No Need To Be Ashamed How To Ask Your Ob
Dear women: you should be talking about STIs with your OB-GYN.
A womans anatomy makes her more susceptible to all types of infections, including sexually transmitted ones. Plus, untreated STIs can cause more severe and long-lasting problems for women compared to men. If a woman becomes pregnant while infected, she can pass the STI onto her child.
As a woman, your OB-GYN is your number one confidant when it comes to your sexual and reproductive health. An STI test is routine and nothing to be afraid of.
If youre nervous about talking about STIs with your gynecologist, keep reading. Weve compiled a simple guide to get you through an uncomfortable conversation.
Genital Herpes Is Common Shouldnt Cdc Recommend Testing For Everyone
CDC recommends herpes testing for people who have genital symptoms to confirm if they have it. Testing allows a healthcare provider to talk with patients about what to expect in the future. This includes talking about medications that help with symptoms. Providers can also tell patients how to lower the risk of transmitting herpes to sex partner.
CDC does not recommend herpes testing for people without symptoms in most situations. This is because of the limits of a herpes blood test and the possibility of a wrong test result. The chances of wrong test results are higher for people who are at low risk of infection.
Blood tests might be useful if:
- You have genital symptoms that could be related to herpes, or
- You have a sex partner with genital herpes, or
- Your provider found signs of herpes, but you still need a test to confirm it.
If you are sexually active, talk openly and honestly with your healthcare provider about what tests are right for you. These tips can help.
What Happens During A Herpes Test
If you have blisters or sores, your doctor or nurse will gently take a sample of fluid from the sores with a swab and test it.
If you dont have any sores, talk with your doctor or nurse about whether a blood test for herpes makes sense for you. But herpes tests aren’t normally recommended unless you do have symptoms.
The idea of getting tested may seem scary, but try to chill out. STD testing is a regular part of being a responsible adult and taking care of your health. And herpes tests are quick and usually painless.
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Risk Factors For Contracting Stds
As previously mentioned, anyone whos ever been sexually active could potentially contract a sexually transmitted disease. However, there are certain factors that would significantly increase a persons likelihood of getting infected. Some of them are the following:
- Having unprotected sex
- Having multiple sex partners
- Drinking so much alcohol, youve passed out or not remembered what happened
If Youve Got No Symptoms Herpes Is Not A Big Deal
Unlike some other STDs, there are no significant long-term health implications of herpes. Yes, breakouts can be painful, but compared to something like chlamydia , gonorrhea, or HIV, herpes doesn’t have serious consequences if left untreated.
Sure, if you’ve got outbreaks, you can take daily medication to suppress the frequency and severity of your symptoms. But if you don’t have symptoms, there’s little reason to add an unnecessary medication to your routine.
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That’s part of the reason why I don’t recommend herpes testing as part of a routine screening for low-risk patients and neither does the CDC.
Some patients get mad when I tell them this. But thats often just because they dont understand the science behind it. Part of my job is to try to explain that.
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Who Gets Genital Herpes
About one out of every six adults in the United States carry HSV, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Genital herpes is more common in women than men, and your risk of becoming infected increases with each sexual partner you have.
You can reduce your risk of getting genital herpes by using latex condoms every time you have sex and avoiding intercourse if your partner is currently experiencing a herpes outbreak.
Can Genital Herpes Lead To Other Problems
There is no cure, which means that once you contract it, it is a life-long infection. Genital herpes makes you more susceptible to HIV. Some people will experience blisters or sores which come back throughout the years. It may be spread to a baby during pregnancy or childbirth leading to serious health problems.
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It’s Not Always Clear What To Do With Herpes Test Results
Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, an STI specialist at the University of Washington Medical School, believes that the problem with herpes testing isn’t the tests themselves. “Its under debate whether herpes testing is cost-effective and really going to improve people’s psychosocial health,” Dr. Marrazzo tells Health. “If it’s positive, it may be difficult to figure out where you got it. If you’ve never had symptoms, there’s the question of whether or not you go on suppressive therapy.”
What Is Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus . This virus is spread through sexual contact with an infected partner and can cause painful sores around your genitals or lips.
Its possible to be infected with HSV without having any sores or other symptoms of genital herpes. Even without symptoms, you can still spread herpes to another person.
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Types Of Herpes Tests
There are several types of tests for herpes:
- Viral culture: A healthcare worker will take fluid from a sore using a swab. Laboratory personnel will add it to a medium that can grow HSV. If no virus develops, the culture is negative. If the virus multiplies, the test is positive. The test may fail to find the virus under certain conditions, however, which is a false negative.
