Thursday, March 14, 2024

How To Get Tested For Herpes For Free

When Should I Talk With A Doctor

Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of herpes | Infectious diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

If you have a primary care doctor who you regularly visit, you can share your results with them to provide better insight into your next steps.

If you dont have a primary care doctor, you can consult with a physician or nurse from the testing site about treatment options.

If youve been treating your symptoms with medication and are still in pain or discomfort, reach out to a healthcare professional.

What Happens When You Get Tested

Whether youre at your local GP or a sexual health/GUM clinic, your STI test will go something like this:

  • Youll be able to request to be seen by a male or female doctor/nurse, but you may have to wait slightly longer for one to become available.
  • Youll be asked to answer some questions about yourself, your medical history and your sex life on a form. This is essentially used to determine how at-risk you are of contracting certain infections.
  • If youre testing for chlamydia or gonorrhoea, this will involve a urine sample or a self-taken vaginal swab . Testing for HIV and syphilis needs a blood sample. Herpes isnt usually tested for unless you show symptoms such as sores, in which case swabs of the sores will be taken.
  • Depending on which test youve done, results can be provided on the same day, or can take one to two weeks. It will be made clear to you on the day how long youll have to wait for results, and theyll ask you how you would prefer to be contacted .
  • If you test positive for an STI, youll be invited back to the clinic for treatment.
  • Read Also: Do I Have To Tell Someone I Have Herpes

    Best Subscription For Herpes Test: Letsgetchecked

    The LetsGetChecked home kits can test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. This test kit may be best for people who require regular testing as the companys subscription options can offer significant discounts.

    Collection method
    nurses available through LetsGetChecked to discuss positive results
    Cost
    tests for both HSV-1 and HSV-2
    Con does not accept insurance

    A person receives a collection kit with all the tools they need to collect their samples at home. This includes needles, a prepaid envelope, alcohol swabs, and a tube. The tests come in discreet packaging so that other people will not know what the person has received.

    The person also has access to an instruction video on the company website that explains how they should take their test. LetsGetChecked suggests that people take a blood sample before 9 a.m. and return it to the laboratory on the same day.

    The company states that it issues the results within 25 days.

    Individuals who receive a positive result can contact a nurse through the company, and they may suggest a treatment plan.

    LetsGetChecked offers a one-time purchase for $119. Anyone who requires regular testing can purchase a LetsGetChecked subscription and get discounts on its tests. For instance, a 3-monthly subscription will give a person a 30% saving on the cost of the kits.

    Also Check: What Are Some Signs Of Herpes

    Do I Need To Ask My Healthcare Provider Specifically To Be Checked For Stds

    It is important that you first make the decision to get tested. We are here to help you find the right healthcare provider. Many people incorrectly believe that STD testing is included in pelvic exams, gynecologist visits, or physicals. This is not the case. Due to the variety of STD tests available, you must specifically request an STD test from a healthcare provider.

    Best Sti Panel Test For Herpes: Everlywell

    Herpes Swab Test

    Everlywell offers STI test panels for males and females. This test may be most suitable for people who want to test for a wide range of STIs.

    Collection method

    Once a person has purchased a test, they must register it on Everlywells website. They then need to post the collected samples with prepaid shipping.

    Everlywell states that people can receive their test results within 57 of posting the samples. However, several customer reviews on the companys website say they had to wait up to 2 weeks.

    The person receives digital and printable results. If they test positive for any STIs, they can connect with Everlywells network of independent physicians for advice and treatment.

    This test costs $149. However, people can subscribe for twice-yearly tests and save money per kit. They can also use their FSA or HSA to pay for this test.

    Also Check: How Can Someone Get Herpes Without Being Sexually Active

    Comparing And Contrasting Laboratory And At

    There are significant differences between genital and oral herpes tests conducted at-home and those ordered by a doctor.

    Several important tests used to diagnose genital and oral herpes are not available as at-home tests. Herpes viral cultures and polymerase chain reaction testing, both of which are only conducted in-lab, are the preferred tests for patients during a genital or oral herpes outbreak.

    Although in-lab testing is more appropriate for most patients, it can be inconvenient and may cost more than at-home testing.

    How To Diagnose Herpes

    Genital herpes is typically diagnosed through examination by a medical professional and a blood test. If you suspect you have genital herpes , you can take an antibody test.

