Does Planned Parenthood Do Blood Test For Herpes

How Do I Talk With People About Having Herpes

It might feel scary to admit you have herpes, but talking about things can really ease your mind. You could lean on a close, non-judgmental friend that you trust to keep the conversation private. Parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, and other family members can also be a source of comfort. Remember, herpes is really common, so its possible the person youre talking to has herpes, too.

There are a lot of online support groups for people who have herpes, and the American Sexual Health Association has a list of support groups that meet in person.

When To See A Doctor

People should see their doctor if they think they might have herpes, or if they have any symptoms of herpes. Getting tested for herpes is also important to rule out other sexually transmitted infections.

People can visit their doctor or a sexual health clinic for a test. If people have any sores or blisters present, a healthcare provider will use a swab to take a sample from the sores. The sample will indicate whether or not the sores are due to a herpes infection.

Some people may be concerned that they have the herpes virus but no symptoms. In such cases, a doctor might be able to order a blood test to check for the virus in a persons blood. However, the

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Are Canker Sores Caused By The Herpes Virus

Canker sores are not caused by the herpes virus or by any other virus. In fact, the cause of canker sores is unknown, although they may be triggered by a minor injury in your mouth from dental work or brushing too hard, an allergy, a vitamin B deficiency, stress, or a food intolerance. Some medical conditions, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, may also cause canker sores, and they often occur in families, so it’s possible genetics or environment play a part, too.

Canker sores typically appear as small, round, or oval whitish sores with a red border, according to the Mayo Clinic. They typically occur on the tongue, inside the cheeks, inside the lips, or on the gums. The medical term for a canker sore is aphthous ulcer. Canker sores can be quite painful, but they usually heal within about two weeks without leaving any scarring.

Unlike cold sores, which usually occur outside the mouth, canker sores occur only inside the mouth. Like cold sores, canker sores are recurrent, but they are not contagious: You cant give a canker sore to another person. Canker sores occur more often in teenagers and young adults, and they are more common in women than men.

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There Are Two Common Blood Tests Used To Identify Herpes And Theyre Often Misleading

I had a patient once who underwent this test, which was positive, and was told she has herpes, which to her was devastating and life-altering, Friedman says. She burst into tears when I explained the significance or lack thereof with this test, which is very misleading. There are two common blood tests used to identify herpes: IgG and IgM. The IgM test is still used by some doctors even though it has been denounced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . According to the American Sexual Health Association , IgM tests can lead to deceptive results, as well as false assumptions about how and when a person acquired HSV.

And thats not all: IgM tests fail to accurately distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies, leading them to provide false-positive results for HSV-2. In other words, if youve been exposed to oral herpes , results of the IgM test could lead you to believe youre positive for genital herpes, when in fact you simply have antibodies against HSV-1.

IgG tests, on the other hand, are more accurate, but arent without their own issues. For instance, ASHA says that while an IgG test can distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2, the problem is that the time it takes for IgG antibodies to reach a detectable level varies from person to person. This means that even with accurate results, someone could get a false-negative if they have the test administered too soon after contracting the virus .

What Is Herpes Simplex

Herpes simplex is a virus that causes skin infections. The infection lasts your lifetime, and it causes painful or itchy sores and blisters that come and go. Herpes simplex virus typically doesnt cause severe problems. But it can be dangerous in infants and people with weakened immune systems. There are two types of herpes simplex:

• Herpes simplex 1 tends to affect your mouth or face. It causes cold sores. HSV-1 spreads through contact with saliva .
• Herpes simplex 2 is a sexually transmitted disease . It causes sores on skin that comes in contact with the genitals of an infected person.

Sometimes a herpes infection can affect other parts of your body, such as your eyes or other parts of your skin.

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How Much Does An Std Check Cost

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Hereof, how much does an STD test at Planned Parenthood cost?

Generally, STD testing at a Planned Parenthood office in the US will carry a few different charges, including an exam fee and various lab fees. On average itll cost you about $180 to test for the top four STD threats. However, this number can vary widely depending on where you live, your age and household income.

Likewise, how do I get checked for STDs?

Consequently, why is STD testing so expensive?

Because of the Affordable Care Act , many insurance plans cover STD testing. So you can probably get STD testing for free or at a reduced price if you have health insurance. And some clinics including many Planned Parenthood health centers give free or low-cost STD tests, depending on your income.

