“How can I get screened for genital herpes?”
I don't have any obvious symptoms like genital warts, but one of my partners told me that he was just diagnosed with genital herpes... and the last time we had sex was unprotected. What can I do to get screened? I just want to make sure that I don't have it.
3 Answers
The first signs may include itching, tingling, or burning sensation in the vaginal or anal area, flu-like symptoms, including fever, swollen glands. Pain in the legs, buttocks, or vaginal area, a change in vaginal discharge, headache, painful or difficult urination, and a feeling of pressure in the area below the stomach. Herpes has no cure. However, antiviral medications can shorten outbreaks during the time you take the medicine. Both HSV-1 and HSV2 are most contagious when sores are present but also can be transmitted when no symptoms are felt or visible. Genital herpes sores can appear on your vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, scrotum, butt, anus, and upper thighs. It spreads by unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and by mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing. Contact your OBGYN physician to do the test even though you are asymptomatic. Thank you
Sandra L. Aponte
Pathologist
You may have several tests done. A direct scrape of the lesion can be send for cytology, culture, or blood test may determine if you have antibodies against the virus.
Go see your gynecologist or urologist. They can assist you with this.
Good luck.
RB Thomas, MD
Good luck.
RB Thomas, MD
