Tests for genital herpes are available as part of standard STD testing. There is a blood test, that can tell whether you've been infected in the past. It’s also possible to test the fluid from genital sores to see if herpes is the cause.
Genital herpes is not life-threatening, but it can cause significant discomfort and embarrassment. During an outbreak of %genital herpes%, painful blisters appear on the genitals. After a few days, the blisters break open, leaving open sores on the genitals. The sores will heal, but the infection is usually not over. The virus can lie dormant inside the body. Later, it can reactivate, causing a new outbreak of blisters to appear.
Usually, later outbreaks of genital herpes are not as severe as the first one. The outbreaks also tend to decrease in both frequency and severity over time. However, it’s not possible for medicine to completely get rid of the virus, so it’s always possible that a new outbreak will happen, even if it’s been years since the last one.
Sexually active people often get regular %STD testing% to see whether they’ve acquired any new infections. However, testing for the herpes virus is available as part of standard STD testing in Singapore.
There is a blood test for herpes, which looks for an immune response to the herpes virus. If the test is positive, it means that you’ve been infected by the virus in the past. It can also show which strain of the herpes virus you’ve been infected with. STD clinics will often do this test.
Another type of STD testing for herpes is available, but can only be performed while you have active sores. This consists of testing some fluid or scrapings from the sores. This can be useful if the diagnosis is uncertain, and can also show which strain of herpes virus is causing your symptoms.
If you believe that you’ve been exposed to the herpes virus, or if you’ve had sores on your genitals, tell your healthcare provider when you have %STD testing in Singapore%. It may be beneficial for a test for herpes to be included as part of your STD testing.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 19 May 2016. Accessed 15 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Diseases and conditions – genital herpes.” Mayo Clinic. Published 21 May 2014. Accessed 15 Jun 2016. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/basics/causes/con-20020893
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Genital Herpes Screening FAQ.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 9 Apr 2015. Accessed 15 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/screening.htm
References
Genital at Shim Clinic, Singapore