Where Can I Get Tested For Genital Herpes

Best For Difficult Sexual Relationships: Stdcheckcom

STDcheck.com

Why We Chose It: STDcheck.com is very easy to use and offers several options for at-home herpes testing. However, whats notable about the site is that it lets you send online anonymous text alerts to sexual partners who might need to be tested. Thats not as good as talking with them in person, but it can help with some awkward conversations you might not otherwise be willing to have.

• For $139, individuals get access to both HSV-1 and HSV-2 testing. A 10-test panel with other STDs costs $249

• Ability to alert sexual partners by anonymous text

• Results within 1-2 days

• Tests are run at the same labs used by a doctors office

• The least expensive option does not detect genital herpes cases caused by HSV-1

• Doctor consultations are only available for people who test positive

• Insurance is not an option for payment

STDcheck.com allows people to order STD tests online and then go to a local lab for testing . Over 4,500 testing locations are available nationwide, and most people will be able to find a site that is convenient for them. After the test is ordered, you go to the lab and have your blood drawn. The lab sends it for analysis and, in a few days, you can access your results by phone or online.

Recommended herpes testing options run from $139 to $249, and telephone doctor consultations are free for individuals who have a positive test.

How Does The Test Work

The genital herpes home test kit conveniently allows you to detect genital herpes without the need to visit your doctor or a sexual health clinic.

Ordering a test kit from Superdrug Online Doctor is easy just follow these simple steps:

• Your test kit will be delivered to an address of your choice
• Follow the instructions in the included leaflet to collect the sample
• Place the sample in the prepaid and addressed envelope and send it to our lab
• Your results will arrive within 2 to 3 days of the sample arriving at the lab

Myth #: A Blood Test Is The Best Way To Know If You Have Herpes

Blood tests are not always accurate and testing for herpes can be tricky. It can take two weeks to six months after being exposed to herpes before it is detected in the blood. To make matters more complicated, if you are low risk for herpes and asymptomatic, it increases your risk of a false positive result. Because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends against routine testing for herpes unless you or your partner have symptoms. The most accurate test is when you are able to take a swab sample from a new herpes lesion, but often times the diagnosis is made by a clinician based on your history and report of symptoms.

Because the blood test can be expensive and inaccurate, it is not typically included in a sexually transmitted disease evaluation unless you ask your provider for it specifically.

In short, if you dont have symptoms, you dont necessarily need a blood test. If you do experience an outbreak, a skin swab not a blood test is your best bet for confirmation.

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What The Values Mean

What does that mean for you? How common herpes comes into the calculation. It affects how likely positive tests and negative tests are to be correct. In fact, it can make a bigger difference than herpes blood test accuracy!

Let us make the reasonable assumption that around 50% of the population are infected with HSV1. Thats the virus primarily associated with oral herpes and cold sores. Its also associated with a growing number of genital herpes infections.

Then assume that 25% of people are infected with HSV2. Thats the virus primarily associated with genital herpes. In that scenario, the positive predictive value and negative predictive value are as follows.

ELISA:

• HSV-1: At least 94% of positive tests give the correct result, and at least 99% of negative test will be correct.
• HSV-2: At least 98% of positive tests are correct, and at least 97% of negative tests are correct.

Immunoblot:

Myth #: You Get Tested For It Every Time You Ask For An Sti Check

In the midst of reporting this piece, I happened to see my OB/GYN. Regarding herpes, he told me, and I quote, We can land a man on the moon but we cant figure out herpes diagnosis.

So, heres the thing: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention doesnt recommend routine herpes testing, which means that unless you specifically ask for it, youre not getting tested for it. This might seem like a massive oversight, but there are a number of good reasons for this.

When you do blood testing for herpes, its very difficult to interpret, says NYC-based gynecologist Alyssa Dweck, MD. It might tell you youve been exposed at one point at your life, but it wont tell you when that happened or who you got it fromso the usual STD screen doesnt test for herpes in the blood unless people ask for it. Even then, a positive result will mean youll be told youve been exposed to herpes, which isnt quite the same thing as being told you have it. Plus, per the CDC, diagnosing someone without symptoms via a blood test has not shown to change their sexual behavior or stop the spread of the virus.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Herpes

Blisters are the most common symptom of herpes. They can occur in various parts of the body around the:

The blisters can often be itchy or tingle. They can also be painful, sometimes causing pain when you use the toilet. This can also affect your quality of life and ability to enjoy sex.

