Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Where To Get Tested For Genital Herpes

Things You Can Do To Help

What You Need to Know About Genital Herpes

Antivirals are only designed to stop the virus multiplying and will not help your discomfort in the short term. For this, there are a few simple things you can do to ease the discomfort and speed up the healing process:

  • Apply an ice pack or ice cubes in a plastic bag
  • Take a cool shower to soothe the blisters
  • Apply a local, over-the-counter anaesthetic cream such as lidocaine
  • Gently bathe the area with warm salt water
  • Carefully pat the area dry
  • If weeing is painful, go to the toilet in a warm bath or shower
  • Wash your hands before and after touching the infected area to avoid introducing bacteria
  • Keep hydrated and drink extra fluids
  • Wear loose, cotton clothing
  • Use an over-the-counter painkiller to help with pain and discomfort

Avoid washing your genitals too often when you have an outbreak, as this wont help to alleviate the symptoms.

The antivirals are safe to use with hormonal contraception but talk to the person prescribing the treatment to make sure.

Genital herpes can be safely treated during pregnancy. It is important to discuss with your midwife if you have, or have had, herpes infections. The treatment you receive may depend on whether it is your first herpes infection and also where in the pregnancy you are but your midwife will advise you.

WARNING

It is strongly advised that you do not have any sexual contact before or during an outbreak and for a week after your symptoms have completely gone.

  • Talking to people about STIs
  • STIs and Stigma

How Do People Get Genital Herpes

Infections are transmitted through contact with HSV in herpes lesions, mucosal surfaces, genital secretions, or oral secretions. 5 HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be shed from normal-appearing oral or genital mucosa or skin. 7,8 Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during genital contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. However, receiving oral sex from a person with an oral HSV-1 infection can result in getting a genital HSV-1 infection. 4 Transmission commonly occurs from contact with an infected partner who does not have visible lesions and who may not know that he or she is infected. 7 In persons with asymptomatic HSV-2 infections, genital HSV shedding occurs on 10.2% of days, compared to 20.1% of days among those with symptomatic infections. 8

When Should You Get Tested

The best time to get tested for herpes varies, depending on whats happening.

If youre exhibiting symptoms of an initial outbreak which include pain, itching and redness of the affected location fatigue, fever and chills and, ultimately, painful sores or ulcers its best to see a healthcare professional about getting tested.

However, if you think youve been exposed to the virus and arent yet exhibiting symptoms, HSV may take some time before being able to show results on a test. While the exact time frame is unknown and varies from person to person, two weeks is usually enough time to yield accurate test results.

Most people become concerned about being infected with the herpes virus after contact with a potentially infected person. Often, simple things like kissing someone with a visible cold sore or facial acne around the lips can cause concern about HSV-1.

For genital herpes, most people become concerned about potentially being infected after sexual contact with a person that shows symptoms of herpes. This can include oral sex with someone that has cold sores, which can potentially spread to the genitals.

Since herpes is asymptomatic in many people, you could be infected with the virus even if you dont have any symptoms.

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How Is The Test Used

Herpes testing may be used a few different ways:

  • Herpes simplex virus PCR testing or culture may be used to diagnose an active herpes infection if you have signs and symptoms, such as genital sores or encephalitis.
  • HSV PCR is the preferred test to diagnose newborns suspected of having neonatal herpes, a rare but serious condition in which herpes is contracted during vaginal birth.
  • HSV antibody testing may be used to determine whether you have been exposed to HSV in the past. This may be helpful in screening certain populations, such as potential organ transplant recipients. It may also be useful for pregnant women to help determine the risk of them passing an HSV-2 infection to their baby.
  • PCR and antibody testing may be used to distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections.
  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend screening for herpes in the general population, but it may be helpful in some cases, such as:

    • If you have signs and symptoms, such as genital sores that may be related to herpes
    • If you have or had a sex partner with genital herpes
    • If you would like to have a complete exam for sexually transmitted diseases , especially if you have multiple sex partners if this is the case, you should discuss STD testing with your healthcare practitioner.