- Antigen detection test: A laboratory professional looks at cells taken from a sore under a microscope, looking for herpes antigens, which are molecules that can stimulate the body to produce an immune response.
- Antibody tests: Often referred to as a serologic herpes test, it is a blood test that looks for antibodies, which the body produces in response to antigens. These tests may not be as accurate as a viral culture. Antibodies can take time to develop so if your infection is recent, the test may not find them. Antibody tests can distinguish HSV-1 from HSV-2 infection, but there is a high rate of false positives. If you test positive for HSV-2 antibodies and you have a history of genital symptoms, you likely have the virus. However, if you dont have symptoms, an HSV-2-positive result is not a diagnosis of genital herpes because of the high false-positive rate.
Learn The Differences And Similarities Between A Pap Smear Vs Std Testing
Want to learn about Pap smear vs STD testing? Youre not alone many women are searching the web for this topic. Most women between the ages of 21 and 65 receive a Pap smear every 3 years. But, while you know youre supposed to get this important test regularly, do you know the reasons for getting it? Keep reading to learn the differences and similarities between a Pap smear vs STD testing.
If you are seeking a wonderful new gynecologist to perform this important test, to discuss all manner of womens health-related questions and concerns, for obstetrical care, or for many other services, welcome to our practice! At Lona Sasser Obstetrics and Gynecology in Coral Springs, Florida, we have three excellent doctors on staff: Dr. Lona Sasser, and Dr. Mary Squire-De Leon. All of them are rated an average of 5/5 stars by patients on ZocDoc, and have become trusted figures in our community for their expert and compassionate care.
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Which Stds Are Tested For During A Pap Smear & Well
Going to the doctor or OB/GYN for an annual exam can be stressful and uncomfortable enough without having to add the confusion of what all is going on to the appointment. We walk you through what typically occurs at a well-womans exam and Pap smear so that you know what to expect and which STD tests to ask your doctor for if they arent done automatically.
What Emotional Consequences Could I Have If I Get Herpes
Although herpes creates many painful physical ailments to an infected person, it may also be just as emotionally painful to find out that you are infected or to live with it. Since herpes lasts forever and there is no cure. Infected people often have trouble coping with sadness or emotional pain that accompanies the burden of the illness, as well as shame or guilt. Herpes also plays an important role in relationships. It is often difficult for men and women affected with herpes to find serious lifetime partners who are willing to live with their partners disease and to risk their own personal health. Having a partner who has herpes can oftentimes be very frustrating or upsetting, but it is very important for people to up front and honest about their herpes infection. Although this may drive away potential partners, it also allows you to see just who can see past the infection and love the person anyway, and risk their own personal health just to be romantically and sexually close to them. If you have herpes and are experiencing many emotions, it is important to talk to a trusted friend, or a healthcare provider about these feelings.
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What Should You Expect
It can be traumatic to find out that you are suffering from a sexually transmitted disease. You may experience feelings of anger, shame, and betrayal. You may also experience feelings of guilt if you suspect that you have infected other people with the illness. However, it is advisable to seek treatment because if ignored, an STD may lead to death or a chronic illness.
When you are planning to undergo a test for sexually transmitted diseases, you may be unsure of what to expect. How should you prepare for an appointment with the gynecologist? It is common for most people to feel uncomfortable to share their sexual experiences. However, to be able to get the best care, you have to rise above this fear and share the information with your gynecologist.
It is important to understand if there are any pre-appointment restrictions. Therefore, ensure that you ask your gynecologist whether you need to do anything before the testing. If you are experiencing any symptoms, you may write them down in advance in preparation for the doctor’s appointment. Ensure that you also take note of all medications you may be taking, including prescribed and over-the-counter medication. Be free with your gynecologist, and seek answers for all questions you may have.
How Can You Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections
Here are some ways to help prevent STIs.
- Limit your sex partners. Sex with one partner who has sex only with you can reduce your risk of getting an STI.
- Talk with your partner or partners about STIs before you have sex. Find out if they are at risk for an STI. Remember that it’s possible to have an STI and not know it.
- Wait to have sex with new partners until you’ve each been tested.
- Don’t have sex if you have symptoms of an infection or if you are being treated for an STI.
- Use a condom every time you have sex. Condoms are the only form of birth control that also helps prevent STIs.
- Don’t share sex toys. But if you do share them, use a condom and clean the sex toys between each use.
Vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV. Ask your doctor for more information.
