What Test Do They Use To Detect Genital Herpes

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Get the Facts

U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Understanding Genital Herpes

Overview Cause Transmission Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications Overview Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, one of every five teenagers and adults is infected with genital herpes. Women are more commonly infected than men and it is estimated that one of every four women has herpes. Although at least 45 million...

Ask the Experts

Will Herpes test detect HIV?

Doctor Bob,I have had a genital swab test done for Herpes. The test being done is a PCR test.Because HIV can be detected by PCR does this mean that this test will detect HIV if it is present in my body?Thanks...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,Will a herpes test detect HIV? No, of course not. If it did, it would be called an HIV test, right? PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. It's a laboratory technique used in many tests. It is not specific for HIV.If you're concerned... Read more »

Tests available for herpes detection

Is there any efficient way of testing for herpes that is available to thepublic? I am interested in knowing about a test taht can be performed when noherpes lesions are present. My girlfriend kissed me and gave me oral sex whenshe had a herpes cold...

Response from Rick Sowadsky, M.P.H.

Nevada State Health Division AIDS Program

Hi. Thank you for your question. Herpes is best diagnosed when a person isactively showing symptoms of the infection. Information about symptomsrelated to Herpes can be found in the post, "How is herpes transmittedexactly...fluid mucosal... Read more »

Genital Herpes

Dear Dr. Moyle,Does genital herpes always have first attack or outbreak for newly infected?6 days after oral sex with a stripper, my genital area started to have some redish spot, but no blister(confirmed by an urologist). It felt a little itchy at...

Response from Graeme Moyle, M.D.

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Sorry but this is a forum on HIV and agingI suggest you try www.herpes-coldsores.com/messageforum/... Read more »

Genital herpes: how do we know for sure?

Dr. Kull,Please post this question, your answer will help a lot of us to clear up some of the comfusions about HSV2. So how can we ever know if we are infected with genital herpes? In The Body, it states that 80 of the people are unaware that they...

Response from Ryan M. Kull, C.S.W

Columbia University's Health & Related Services

1. Don't know. It's difficult to explain why people respond differently to infections like herpes, but they just do. There are so many different factors that will influence the course of infection, and this applies to so many different... Read more »

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Genital Herpes

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I know this is an hiv forum but I was wondering if the first episode of genital herpes is extremly painful or not? What do the lesions look like and how long do they take to go away? Please answer!

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Genital Herpes Question..

Posted by scared83, 1 Reply

I know there aren't many Herpes infected people on this site but the forum description does say "and other STD's" so I'll take a shot...

In December I had vaginal sex with a prostitute. I was wearing a condom and was only "in" her for like a minute.... Read more »

Genital Herpes???

Posted by sadface, 1 Reply

I have been coming here for a LONG time and have made some great friends along the journey. As you all well know I have OCD when it comes to STD's. So here we go...I am curious about genital herpes. I have read and read but I want to actually talk... Read more »

genital herpes or herpes simplex

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

Could herpes cause changes in your mouth like dry mouth, white hairy tongue? Thanks for your response.

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