    To test for 6 other common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, try the Everlywell home STD Test for women or the STD Test for men. After you collect your sample at home, it is received and analyzed at the lab, and the test results are sent to you quickly and discreetly via our secure, online platform.

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    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.

    Im Pregnant What Do I Need To Know

    What is herpes?

    To get the best care, tell your doctor you have genital herpes, because it could make you more likely to have a miscarriage or give birth too soon.

    Its possible to pass along the virus to your baby. For infants, it can be life-threatening. Your doctor can talk to you about how to lower the chances that this will happen.

    If you have an outbreak while youre pregnant, your doctor can give you medicine to treat your symptoms and stop them sooner.

    Your doctor may give you a drug to prevent an outbreak as your due date gets closer. This is because your baby could get herpes by passing through your birth canal if youre having an outbreak when you go into labor. If thats a possibility, your doctor will most likely want to do a C-section, which is surgery to deliver the baby.

    Continued

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    Search For Low Cost Or Free Std Testing Locations Belows

    If you think you need to be tested for STDs, we can help you find a testing center near you. Public testing is widely available mainly because of the easy-to-access county, state or city resources. However, there may be less privacy, pricing can be income dependent and wait times may be higher.

    There are also thousands of private labs in the United States, such as Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp, which you may also be familiar with. The appointments are fast, results usually arrive within 1-2 days and nobody knows why youre visiting so they offer more privacy. These labs have upfront transparent pricing but may end up costing a bit more than the public ones depending on your income.

    Use our search and filters below to determine what works best for you.

    Looking for a different city or location?

    Test Type

    Try above search to get nearest location around you.

    Std Signs And Symptoms

    Some STDs cause symptoms such as itching, pain, discharge, bleeding, genital sores, or lower abdominal pain. These symptoms may develop days, weeks, or even longer after a person becomes infected. But you canât depend on these symptoms to know if you are infected. Many people with an STD will not have any symptoms. Therefore, it is very important that you see a physician for an examination and STD tests to find out if you have been infected after a sexual assault, even if you donât have any symptoms.

    Also Check: Can Acyclovir Cream Be Used For Genital Herpes

    Also Check: Home Remedies For Herpes Sores

    When Should I Get Tested For Herpes

    If you think you have been exposed to herpes, then you should get tested 12 days after exposure. Herpes has an incubation period of 2 to 12 days, so may not show up on a test before then. Otherwise, you should get tested for herpes when you have visible symptoms, such as blisters, as this can confirm whether your symptoms are the result of a herpes infection.

    Staying Safe While Avoiding Panic And Stigma

    LetsGetChecked Herpes Test

    It can be tempting to freak out a little bit when you realize that herpes is both super-common and something you arent routinely getting tested for. So how do you process that information?

    The first step is practicing the same safe sex that you know helps protect you from other STIs. Your best bet here is a barrier method like internal and external condoms for any penetration and physical shields such as dental dams for any oral play. Even though this wont fully protect you from herpes , it will reduce how much of your skin touches your partners.

    This is why screening for herpes infection in the absence of any symptoms wouldnt really do much to cut back on casesthe advice would be the same: Practice safe sex with barrier methods. I agree right now with the recommendations not to screen people, but I think if we had a better diagnostic strategy, I would be much more in favor of routine screenings, Dr. Johnston says. It is important for people to know their status so they can protect themselves and their partners.

    If you think you have herpes, see a doctor such as your ob/gyn or dermatologist , or go to your local health clinic. A medical expert can evaluate your symptoms, take samples for testing, and eventually offer treatment options if you need them.

    You will likely be started on antiviral medications to help you heal faster and make you less contagious, Dr. Bard says.

    Related:

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    How Do Doctors Test For Stds

    How does a doctor test to see if you have STDs?Perry*

    There are different tests for different sexually transmitted diseases . The kind of test a person gets will depend on the type of STD, symptoms , and his or her medical and sexual history.

    To get this history, a doctor or nurse practitioner will ask about things like how many partners the person has had. After that, the doctor or NP will examine the persons genitals. For girls who have symptoms of STDs, this might include a pelvic exam. Girls who do not have symptoms and are just getting screened for STDs as part of a routine checkup probably wont need a pelvic exam.

    Based on whats learned from the interview and exam, the doctor or NP may take one or more of these samples:

    • a swab of the inside of the mouth
    • a swab from the genitals, such as the urethra in guys or the cervix in girls
    • a swab of any discharge or sores

    Sometimes, the sample can be tested right there in the health providers office. Other times, the sample is sent to a lab and the results come later. It depends on the office and the type of infection doctors are testing for.

