Question:
I had an encounter with a girl I was worried about over 2 weeks ago (you can see the story below by "dumb"). I got blood drawn 10 days after the incident when I went to see my urologist about 3 tiny red bumps on the head of my penis that seemed to be causing sensitivity. I just got my blood test results back, and it turns out they did the IgM test. I tested NEGATIVE for IgM, both types. I asked the Dr about this not being an accurate test, and he agreed if the results are positive, since you cannot know the type. However, he said that since it came back negative for both, that I am good. He also said that since I had formed bumps by the time the test was taken, a new attack would have showed up in the test. I realise that many Drs have no clue about this virus, but he seemed very knowledgable. DOES WHAT HE SAID SOUND RIGHT??? Also, is he right that this test would have indicated an old infection, too? Thanks.

Answer:
Yes, when I was tested I had no outbreak and was told I tested positive for a very old exposure - I think it had to do with the amount of antibodies detected - the linger you have it - the more you have - the easier it is to detect.

I would trust your doc - but - You could re-test in a few months for mental security you know? In this case I would think two negatives are indeed a positive thing!! Good luck -

Answer:
Lasmom

Thank you! I keep reading that the test is not useful, but that is because it can't differentiate. I read somewhere else that IgM anitbodies eventually disappear, but it sounds like you heard different. There is so much conflicting info on H! It is hard to know what to believe. I am definitely going to get the more useful IgG test later, but I have to wait for that. At least I have something to be a little optimistic about now.

Answer:
I thought the antibodies don't show up for months in a blood test. Is that just the Type specific test, not the IgM test?

Answer:
newworld

That's right. The IgM are the "first responder" antibodies that can also show up during outbreaks. the IgG show up later - those are the antibodies checked for in the type specific.

I would be much happier if they would have check for both IgM and IgG, ruling out both new and old infections. I am going back next Tues to get blood drawn for the IgG.

Answer:
Lasmom

Did you get the IgG, IgM, or both? Thanks for all the support.

Answer:
Well, went for the IgG test today. Will know in a week. Here's hoping...

Answer:
Good luck M

- I tested for both, they found an "old" infection" which is what I expected. I'm not sure about "new" info - I only heard "positve".

Answer:
So you must have been positive for IgG, and negative for IgM. I guess that confirms what others have said, that in my case (6 months since sex) that my negative IgM is useless. Ugh.