STI Testing – HSV IGM /u/ConstructionNo4012 Sex

Anyone else always test positive on a Herpes IgM test even though they don’t have herpes?

I get tested fairly regularly to be safe, and once a long time ago I was given a Herpes IgM test. The doc called and said, “So you’ve got herpes!” I was floored since I had never had any symptoms before. Went into a spiral and all that about what this would mean for my dating life, who I’d have to call to tell to get tested, etc. When I asked if it was type 1 or type 2, the doctor says the IgM test actually can’t tell the difference, and since my more accurate, type specific tests (igG) were negative, he assumed this was a recent infection and I’d have to get tested again in a month to figure out which type.

Flash forward a month. Retest for the type specific antibodies is still negative. Flash forward three months: retest is negative. Flash forward 7 months: retest is still negative. At that point, doc says “oh hmm I guess the IgM was a false positive. That can happen with that test sometimes.” I’m relieved, but I also found a new doctor bc seriously wtf.

Anyway, it’s been years and ever since then I specifically ask clinics NOT to give me an IgM test bc apparently it’s prone to false positives and the experience was traumatic as hell. Thing is, sometimes they still just do it anyway bc it’s part of the full panel and I ALWAYS pop positive on it without fail. My more accurate IGG tests are always negative, though, meaning I don’t actually have the virus. Again, since IGM tests are supposed to show recent infection, it would suggest that every time I’m tested I “just contracted the virus” which obviously isn’t happening.

Was wondering if anyone else out there has this issue. Like you always show positive on this test and essentially have to ignore it at this point?

Anyone else always test positive on a Herpes IgM test even though they don’t have herpes?

I get tested fairly regularly to be safe, and once a long time ago I was given a Herpes IgM test. The doc called and said, “So you’ve got herpes!” I was floored since I had never had any symptoms before. Went into a spiral and all that about what this would mean for my dating life, who I’d have to call to tell to get tested, etc. When I asked if it was type 1 or type 2, the doctor says the IgM test actually can’t tell the difference, and since my more accurate, type specific tests (igG) were negative, he assumed this was a recent infection and I’d have to get tested again in a month to figure out which type.

Flash forward a month. Retest for the type specific antibodies is still negative. Flash forward three months: retest is negative. Flash forward 7 months: retest is still negative. At that point, doc says “oh hmm I guess the IgM was a false positive. That can happen with that test sometimes.” I’m relieved, but I also found a new doctor bc seriously wtf.

Anyway, it’s been years and ever since then I specifically ask clinics NOT to give me an IgM test bc apparently it’s prone to false positives and the experience was traumatic as hell. Thing is, sometimes they still just do it anyway bc it’s part of the full panel and I ALWAYS pop positive on it without fail. My more accurate IGG tests are always negative, though, meaning I don’t actually have the virus. Again, since IGM tests are supposed to show recent infection, it would suggest that every time I’m tested I “just contracted the virus” which obviously isn’t happening.

Was wondering if anyone else out there has this issue. Like you always show positive on this test and essentially have to ignore it at this point?