Testing for Herpes

FAQ About Herpes Testing

Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases on the planet. Typically obtained via sexual transmission, this infection can result in painful sores and social stigma. However, even the experts find it difficult to detect herpes from symptoms alone; the sores may not be enough to diagnose herpes if they’re mistaken for other issues (like ingrown hairs).

Testing for herpes is the only way to truly determine whether you have the disease, but when should you get testing, and what sorts of tests are available? You might also be wondering how you should proceed once you receive an affirmative diagnosis.

Below, Rapid STD Testing shares all the information you need to diagnose and treat this disease. That way, you can better understand your options to successfully navigate the herpes testing process. You can also schedule a 10-panel STD test with them for peace of mind.

The Silent Reality: Why Most People Don't Know They Have Herpes

The herpes virus passes via the skin-to-skin contact of infected areas, commonly during acts like unprotected sex and kissing. Under normal circumstances, it’s almost impossible for you to contract herpes from toilet seats, bedding, pools, or other areas.

Typically, herpes comes in two forms:

  • HSV-1, which is the cause of most oral herpes
  • HSV-2, which causes most genital herpes

Herpes symptoms generally include sores or blisters on the skin or tissue lining of the throat, mouth, and vagina. However, the viral infection may still lay dormant for long periods, which means that many individuals carry herpes without realizing it. The CDC estimates around 572,000 people carry genital herpes infections each year (that’s the HSV-2 infection).

However, even with herpes’ prevalence in the United States, doctors don’t always recommend that asymptomatic carriers pursue testing because of the chance of false positives. An incorrect diagnosis may give rise to an incorrect treatment, which could cause harm. Unfortunately, doctors also sometimes underdiagnose herpes because many individuals feel embarrassed or distressed about a herpes diagnosis, which can affect their relationships. 

The herpes stigma is understandable, as most people will hesitate to enter a relationship with someone who has confirmed herpes. For this reason, doctors may hesitate to even suggest tests.

Living with a label as a herpes carrier can be stressful, confusing, or infuriating for a while, but it’s extremely important to undergo testing for herpes if you suspect an infection, even if you’re asymptomatic. Here’s why:

  • Protect your partner. Herpes is an incredibly contagious disease that can be painful and frustrating to deal with. Proper treatment can reduce the risk of spreading it to any sexual partners, protecting them from potential problems.
  • Treatment is available. Herpes may lay dormant for extended periods, but eventually, something could trigger it, resulting in painful sores. Treatment will reduce symptoms and outbreaks. So, if you know that you have herpes, you can take medications that will reduce your pain and curb the risk of future outbreaks.
  • Knowledge is power. You can’t tell whether you have an STD without testing for one. Herpes so often has no symptoms if it’s dormant or mild, but if you give it to someone else, their experience may be far worse. That’s why service providers like Rapid STD Testing offer same-day STD testing, even if you don’t show any symptoms.
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Decoding Herpes Tests: PCR, Cell Culture, and Blood Tests

Anyone can request testing, whether or not they’ve had sex with someone diagnosed with herpes or they suspect they have herpes. It can take up to 16 weeks after exposure to be able to detect herpes, so it’s very important to work with your doctor to determine when to get testing.

That said, you have several helpful testing options, each with its advantages and disadvantages. For example, your doctor may recommend one of the following:

PCR Tests

A PCR test for herpes takes samples of your cells or fluids from a sore on the genitals or in the urinary tract. The lab will examine the samples to search for pieces of the virus’s DNA that would indicate a likely infection.

Polymerase chain reaction tests are an excellent choice for asymptomatic carriers because doctors can take samples from fluids, not just from sores. This flexibility means they can determine whether the virus is present in the body, even if the individual shows no symptoms. 

The tests themselves are relatively accurate overall (almost 100% accurate!). If your doctor finds any trace of the virus’s DNA, there’s an almost certain chance that you have herpes. That said, testing for herpes with PCR tests isn’t perfect, and these tests can result in false negatives if the doctor takes samples from healing sores (false positives are also possible).