    What Is The Difference Between Type

    HSV 1 HERPES SELECT

    The technology behind the type-specific test is relatively new. The gold standard of type-specific blood tests is known as the Western Blot Serology.

    A number of similar tests are produced for research purposes and commercial products are gradually becoming more available. These tests detect antibodies that differ between HSV-1 and HSV-2. It is now recommended that clinicians avoid serum tests other than type-specific tests.

    Recommended Reading: How Long Does It Take To Catch Herpes

    Best Sti Panel Test For Herpes: Everlywell

    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.

    Questions For Your Doctor After At

    The following questions about the results of at-home genital and oral herpes testing may be helpful for patients to discuss with their doctor:

    • Is my at-home herpes test result reliable?
    • What is the most likely explanation for my test result?
    • Are there any follow-up tests that you recommend?
    • How should I discuss my test result with sexual partners?

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    What Happens If You Dont Get Herpes Treatment

    The good news about herpes is that its not deadly or even very dangerous. It might be annoying, but herpes doesnt get worse over time or cause serious health problems like other STDs can.

    If you dont get treated for herpes, you might keep having regular outbreaks, or they could only happen rarely. Some people naturally stop getting outbreaks after a while.

    There are a few reasons people may decide not to get treatment. They might not have that many outbreaks, or their outbreaks dont really bother them. Or maybe theyre not having sex, so theyre not that worried about having herpes right now. Whatever your situation is, getting treatment for herpes is your choice.

    Having herpes can make it easier to get HIV, because the sores give HIV an open pathway into your body. So always use condomsto help prevent the spread of both herpes and HIV.

    What Types Of Herpes Tests Are There

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

    A common test for genital herpes is the swab test, which consists of taking a tissue sample from the sores and creating a viral culture in a lab. It takes a couple of days for the culture to grow. Laboratories usually send the test result within 1-2 weeks.Another method used for diagnosing genital herpes is a blood test. The analysis of a blood sample shows whether you have herpes antibodies. If you have herpes antibodies, this means that you have been infected with the virus at some point. There is also a DNA test which can help determine which type of herpes virus you carry HSV1 or HSV2.

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    When Is The Right Time To Test For Genital Herpes

    Now is the best time to get the genital herpes test. Know your sexual health status today.

    Genital herpes often displays mild symptoms that may go unnoticed or be confused for another skin condition. For themost accurate results, it is recommended to wait 4-6 weeks after exposure to test for genital herpes. A follow-up testafter 3 months post-exposure is advisable to confirm earlier test results. Although rare, serious complications ofgenital herpes include blindness, inflammation of the brain, and aseptic meningitis. If you have had a recentencounter with someone whose STD status you do not know, get tested today.

    Also if you have not been tested for other STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV-1, HIV-2, hepatitis A, B andC, or herpes-1 in the last year, our clinicians recommend taking the all-inclusiveSTD 10-test Panel to ensure that you are completely STD free.

    We also offer a chlamydia-gonorrhea test panel. Chlamydia andgonorrhea are known as co-existing infections, meaning that having one infection may put you at risk of having theother.

    For answers to your questions about testing for genital herpes, call our Care Advisors at

    Can I Take The Test At Home

    At-home tests are available to test for evidence of an HSV infection. At-home herpes testing typically detects HSV antibodies in a self-collected sample of blood and may require additional follow-up if preliminary results are positive. At-home herpes tests can be obtained online or at a local pharmacy.

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    Myth: Cold Sores And Genital Sores Are Way Different

    Many people wrongfully believe that cold sores dont count as real herpes, Raquel Dardik, MD, clinical associate professor at NYU Langones Joan H. Tisch Center for Womens Health, explains to Health. This misconception stems from the general patterns of the two types.

    For most people, HSV-1 tends to affect their mouth, while HSV-2 usually manifests on the genitals. But either virus can affect either body region all it takes to spread is skin-to-skin-contact.

    Lets say you touch an infected persons genitals with your mouth while theyre shedding the virus, but theres no genital-to-genital touching. You can then be infected with either HSV-1 or HSV-2 and go on to develop lesions at the site of the infection .

