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Is It Safe To Assume I Am Negative For Herpes When There Are No Symptoms, 3 Negative Igms For HSV 1 And 2, And A Negative IGG?
Posted on
Sun, 8 Jul 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 9 Jul 2018
Answered on
Fri, 1 Jul 2022
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi, I had a brief interaction with a woman who's very likely to have stds, specifically herpes, and I have a few questions about herpes testing. The full story is that about 3 weeks ago, after a bad breakup, I went to a massage parlor. The parlor was the type that's sort of seedy and known for "extras" and the masseuse assumed I wanted sex, and was immediately ready to go. I sort of talked her down to a handjob and the masseuse took off her clothes, straddled my legs, and did her thing while I lay on my back. For about 10 seconds during the hand-job, her genital area was pressed against my scrotal area, and she also kissed the shaft of my penis twice.
After the experience I was very worried about having contracted herpes from the genital contact, so I got some tests done. An IGM plus a full STD screen at 3 days after the incident, and an IGG and a second IGM at 10 days after the incident. Everything was negative. I've had no symptoms other then a bump on the inside of my thigh, and I've had bumps before in the same spot due to thigh chafing when I walk. I actually had one on the other thigh before the incident. Currently it's about 22 days after the incident, and I'm planning on getting a 3rd IGM done to be extra sure there's been no change. What worries me is that I've read online that the IGM test is unreliable and that 50% give false negative results.
So basically my questions are, with no symptoms, 3 negative igms for HSV 1 and 2, and a negative IGG is it safe to assume I don't have herpes?
Is the IGM completely unreliable or are 3 negatives taken at different times conclusive?
And is it ok to continue with dating and sexual activity given my current circumstances? Or should I abstain from sex completely for another 9 weeks and wait till I can take a more accurate IGG? I started a new relationship a couple weeks after the incident, and I don't want to risk infecting her, but I also don't want to ruin the relationship if I don't need to.
After the experience I was very worried about having contracted herpes from the genital contact, so I got some tests done. An IGM plus a full STD screen at 3 days after the incident, and an IGG and a second IGM at 10 days after the incident. Everything was negative. I've had no symptoms other then a bump on the inside of my thigh, and I've had bumps before in the same spot due to thigh chafing when I walk. I actually had one on the other thigh before the incident. Currently it's about 22 days after the incident, and I'm planning on getting a 3rd IGM done to be extra sure there's been no change. What worries me is that I've read online that the IGM test is unreliable and that 50% give false negative results.
So basically my questions are, with no symptoms, 3 negative igms for HSV 1 and 2, and a negative IGG is it safe to assume I don't have herpes?
Is the IGM completely unreliable or are 3 negatives taken at different times conclusive?
And is it ok to continue with dating and sexual activity given my current circumstances? Or should I abstain from sex completely for another 9 weeks and wait till I can take a more accurate IGG? I started a new relationship a couple weeks after the incident, and I don't want to risk infecting her, but I also don't want to ruin the relationship if I don't need to.
Brief Answer:
Most unlikely to have Herpes Infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Based on the facts that you have posted I would state that in absence of any genital lesion you are most unlikely to have Herpes infection.
As regards results of serological tests like IGM and IGG that you have mentioned being reported negative have little significance as long as you do not have any symptoms.
You may get Antigen test or Viral culture test done by collecting a sample of cells from the lesion that you have on the thigh to be rest assured about whether it is due to virus (HIV 1 or 2) or something else like bacterial infection.
I think there is no harm in continuing your sexual relationship with new friend.
Hope I have answered your query. Please feel free to ask if you have more questions, I shall be happy to help you.
Thanks.
Regards,
Dr. Patil
Most unlikely to have Herpes Infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Based on the facts that you have posted I would state that in absence of any genital lesion you are most unlikely to have Herpes infection.
As regards results of serological tests like IGM and IGG that you have mentioned being reported negative have little significance as long as you do not have any symptoms.
You may get Antigen test or Viral culture test done by collecting a sample of cells from the lesion that you have on the thigh to be rest assured about whether it is due to virus (HIV 1 or 2) or something else like bacterial infection.
I think there is no harm in continuing your sexual relationship with new friend.
Hope I have answered your query. Please feel free to ask if you have more questions, I shall be happy to help you.
Thanks.
Regards,
Dr. Patil
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Ok great, thank you!
Brief Answer:
O.K Bye
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for follow up .
O.K. by and have a good health .
Thanks and Regards.
Dr Patil.
O.K Bye
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for follow up .
O.K. by and have a good health .
Thanks and Regards.
Dr Patil.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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