1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Genital Herpes Simplex

Question about IGM

Posted , 2 users are following.

jeskica166
jeskica166

So I tested negative for everything three months ago, which was a month after unprotected sex. I waited another month and tested positive for IGM out of the blue- no symptoms. Now it's been another almost month and a half and was told to get retested and still I'm only positive for IGm and they aren't even sure for which strand. Is this normal and when or will it turn to IGG eventually ? Haven't slept with anyone in almost four months since all this.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus jeskica166

    Posted

    IgM testing is unreliable for herpes and is not recommended by experts or the CDC as a result, so I would not worry about your results. IgG should be conclusive at 3+ months post exposure. Get tested for IgG only after 3 months, and ignore IgM.
    • jeskica166
      jeskica166 FelizCastus

      Posted

      She said I was negative for IGG still and it hadn't shown up yet and to come back in two more months because sometimes your body is super healthy and trying to fight it off... So it's taking longer for my immune system to develop it. This is at my urgent care. It's been about three months exactly since the unprotected sex. He claims of course that he has nothing still. She said once your body detects IGM it will develop to IGG within 2-6 months and it can't be fought off sad

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus jeskica166

      Posted

      Actually, IgM and IgG are just two different types of antibody, and a strong immune system produces antibodies to fight infection, so the explanation you were given doesn't really make sense. Like I said, IgM is NOT recommended for herpes testing by both HSV experts and the CDC. Ignore the results and test only for IgG either now or at 4 months. Nearly everyone infected with herpes seroconverts at 3 months, *especially* healthy people. Those who have delayed seroconversion are more likely to have weakened or compromised immune systems.

    • jeskica166
      jeskica166 FelizCastus

      Posted

      Ugh this is all a headache. I have done nothing but stare at my vagina for three straight months to the point where I almost gave myself a panic attack and heart attack. I'm just super confused. If I have IGM antibodies for three months why hasn't it turned into IGG yet and also if I got tested three weeks after the unprotected sex why didn't the IGM antibodies show at that point? Everything came back negative...can I still get an outbreak with IGM only ?

    • jeskica166
      jeskica166 FelizCastus

      Posted

      Also with all my stress and anxiety from this how come an outbreak hasn't happened yet or is it because you don't outbreak until IGG forms?

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus jeskica166

      Posted

      The IgM test for herpes is neither accurate nor reliable, so ignore your IgM results. Only look at your IgG results. General stress does not necessarily cause outbreaks.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.