. I went to the dermatologist like you recommended and was diagnosed with lichen sclerosis. I did have additional blood testing done where both my Igg and IBM were negative. Thanks again for your help and encouragement. xoxo
I wouldn't bother with any more herpes testing.
a dermatologist will be helpful for testing for other common causes of symptoms to help you get answers faster :)
a dermatologist will be helpful for testing for other common causes of symptoms to help you get answers faster :)
Thank you so much for responding. I'm going to be tested one more time in eight weeks to see where my IgG is at. It never occurred to me see a dermatologist (which i have) for issues in the genitals. Is it possible for genital herpes to appear as a shallow painless ulcer and heal completely within 2 days. When I had three, they weren't clustered together and they've never been white like a chancre. I can't find anything online that looks similar to my situation. Could you please reference other conditions that could've caused these symptoms? Thank you Grace
Thank you so much for responding. I'm going to be tested one more time in eight weeks to see where my IgG is at. It never occurred to me see a dermatologist (which i have) for issues in the genitals. Is it possible for genital herpes to appear as a shallow painless ulcer and heal completely within 2 days. When I had three, they weren't clustered together and they've never been white like a chancre. I can't find anything online that looks similar to my situation. Could you please reference other conditions that could've caused these symptoms? Thank you Grace
herpes igm testing is inaccurate and the CDC no longer recommends it being used on adults to diagnose herpes infections. your provider shouldn't be ordering it on you at this point and you absolutely can not say this is herpes related due to a + igm.
my recommendation at this point is to be seen regularly at a dermatologist to try to get a better idea of what is going on. many things can cause these symptoms and you've pretty much ruled out genital herpes with your repeated negative herpes igg blood testing.
grace
my recommendation at this point is to be seen regularly at a dermatologist to try to get a better idea of what is going on. many things can cause these symptoms and you've pretty much ruled out genital herpes with your repeated negative herpes igg blood testing.
grace
At the time I was tested a second time I was suffering from a cold/flu. Could this have affected my IgM that resulted in a weak positive?
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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.