    Should You Test For Type 1 Or Type 2 Herpes

    Herpes Simplex Virus 1 &  2 Blood Test 5 Test Pack

    Commonly known as oral herpes or genital herpes but medically known as HSV-1 and HSV-2, herpes can actually be located in either region regardless of its type. Additionally, its possible to have both strains of herpes. There are usually no symptoms at all, meaning someone can live their entire life without knowing that they have herpes, making it extremely easy to spread. We recommend testing for both HSV-1 and HSV-2.

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    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.

    Recommended Reading: How To Stop Herpes Virus From Replicating

    How Does The At

    At-home herpes tests take advantage of the fact that blood tests for herpes are widely available through commercial lab-testing sites. The vast majority of at-home herpes tests use the same tests that would be ordered at the doctors office, provided by the same laboratories. However, instead of going to a doctor, the tests are ordered online. This can be a good option for people who are uncomfortable discussing sexual behavior with their doctor or whose doctor is not willing to test for herpes.

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    How Will My Healthcare Provider Know If I Have Genital Herpes

    Your healthcare provider may diagnose genital herpes by simply looking at any sores that are present. Providers can also take a sample from the sore and test it. If sores are not present, a blood test may be used to look for HSV antibodies.

    Have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider about herpes testing and other STDs.

    Please note: A herpes blood test can help determine if you have herpes infection. It cannot tell you who gave you the infection or when you got the infection.

    Reliability And Choosing A Home Test

    Understanding Herpes Testing

    People who are considering buying a home test may wish to seek advice from a pharmacist on which test is likely to be best for them. The pharmacist may also be able to show them how to collect the sample at home to prevent inaccuracies.

    People who are looking for an at-home herpes test should consider the following before making a purchase:

    • Clear information: The company should offer all the information that a person needs for testing, including clear and complete instructions.
    • Consultations: Some companies offer consultations for people who wish to discuss their sexual health concerns, particularly if they receive a positive result.
    • Treatment plan: Online providers may suggest further testing or treatment depending on the individuals results and concerns.
    • Certified laboratories: Some companies work with laboratories with

    Anyone who has sexual contact with someone who has received a herpes diagnosis should contact a doctor as soon as possible.

    People who have received a positive test result may also wish to consider seeking medical advice.

    Currently, herpes is not curable, but doctors can prescribe medications to reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms. This may help lower the chance of the infection spreading to other individuals.

    Below are some common questions about at-home herpes tests.

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    Can I Still Have Sex If I Have Herpes

    If you have herpes, you should talk to your sex partner about their risk. Using condoms may help lower this risk but it will not get rid of the risk completely. Having sores or other symptoms of herpes can increase your risk of spreading the disease. Even if you do not have any symptoms, you can still infect your sex partners.

    You may have concerns about how genital herpes will impact your health, sex life, and relationships. While herpes is not curable, it is important to know that it is manageable with medicine. Daily suppressive therapy can lower your risk of spreading the virus to others. Talk to a healthcare provider about your concerns and treatment options.

    A genital herpes diagnosis may affect how you will feel about current or future sexual relationships. Knowing how to talk to sexual partners about STDs is important.

    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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    Im Pregnant How Could Genital Herpes Affect My Baby

    If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, prenatal care visits are very important. Some research suggest that a genital herpes infection may lead to miscarriage or make it more likely to deliver your baby too early. You can pass herpes to your unborn child before birth, but it more commonly passes during delivery. This can lead to a deadly infection in your baby . It is important that you avoid getting genital herpes during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had a genital herpes diagnosis or symptoms. Also tell them about any possible exposure to genital herpes.

    If you have genital herpes, you may need to take anti-herpes medicine towards the end of your pregnancy. This medicine may reduce your risk of having signs or symptoms of genital herpes when you deliver. At the time of delivery, your healthcare provider should carefully examine you for herpes sores. If you have signs or symptoms of genital herpes at delivery, a C-section is likely to occur.

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