The blisters contain a clear liquid that bursts and scabs over. Blisters may take 1 to 2 weeks to heal, but the first outbreak may last longer. Symptoms may disappear on their own but can return.

If herpes is left untreated, it can increase the risk of getting other STIs, including HIV. As herpes has no cure, it is only advisable to test for it if you have symptoms. Early diagnosis can help manage the condition and reduce the risk of spread to sexual partners.

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The Health Risks Of Genital Herpes

Pain and discomfort are the main health effects of genital herpes, but the virus can also cause emotional and social problems for those infected. Although it cannot be cured, genital herpes can be managed with antiviral medication that may help control the recurrences. On rare occasions, genital herpes may cause serious complications such as blindness and inflammation of the brain.

Genital herpes can sometimes be passed from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or birth. The infection can be life-threatening to the child or result in skin lesions or brain damage. Antiviral medication and a cesarean delivery can reduce the risk of infecting the child.

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When Is It Ordered

HSV PCR testing or herpes culture may be ordered when you have signs and symptoms of a herpes infection, such as a blister or blisters on or around your eye, mouth, genitals or rectum.

Herpes PCR testing may be ordered when you have signs and symptoms of encephalitis that a healthcare practitioner suspects may be caused by a virus. Examples of these signs and symptoms include:

Prenatal and newborn testing

• A pregnant woman who has been diagnosed with herpes may be monitored regularly prior to delivery to detect a reactivation of her infection.
• A baby born to a mother who has active lesions during delivery may be tested before symptoms appear to assess whether the baby was exposed to HSV during delivery.
• A mother and newborn may be tested for HSV soon after delivery when a baby shows signs of HSV infection, such as meningitis or skin lesions that could be caused by the herpes virus.

HSV antibody testing may be done when your healthcare practitioner wants to determine if you have been exposed to HSV in the past.

Best Affordable Herpes Test: Healthlabs

HealthLabs offers laboratory-based herpes tests. These may be the best option for people who do not have health insurance and those working with small budgets.

After placing an order, the person receives a laboratory requisition form, which they need to print out and present at a laboratory. The company claims it has 4,500 laboratory locations, and individuals should receive their test results within 23 business days.

HealthLabs has three herpes tests available for purchase:

• a test for HSV-1, which costs $45
• a test for HSV-2, which costs $45
• a test for HSV-1 and HSV-2, which costs $79

People may also order at-home tests for other STIs, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV.

To order either herpes test, a person must access the company website and enter their ZIP code to find their nearest testing center.

The company claims it has over 4,000 private test centers across the United States.

After ordering the herpes test, a person can walk into their local center to receive the testing. An appointment is not necessary.

The test procedure involves a simple blood test and urine sample, which typically takes a matter of minutes. A person can expect to receive their online test results within 13 days.

Read Also: What Can You Do To Treat Genital Herpes

Myth: Without A Visible Outbreak Herpes Isnt Contagious

Since outbreaks arent always obvious, its not always clear when youre contagious. There are a few days a year when herpes is active and possibly transmitted without any symptoms present, explains Wyand. This is known as viral shedding. This doesnt happen on most days, but its tricky, because theres no real way to know.

All this sounds really scary, but what it boils down to is the importance of practicing safe sex. While the risk of transmission will never be zero, there are some steps you and your partner can take to significantly reduce the risk of transmission: avoiding sex during an outbreak, using condoms. The partner with herpes can also go on suppressive therapy .

Dr. Rosser agrees that condoms are your best friends for any kind of sex. People still look at me like I have two heads when I suggest condoms for oral sex, she says. But if theres any question, then use them.

Communication is not only essential when it comes to having great sex, adds Dr. Rosser, but also when preventing the spread of herpes. If youre infected, be honest and consideratelet your partner know.