PCR tests can’t help you determine which strain of virus you have, either. This limitation makes it more difficult to determine the right treatment for your herpes infection. 

Overall, PCR tests work best for asymptomatic carriers who want to check whether they have herpes.

Cell Cultures

A cell culture herpes test involves the process of taking a cell sample from an open sore. Doctors may swab the sore so that the lab can examine the cells underneath a microscope, looking specifically for the virus itself. Should they find signs that may indicate an infection, your care provider will move on to discuss a possible treatment plan.

Cell cultures share many of the benefits and disadvantages of PCR tests, except that they’re taking samples from sores. As such, a cell culture test can only help you determine if you have herpes when you’re actually showing symptoms. These tests can also result in both false negative and false positive tests.

Overall, cell cultures are most beneficial if you want to determine whether your symptoms are due to herpes or another disease for more accurate treatment.

Blood Tests

The third option for herpes detection would be blood tests, which offer more in-depth information and involve taking blood to search for antibodies. Your doctor will take a sample, add a combination of HSV antibodies and fluorescent dye, and see whether the virus attracts these antibodies if it is present. The lab examines the sample under a microscope to check for any glowing areas. 

Blood tests offer relatively quick results—sometimes, just 10 minutes. This means your doctor can almost immediately see if you’ve been exposed to herpes and diagnose which type of HSV you have. That information is difficult to determine with other tests. 

It can’t help you determine when you were exposed. However, overall, blood tests for herpes will be helpful to determine what type of HSV you have for tailored treatment.

Living With Herpes: Treatment and Emotional Well-Being

Undergoing testing for herpes could be important to your long-term health and that of your sexual partner and family members. That’s why a service provider like Rapid STD Testing offers a useful rapid STD test to help you quickly diagnose the issue and pursue the correct treatment. 

However, getting a diagnosis is only half the battle; once you receive clarity, you need to determine how to move forward. With herpes, treatment should be a priority. While herpes may never go away, the correct treatment can help you quickly heal sores, reduce the risk of another outbreak (or the severity of symptoms), and decrease the risk of spreading the virus.

Antiviral medications are the most common options for treatment, including the following:

  • Acyclovir
  • Famciclovir
  • Valacyclovir

Each of these treatments has proven effective, and patients can take them for extended periods without drawbacks. Which you use and the dosage will depend on your situation.

However, the physical symptoms of herpes aren’t the only things to concern yourself with. A herpes diagnosis or any STD can have an emotional impact on you if you’re unaware of its source or don’t expect it.

For example, it’s common to feel angry or to blame a sexual partner from whom you may have contracted herpes. You may also feel embarrassed to admit to having herpes, concerned about the future, or struggle with issues like depression. However you feel, it’s important to take care of your emotional needs, communicate openly and honestly with any sexual partners, and seek support so that you can work through how the situation makes you feel.

Educating yourself could help you with the following:

  • Deal with the emotional turmoil of a herpes diagnosis
  • Learn more about the disease to help yourself better understand your situation
  • Reduce the impact of the social stigma

Finally, consider looking for support groups in your area that help people struggling with a herpes diagnosis to share their experiences and struggles. You can take the opportunity to ask for advice, discuss your questions, and more. Knowing you’re not alone can help.

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Testing for Herpes

Test for Herpes and Start Getting Treatment

Getting proper testing is the first step to treating herpes and protecting yourself and others. At Rapid STD Testing, we want to make scheduling STD tests quick and easy, so we offer fast STD tests to help anybody quickly diagnose the disease and start their treatment. We’re also well-equipped to answer technical questions like “Is herpes the same as hepatitis?”

You deserve prompt and accurate tests from a reliable service provider. Why not schedule Rapid STD Testing for herpes and find out what you need to know? Call (866) 872-1888 today to learn more.