Do You Need to Take a Herpes Test?

If you suspect that you have genital herpes, you’ll definitely want to get a herpes test done. If have herpes and you are not diagnosed with it in time, you can spread the virus to others.

Since you know you are suffering with the virus it would be really devastating to inflict that on someone else.

One test you can have done is called the Herpes Viral Culture Test. This test takes a sample from one of your lesions to test the virus.

This is a great test to take because it doesn’t give very many false positives like tests have in the past. This test can also tell the difference between the two different types of herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2).

Even though this herpes test is more accurate than others, it may be a good idea for you to be tested more than one time. Testing methods are only so good. You don’t want to continue thinking you don’t have herpes and end up spreading it to others.

Another test is called Herpes Serology tests. This takes a sample of your blood rather than a sample of the lesion. Your blood contains herpes antibodies. This test looks for those antibodies.

The great thing about this test is that it can be done even if you’re not currently having an outbreak. After all, many people have herpes even before they have their first outbreak. This is probably the most effective herpes test around.

There are some things you need to consider though. Antibodies take a while to develop. If you take the test too soon after you contract the virus, you could get a false negative. Also, this test is not able to tell the difference between the two types of herpes.

Some blood tests are able to find the herpes antibodies more easily than others. Talk with your doctor to make sure you’re getting the best option possible. You may be wondering how you know if you should even get tested if you don’t have any symptoms.

There are several reasons why you may need a test even if you haven’t had an outbreak yet. The first reason is if you are in a relationship with someone else who has herpes.

Remember, even if they haven’t had an outbreak for your whole relationship, there is still a strong possibility that you could get herpes. This is especially true if you haven’t been taking precautions.

Another reason you’ll need to get tested is if you’ve been sexually active with a lot of different people. There is no telling what disease people you don’t know very well have.

The best thing for you to do if you are not sure if you have the herpes virus is to get a herpes test. There are a couple of different options for you and your doctor to choose from. Always consider whether you need to get tested even if you haven’t experienced an outbreak.