Does Walgreens do STD testing?

Some Walgreens locations offer sexually transmitted disease and sexually transmitted infection testing in-store, which can cost as much as $150. Walgreens also offers a variety of HIV test kits, which can be purchased either in-store or online. For HIV, one option from Walgreens is an instant test.

Iii Std Testing Options In Plano Tx

Choose the STD testing option youre most comfortable with:

• Private clinic: Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can order STD tests.
• Local lab: Some labs offer direct testing without a doctors orders.
• Community clinic: A community clinic, such as city or county clinics, or nonprofit organizations may offer STD testing. Some offer STD tests for free or low cost.

At home: You can test for STDs at home using a kit and send your sample to a lab for analysis.

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Testing With No Symptoms

Blood tests can be used when a person has no visible symptoms but has concerns about having herpes. Blood tests do not actually detect the virus instead, they look for antibodies in the blood.

IgM vs. IgG

When an individual contracts herpes, the immune system responds by developing antibodies to fight the virus: IgG and IgM. Blood tests can look for and detect these antibodiesnot the virus itself. IgG appears soon after infection and stays in the blood for life. IgM is actually the first antibody that appears after infection, but it may disappear thereafter.

IgM tests are not recommended because of three serious problems:

The accurate herpes blood tests detect IgG antibodies. Unlike IgM, IgG antibodies can be accurately broken down to either HSV-1 or HSV-2. The challenge here is that the time it takes for IgG antibodies to reach detectable levels can vary from person to person. For one person, it could take just a few weeks, while it could take a few months for another. So even with the accurate tests, a person could receive a false negative if the test is taken too soon after contracting the virus.

For the most accurate test result, it is recommended to wait 12 16 weeks from the last possible date of exposure before getting an accurate, type-specific blood test in order to allow enough time for antibodies to reach detectable levels.

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How Is Herpes Simplex Diagnosed

Healthcare providers may diagnose herpes simplex based on how the sores look. Your provider may take a sample from the sore. Laboratory analysis of the sample can confirm or rule out the herpes virus.

If you dont have sores, your healthcare provider can use a blood test to check for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibody, a marker showing youve been exposed to the virus. The blood test doesnt show an active infection . But it informs your provider whether youve been exposed to the herpes virus in the past. If this is your first infection, you may not test positive for herpes if there hasnt been enough time for your body to develop antibodies. The HSV-1and HSV-2 antibody test may be repeated in eight to 12 weeks.

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All Info Shared With A Doctor Or Other Hcp Is Confidential

Any personal information that your clinician asks for is used to give you the best possible care and to contact you about your results.

The that labs and HCPs notify them anytime theyve received a positive STI result for:

But your name and other identifying info arent attached to this information.

How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Herpes Simplex

Preventing HSV-1

You can reduce your risk of contracting HSV-1 by avoiding physical contact with someone who has a cold sore. People can still spread HSV-1 when cold sores arent present, but its less likely.

If someone has an active HSV-1 infection, avoid:

• Sharing utensils, cups, lip balms or other personal care products.
• Touching the skin near their mouth.

Preventing HSV-2

If youre sexually active, you can take these steps to protect yourself and others from the herpes virus and other STIs:

• Be monogamous with one sexual partner or limit your number of partners.
• Get tested for STIs and complete any prescribed treatment.
• Tell your sexual partners if you have genital herpes so they can get tested.
• Use condoms during intercourse and dental dams during oral sex.

Wash your hands often if you have an outbreak or are around someone with symptoms.

If your sexual partner has genital herpes, these actions can lower your risk of getting the virus:

• Dont have sex when your partner has active symptoms. Condoms may not cover all sores, so you may still get the virus.
• Make sure your partner takes antiviral medication as prescribed.
• Wait to have sex until scabs fall off active lesions.

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More Questions From Patients:

Many people with genital herpes have no symptoms, or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed.

The first time genital herpes symptoms appear is called the “first episode” or “initial herpes.” Initial herpes symptoms are usually more noticeable than later outbreaks.

Symptoms of genital herpes in men may include

• burning when you pee if you have sores

• trouble peeing if you have sores covering your urethra

• itching or pain around your genitals

During initial herpes, symptoms may also include

• swollen, tender glands in the pelvic area, throat, or under the arms

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 treatment. 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.