    STDs can be sneaky. Often there are no signs that a person has one. Thats not necessarily a good thing. These hidden STDs can still put people at risk for health problems. Anyone who is having sex should get tested.

    *Names have been changed to protect user privacy.

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    How Do I Talk To My Sex Partners

    Telling them about your condition can be hard. Take some time to learn what you can and understand your own feelings first. You may be more at ease to talk openly.

    Some people you tell might not think its such a big deal. Others will have strong feelings about it.

    You cant control how anyone else reacts. All you can do is share what you know, answer questions, and give them time to think about it.

    Recommended Reading: How To Treat Herpes Genital

    How Do You Treat Herpes

    Herpes can’t be cured and does not “go away.” But the virus can be managed.

    If you test positive, you might take an antiviral drug such as acyclovir , famciclovir , and valacyclovir . “These can be taken to prevent outbreaks or can be started with the onset of symptoms to lessen the severity and duration,” explains Dr. Langdon.

    When taken correctly, drugs can greatly reduce the risk of transmission to a partner, according to research. However, they do not make the infection totally non-contagious. Remember: Herpes may be more contagious when symptoms are present, but it is contagious even when no symptoms are present, according to Planned Parenthood.

    Of course, there are many valid reasons someone might not want to take an anti-viral. “Some people find taking medicine every day triggering, or feel that it reminds them of their diagnosis in an upsetting way,” says Dr. Loanzon. “Others have outbreaks so infrequently that it doesn’t make sense for them to take something 365 days a year for a virus that only pops up every few years.” And remember, that some people only have one outbreak ever. Plus, some people might not be sexually active, so the risk of transmission is a non-issue.

    Is There Anything Else I Should Know

    A Vaccine Pathway for Herpes Virus with Gregory Smith, PhD

    Herpes can make people more susceptible to HIV infection. The skin lesions give other sexually transmitted diseases , including HIV, openings for entering the body. Likewise, it can make HIV-infected individuals more infectious. Infection with HSV can also increase HIV viral load. HSV-2 infection is a significant opportunistic infection in HIV-infected individuals due to immune system deficiencies up to 90% of HIV-infected individuals are co-infected with HSV-2.

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    Heres Why Doctors Dont Usually Test For Herpes

    Its basically a SELF mantra at this point: Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections is hella important. Is it the most delightful way to spend your time? No. Is it a vital part of looking after your health, sexual and otherwise? Absolutely.

    When you go in for routine STI testing, you might realize that your doctor doesnt test you for herpes. Whats that about? As it turns out, testing for herpes isnt as straightforward as testing for something like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Here, doctors explain why herpes isnt usually included on STI panels.

    What The Test Will Tell You: Stds

    Looking for free, fast, convenient lab testing for HIV, STDs, or hepatitis? We can help â even if youâre uninsured or underinsured for lab testing services.Now, any DC resident can walk into a LabCorp patient service center in the DMV area, with or without an appointment, and get tested for free. Results are posted to our patient portal in about a week. This new option provides an easy, confidential way for residents to get tested for HIV, STD, and hepatitis without having to visit a medical provider or a healthcare facility.

    Also Check: What To Take For Oral Herpes

    Std Testing And Sexual Health Education In Beaumont Tx

    As a part of the state of Texas, the city of Beaumont is struggling with the same lack of funding to put aside for any sex education program in the independent school district. Even though health official and even school administrators agree that something needs to be done to educate the citys children, many parents are less than receptive. While this may be a parents decision when and how to educate their children about the dangers of having unprotected sex, the lack of any standard curriculum will continue to cause the rate of new STDs reported each year to continually increase.

    There is hope for the city, and the lower reported cases of AIDs are showing that HIV testing in Beaumont is working. What educators are also hoping for is an increase in Herpes testing in the Beaumont area, to reduce the number of students in the school systems who are displaying some of the common symptoms.

    Read Also: How To Know If Someone Has Herpes

    What Affects The Test

    Free Herpes Testing

    Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

    • If a culture sample is taken from a crusted, older sore.
    • If a blood sample is taken before antibodies against HSV have formed. This period is called the window period or seroconversion period.
    • If you are taking antiviral medicines, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, ganciclovir, or valacyclovir.

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