Aa
IgM vs IgG--time frame and accuracy
I was raped a little over two weeks ago--unprotected. 5 days after my rape, I went to a gynecologist and fought to have him test me for Herpes. My IgG test (I think) came back negative, however my IgM tested positive for HSV 1 and HSV 2. My dr is saying that this suggests I have both infections, and doesn't want to retest. (I know, get a new dr...I'm working on it). So, questions: 1: What time frame am I looking at for having contracted the disease, as it is between the rapist and another person (protected intercourse there, time frame for him is 3 weeks before the rape , and he wasn't showing any lesions, but who knows), and 2: How accurate is this test? Do I need to be retested? What are my next steps?
Thank you in advance.
This discussion is related to IgG vs IgM Question.
Thank you in advance.
This discussion is related to IgG vs IgM Question.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Oh I'm so sorry for all you are going through, and for your doctor adding to the stress.
The IgM is totally unreliable, and shouldn't have even been done on you. Its wrong at least as often as its right, if not more. Also, the IgM isn't type specific, and reports back as a positive for HSV1/HSV2, meaning you might have one or both, but it can't tell you which one you have. Many doctors incorrectly read this as testing positive for both types.
Its good that you got the IgG now, and you can test again in a few months to make sure you didn't get herpes from this. Obviously, if you have any symptoms in the meantime, get them checked.
Have you been tested for other stds?
Since you have been through this, have you considered talking to a counselor? You might think about calling your local rape crisis center, or call 1-800-656-HOPE (in the US), or go to http://www.rainn.org/
Aj
The IgM is totally unreliable, and shouldn't have even been done on you. Its wrong at least as often as its right, if not more. Also, the IgM isn't type specific, and reports back as a positive for HSV1/HSV2, meaning you might have one or both, but it can't tell you which one you have. Many doctors incorrectly read this as testing positive for both types.
Its good that you got the IgG now, and you can test again in a few months to make sure you didn't get herpes from this. Obviously, if you have any symptoms in the meantime, get them checked.
Have you been tested for other stds?
Since you have been through this, have you considered talking to a counselor? You might think about calling your local rape crisis center, or call 1-800-656-HOPE (in the US), or go to http://www.rainn.org/
Aj
the Igm is said to me a pointless test for ruling out herpes.i suggest you are retested using the igg test for both.
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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.
