Herpes Testing
Genital Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be acquired through a variety of different types of sexual contact. Many people today are unaware that they have herpes, and this increases the likelihood of it being spread.
Since herpes infections have both active and inactive periods, it is possible to spread herpes even when you are not showing symptoms. Although there is currently no cure for Genital Herpes, a free STI test helps you identify if you have an infection so that you benefit from treatment.
Signs of a Herpes Outbreak
Once you contract genital herpes, the virus can lie dormant in your body for years, or you may experience your first break out right away. When herpes is active, lesions that are similar to small blisters appear. You may also notice soreness, redness and itching in your genital area.
Herpes lesions can occur anywhere in your genital region, and they can also appear in your mouth if you contract the virus through oral sex. While a first outbreak is usually quite uncomfortable, subsequent outbreaks tend to be less severe. It is also possible that you may not notice any symptoms, yet you can still transmit the virus to others.
Genital herpes treatment is aimed at reducing the severity and frequency of outbreaks so that you improve the quality of your life.
Genital Herpes Treatment
Since lesions can look like other type of skin conditions, herpes testing is the only way to know for sure if you are a carrier of the virus. Today, blood tests can confirm whether or not you have been exposed to the herpes virus in the past, or herpes testing can be performed after a swab of an active lesion.
While receiving a positive diagnosis may be upsetting, the good news is that genital herpes treatment is effective for reducing your symptoms, and it may even help prevent you passing the virus onto others.
Herpes treatment usually involves being prescribed an antiviral medication that you take orally. These medications aim to help lesions heal faster while reducing the overall duration of an outbreak. They also help to minimize the risk of you passing the virus to other people so that you can resume your social life with greater confidence.
It is, however, still advisable to discuss your herpes diagnosis with potential partners since it is still possible to spread the virus.
Herpes Prevention
While most herpes outbreaks come and go with no lasting effects, you can experience complications such as infections at the site of the sores. It is also possible for lesions to affect your urinary tract or anal area and cause pain and swelling.
Pregnant women should also be concerned about herpes outbreaks that occur near the due date. When you seek a free herpes test, be honest about your sexual history and always let your physician or nurse know if you are pregnant.
Herpes is a contagious disease that only needs skin-to-skin contact for transmission. Are you worried about the possibility of having contracted genital herpes? If so, get free STI tests today that give you control over your health.