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How To Test For Hsv

A clinical diagnosis of HSV-1 is critical and should be confirmed by laboratory testing, for accurate results, this can be accomplished by using direct tests for detection of HSV DNA uses molecular diagnostic techniques, electron microscopy, viral isolation, Tzanck smears, and detection of antigens among other tests.

The most common blood test for HSV-1 is Immunoglobulin G . IgG also is known as the Western Blot HSV-1 test, is the most common type of antibody to HSV-1. Its usually found in body fluids and protects the cells against bacteria and other viral infections. Blood tests are used especially if a person shows no visible symptoms. Depending on an individual, the test result could take any time between a few weeks to a few months. To obtain the most accurate results, its also recommended to wait for 12-16 weeks since the possible date of exposure to allow enough time for the antibodies to get detectable levels.

Specimens for this test include ulcerated tensions, throat and pharyngeal swabs, cerebrospinal fluids, urine, vaginal swabs, and vesicular fluids among others.

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How To Get A Pregnancy Test

You can take a urine test about 3-5 days after a missed period. To get the most accurate results, use the pregnancy test the first time you pee in the morning. There is also a blood test available from a doctor. The blood test can detect a pregnancy as early as 10 to 14 days after conception.

If your pregnancy test result is negative, wait a week and repeat the test. The test could show a negative result if you are too early in the pregnancy or the urine was not concentrated or strong enough.

You can buy home pregnancy tests at any drug store and most grocery stores. They are also available free from the Centre for Sexuality, Family Planning Clinics, walk-in clinics or your family doctor. If you have difficulties interpreting the results of a home pregnancy test call any of the services listed on the resource page for more information.

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How Much Do At

Most insurance companies do not cover herpes testing, either at-home or in-person. At-home tests cost an average of around $120 to $130, although some companies offer a discount for people who subscribe to regular testing. If your insurance does cover herpes testing, consider using one of the companies that bill insurance. This may be able to reduce your cost significantly. In some instances, you may be able to get reimbursed by your insurance company for testing.

Herpes Might Not Have Any Symptoms

You or your partner may not have any herpes symptoms that you can see or feel, or the signs of herpes may be so mild you dont even notice them. Sometimes people confuse herpes symptoms with other things, like pimples, ingrown hairs, and the flu.

Herpes symptoms come and go, but that doesnt mean the infection goes away or that you cant spread it to other people. Once you have herpes, it stays in your body for life.

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What If You Test Positive For Herpes

• Even though herpes cant be cured, there is treatment available to manage your outbreaks.
• Some people take medication on a regular basis to make outbreaks less frequent and to reduce the chance of passing on the virus to others.
• Your clinician can also prescribe a medication that you take when you have an outbreak. You should start this medication as soon as possible, or within 72 hours of first noticing symptoms. It can make the outbreak shorter and less uncomfortable.
• Over time, outbreaks tend to become less frequent and milder. Some people will get outbreaks once a month or once every few months. One in 10 people will experience only one outbreak ever.
• You may find you are more likely to get an outbreak if:
• You are tired, under stress, or sick.
• You are not eating or sleeping well.
• You spent too much time in the sun.
• You have your period.

A Closer Look At One Service

We recently heard about a website called SameDaySTDTesting, which breaks down available clinics by state . The site touts itself as The Nations #1 STD Testing Company, so we decided to look into it.

We couldnt find a lot of information about SameDaySTDTesting. Their Web page isnt very informative about who they are or where their tests are done. Like every website, they have an official address available through WhoIs, but it shows a generic DomainsByProxy address in Arizona.

An interview with a department manager at SameDaySTDTesting said that the difference between them and Planned Parenthood is that they do a 4th generation test. The manager said this type of test is basically an updated, and more thorough, blood test and a urinalysis. SameDaySTDTesting says their tests cover all the STDs, including HIV and herpes. They also claim to be more comprehensive by taking into consideration the date that the person was exposed. This all comes at a price, though: $325.

I tried to call a second time in order to expand on this information. I wanted to understand their exact procedure once the patient walks in the door, and to learn more about where their laboratory is located. This resulted in a hang-up when I identified myself as a journalist with ClearHealthCosts. A third phone call, in which I asked why they hung up on me, was met with this response: Were busy right now, I will transfer you to the person that will handle this.

May I have his name? I asked.

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