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Testing And Screening For Stds
You may undergo testing for STD if your current symptoms and your sexual history suggest that you have a sexually transmitted disease. Several laboratory tests can help to identify the cause of the disease. The tests can also help to identify other co-infections you may have. You do not have to wait for particular symptoms for you to undergo STD testing. You may undergo STD screening even if you do not have any symptoms.
It is advisable for persons between the ages of thirteen years and sixty-four years, women included, to undergo regular testing for the human immunodeficiency virus . This is the virus responsible for causing AIDS. If you are at a high risk of acquiring HIV, you should undergo at least one HIV test every year.
Women born between the years 1945 and 1965 have a high risk of developing hepatitis C. The disease does not portray any symptoms until it is advanced in the body. It is, therefore, advisable for women in this age group to undergo testing for hepatitis C now and then.
All pregnant women have to undergo testing for sexually transmitted diseases. If you are pregnant, you may undergo testing for HIV and hepatitis B. You may also undergo testing for other STDs like Chlamydia and Syphilis. You may undergo the tests during your first prenatal visit. Some women have a high risk for hepatitis B and Gonorrhea these women should undergo testing for these STDs at least once during their pregnancy.
Testing For Herpes Is Not A Routine Part Of Check
Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection which causes painful sores on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. Herpes is very common in the United States: As many as 1 in 6 people between the ages of 14 and 49 has HSV-2. Your doctor may diagnose you by examining you when you have symptoms, but testing can confirm the diagnosis. Though herpes isnt a serious disease, the sores can be painful and you can spread herpes if you have sex while you have sores or blisters. The sores make it easier to transmit HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
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When To Talk With A Doctor
Talk with a doctor if you notice any sores on or around your genitals. Other STIs, like syphilis, can look like herpes but need different treatments. Treatment is needed to prevent complications and transmission.
Your doctor will let you know whether you should test for herpes or another STI, and they can help you get treatment if needed.
What Stds Are Tested During A Pap Test
A pap test orpap smear is a medical test that detects the presence of precancerous cells on the cervix as a way to prevent cervical cancer. Its main purpose is not to screen for sexually transmitted diseases however, human papillomavirus , can be detected during a pap smear.
A separate testing method is required to screen for sexually transmitted diseases.
Below are the STDs that can be screened for during your annual visit:
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Which Stds Are Tested For During A Well
Aside from HPV being tested for if abnormal cells were seen and a Pap smear was conducted, other sexually transmitted infections or diseases can be tested for during your visit to the OB/GYN. Typically, STD tests are not conducted unless specifically asked for, and there are different tests for different STDs, so in order to get tested for multiple STDs, you will have to provide a blood and urine sample. Sometimes STDs signs and symptoms of STDs are obvious and your doctor will test you for specific STDs based on signs they see. For example, trichomoniasis is often accompanied by foul-smelling, yellow or green discharge, and genital herpes outbreaks are characterized by lesions or sores on or near the genitals. That being said, most cases of STDs are asymptomatic, meaning no signs or symptoms are present.
If you want to have an HIV test done at your well-womans exam, ask for it. Ask for all the STD tests you wish to have done to be completed. If you havent been tested in the past, it is important to get tested for as many common STDs are you can. Your doctor will be able to test you for HIV, hepatitis B and C, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, syphilis and herpes type 1 and type 2 if you ask. They should also be able to test you for hepatitis A if you request it.
Other significant reasons to get tested for multiple STDs include:
Medically Reviewed byWilliam Terranova, MDonSeptember 8, 2018
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Testing For Herpes On A Widespread Scale Probably Wouldnt Curb The Spread
Nearly every medical health expert I spoke to agreed that testing for herpes likely wouldnt do much to help curb the spread of the virus. Given the complex nature of the virus , I dont know if testing widely would curb the spread, says Loanzon.
The only accurate test for herpes is a culture of an active sore or ulcer. So, if you dont have active symptoms, you shouldnt get tested. Herpes is spread by skin-to-skin contact. Its highly contagious and simply not that big of a deal. Herpes-positive advocates like Loanzon are doing their best to help give people the information they need to protect themselves, but also to understand how common this virus really is. Practice safe sex, have frank disclosures with your partner before engaging in sexual activity, and see a health care provider for further questions or concerns. If you do receive a positive herpes diagnosis, please know that you are not alone and there are many people who are thriving, love and are loved, and living life with the virus successfully without missing anything in life, she says.
Lets end the stigma. Lets fight for comprehensive sex education for all and stop scaring people with pictures of herpes sores. Stigma is tiredinformation is wired.
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