![]() Or rather, she believed she did, after a request for sexually transmitted disease testing returned a positive result. This database includes information on all genital herpes studies that are actively recruiting volunteers.Herpes is a lifelong infection, but Lauren had it only for six tumultuous months. NIH also maintains a database with information about clinical trials around the world. Details about current research efforts can be found on the NIAID website. National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) supports research to develop prevention methods and treatments for genital herpes. Where can I find the latest information about ongoing genital herpes research, including clinical trials? This is because current herpes tests are not as exact as tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, the chance of a false positive herpes test result is much higher than when testing for STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea. This can happen with many kinds of diagnostic tests. Why are false positive tests an argument against routine testing for genital herpes, but not for other STIs, which can also have false positives?įalse positive test results show that a person has an infection or condition when they do not. Learn more about the link between genital herpes and HIV in this fact sheet. Studies show that HIV risk is not lowered by genital herpes testing or treatment. A list of questions your provider might ask youĬan testing and treating genital herpes decrease the risk for HIV infection?.Sample questions you might ask your provider.Ask them which infections they are and are not testing you for and why. This is why it’s important to talk openly and honestly with your provider during your visit. They will also evaluate you for signs or symptoms of herpes to choose which tests to use. They may choose tests based on several factors (e.g., number of sex partners, if you had an STI before, etc.). Herpes blood tests may or may not be part of the tests your healthcare provider gives you. Does my healthcare provider include a blood test for genital herpes when they test me for “everything” (all STIs)? If you are sexually active, talk openly and honestly with your healthcare provider about what tests are right for you. Your provider found signs of herpes, but you still need a test to confirm it.You have (or have had) a sex partner with genital herpes, or.You have genital symptoms that could be related to herpes, or.The chances of wrong test results are higher for people who are at low risk of infection. This is because of the limits of a herpes blood test and the possibility of a wrong test result. Providers can also tell patients how to lower the risk of transmitting herpes to sex partner(s).ĬDC does not recommend herpes testing for people without symptoms in most situations. This includes talking about medications that help with symptoms. Testing allows a healthcare provider to talk with patients about what to expect in the future. Shouldn’t CDC recommend testing for everyone?ĬDC recommends herpes testing for people who have genital symptoms to confirm if they have it. When someone gets genital herpes, it can take up to 16 weeks or more after an exposure for the current tests to detect it. In addition to recommending specific tests, they can also help guide when you should get tested. They can help you decide what is best for you based on your sexual and medical history. If you’re sexually active, talk openly and honestly with your provider about testing for herpes and other STIs. A wrong result is also possible when the person has a low risk of infection. For example, if a person gets a blood test too soon after an infection, the result could be wrong. If a patient has no blisters or sores, providers may use a blood test to see if they have herpes. However, most people with genital herpes do not have symptoms or can mistake them for other skin conditions like a pimple or ingrown hair. In fact, the tests that use these samples work best. They can also take a sample or swab from a blister or sore that is not already crusted over or healing. Many people with herpes have no symptomsĪ healthcare provider may diagnose herpes by looking at any blisters or sores.Basic fact sheets are presented in plain language for individuals with general questions about sexually transmitted diseases.ĭiagnosing genital herpes can be challenging.
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