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Herpes Testing
Well, I know for a fact I have oral herpes because I've been getting them since childhood. As for genital herpes I have never encountered an outbreak or that I know of. I had STD testing a month ago and they didn't perform a herpes test because they said it isn't worth it unless you show signs of the infection, and also because of the number of misdiagnosis that occur, and also because so many people have it anyways.
My question is this, should I get tested anyways? If so many people (from what I've heard 1 in 4 or 1 in 5 people have the virus) already have it and almost 90% don't show signs of it than it's almost pointless, because more than likely I've contracted it at some point already and never suffered from it. And if that statistic is true and only a small amount of people ever have noticeble symptoms why do people worry about getting tested period?
My question is this, should I get tested anyways? If so many people (from what I've heard 1 in 4 or 1 in 5 people have the virus) already have it and almost 90% don't show signs of it than it's almost pointless, because more than likely I've contracted it at some point already and never suffered from it. And if that statistic is true and only a small amount of people ever have noticeble symptoms why do people worry about getting tested period?
Getting tested is a good thing, and being scared is normal. I have to go wed and get tested myself, and yep Im definately worried.
With regards to the suppressive therapy, I think your doctor would have the best answer for that.
I know in my case, also having no symptoms.....just the possibility of contracting it, that if I do have it then I will be taking the medication.
1) Because I might be having outbreaks that are too minimal to notice, yet the medication will still help.
and
2) If it is correct, though I havent heard that it lowers the risk of passing it on.....then im going to take that precaution.
Good Luck and let us know how you go!
With regards to the suppressive therapy, I think your doctor would have the best answer for that.
I know in my case, also having no symptoms.....just the possibility of contracting it, that if I do have it then I will be taking the medication.
1) Because I might be having outbreaks that are too minimal to notice, yet the medication will still help.
and
2) If it is correct, though I havent heard that it lowers the risk of passing it on.....then im going to take that precaution.
Good Luck and let us know how you go!
No need to think about treatment if you don't have herpes. Get tested first and go from there.
Ok... Well, I think I am going to get tested for it, as scared as I am about the results. I don't want to jump to conclusions just yet in case I test negative, but I have one last question if anyone is willing to answer. If I test positive for genital herpes should I go on suppressive therapy if I never show signs/symptoms? For one, it is mainly to help prevent recurring outbreaks and to help lesson the severity for them. And I've heard they also aid in helping to lower the risk of passing the virus onto others. If anyone has any thoughts, please let me know. Thanks.
Are you being seen for your anxiety disorder? Have you talked about this issue with your medical provider?
Quite honestly, it's the responsible thing to do - for you and your partner - to know each other's herpes status. Imagine if your partner thought they had it, but chose not to test or tell you about it, and then transmitted the virus to you? I know I'd be upset by that!
So yes, it's the right thing to do to know your own and your partner's STD/herpes status. That way, you both can manage things accordingly, be it whether you're positive or negative.
Quite honestly, it's the responsible thing to do - for you and your partner - to know each other's herpes status. Imagine if your partner thought they had it, but chose not to test or tell you about it, and then transmitted the virus to you? I know I'd be upset by that!
So yes, it's the right thing to do to know your own and your partner's STD/herpes status. That way, you both can manage things accordingly, be it whether you're positive or negative.
Well thats a catch 22, know what I mean? It sounds like no matter what, you will be concerned and thats understandable. Its really your choice. You can 1) Not know and forever wonder, plus have the possibility of passing it on. Or 2) Find out so you can know and look after yourself, plus be aware so you minimise the chances of passing it on. Having an Anxiety Disorder does make it harder, and I understand that. Finding out you have such a thing is extremely hard, though you deal with it.
In my opinion I think its harder to forever wonder than to know. Not knowing causes the all the "what if's" and as I see it, being like that for the rest of your life would be harder than finding out and dealing with it.
xx
In my opinion I think its harder to forever wonder than to know. Not knowing causes the all the "what if's" and as I see it, being like that for the rest of your life would be harder than finding out and dealing with it.
xx
My only concern is that if I do already have HSV-2 (like I said I have HSV-1 because I've always gotten cold sores on my mouth) is will it make me feel better because I know I'm a carrier or make me feel worse because of my new knowledge? You see, I stress out very easily and cbuild things up in my head all the time. I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It's hard to weigh out the pros and cons. On one hand I could be okay with not knowing because I'll never suffer from it. On the other hand I'll always wonder. Then there's the finding out part. If I test negative will I always fear of contracting it or if I test positive, will my sex/emotional/phsycological health crumble. Plus, I don't wanna be on meds for a virus the rest of my life. I already deal with enough health probs that require medicine. Maybe I'm just being a chicken, but I'm in total turmoil over this.
I dont know why any doctor would advise you not to get tested. If you ask for it then they should test you. After an encounter they say it can take 3 months for antibodies to show in your system, so you should wait until then.
It shouldnt matter how many misdiagnosed people there are, or how many people have it. If it is the case that you do, then you want to know so you can 1) Look after yourself 2) Protect others from contracting it.
Just because you dont show any symptoms doesnt mean it cant be picked up through the blood test.
The usual testing is, 3 months after the encounter then another test 3 months after that.
Even if you have no symptoms you can still pass it on. So its better to know and be cautious then not know!
It shouldnt matter how many misdiagnosed people there are, or how many people have it. If it is the case that you do, then you want to know so you can 1) Look after yourself 2) Protect others from contracting it.
Just because you dont show any symptoms doesnt mean it cant be picked up through the blood test.
The usual testing is, 3 months after the encounter then another test 3 months after that.
Even if you have no symptoms you can still pass it on. So its better to know and be cautious then not know!
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