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How Can Herpes Be Tested/checked

Better2Know has three ways of testing for the Herpes virus:

• Blood Test if you have no symptoms
• Urine Test if you currently have symptoms
• Swab Test if you have a blister or other lesion for swabbing to see if it is caused by HSV.

At Better2Know, you can choose your test method: urine or a swab if you have symptoms, and blood if you do not. Results are available within 25 working days from us receiving your sample depending on which sample is taken. The test will tell you whether you have HSV-1, HSV-2, both types or neither.

At selected private sexual health clinics, Better2Know also provides instant Herpes testing. With this exclusive, popular Herpes testing option, you will receive your results from 10 minutes after sample collection.

You can also get a Home Sample Collection Kit by visiting our Home STI Tests page.

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Best Home Herpes Tests

Many at-home herpes tests are available to purchase online. The sections below look at four of the best options.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried any of these products. All information presented here is purely research-based.

Best subscription for herpestest

LetsGetCheckeds home kits can test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2.

A person receives a collection kit with all the tools they need to collect their samples at home. These include 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 about $100, but anyone who requires regular testing can purchase a subscription and pay less per kit.

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

This test costs around $150. However, people can subscribe for twice-yearly tests and save money per kit.

Genital Herpes Is Common Why Doesnt Cdc Recommend Testing Everyone For This Std

CDC does not recommend herpes testing for people without symptoms. This is because diagnosing genital herpes in someone without symptoms has not shown any change in their sexual behavior nor has it stopped the virus from spreading. Also, false positive test results are possible. Even if you do not have symptoms, you should talk openly and honestly about your sexual history with your doctor to find out if you should be tested for any STDs, including herpes.

Although CDC does not recommend that everyone get tested for herpes, herpes testing may be useful in some situations. Herpes blood tests might be useful

• If you have genital symptoms that could be related to herpes,
• If you have a sex partner with genital herpes, or
• If you want a complete STD exam, especially if you have multiple sex partners.

Please note that while a herpes blood test can help determine if you have herpes infection, it will not be able to tell you who gave you the infection.

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Can It Lie Dormant

The herpes virus can lie dormant in the body for years before people experience any symptoms.

After people have the first outbreak of herpes, the virus then lies dormant in the nervous system. Any further outbreaks are due to the virus reactivating, which causes symptoms to appear.

Symptoms are usually less severe during repeat outbreaks. Sores also clear up more quickly, often within 37 days. This is due to the antibodies the body produces to fight the first outbreak of herpes. The body can then use these antibodies to respond more quickly to future outbreaks.

There is currently no cure for herpes. Even if a person stops experiencing symptoms, the virus will remain inside their body.

It is also important to point out that herpes is transmissible even when no sores or other symptoms are present. For this reason, early prevention is advisable.

To help reduce the chance of this happening, people can use condoms or dental dams during sex.

Condoms and dental dams do not offer complete protection against the herpes virus, as herpes can live on areas around the genitals. However, these methods do reduce the likelihood of contracting the infection or passing it on.

Both people can then take additional steps to reduce the likelihood of transmission. These steps may include:

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If A Pregnant Woman Gets Genital Herpes Is There A Chance Her Baby Can Get Infected

Yes. Even though adults with genital herpes may not have any symptoms, herpes infections in babies can be life-threatening. Women who get genital herpes during late pregnancy have a very high risk for having a baby with herpes infection, and these women may not even know they are infected. Women who get herpes during early pregnancy, or who are infected before they get pregnant can also spread herpes to their babies. Most babies with herpes get infected as they come into contact with the herpes virus while passing through the birth canal, but infection can also occur before birth or in the weeks after birth.

If you are pregnant and think that you or your partner may have genital herpes, tell your doctor. Your doctor can order testing and can talk to you about ways to lower your babys risk for infection.

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A Quick Look At The 6 Best At

• Best herpestest subscription:LetsGetChecked
• Best STI panel test for herpes:Everlywell
• Best convenient herpestest:MyLAB Box
• Best affordable herpes test:HealthLabs
• Best test for early herpes detection:Priority STD
• Best herpes test for quick results: STDcheck

MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria where possible:

• Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations.
• Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
• Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
• Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
• Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.