In this two-part episode of ASHA’s Sex+Health podcast, Terri Warren, RN, ANP—nurse, author, and owner of Westover Heights Clinic in Portland, Oregon that specializes in the genital herpes infection—explains the tests that can provide an accurate genital herpes diagnosis and how they work and clarifies that a physical exam alone should never be the final diagnosis for anyone, for many reasons. She also discusses the importance of knowing herpes type and offers helpful insight into how to put a herpes infection into proper perspective.
There are many approaches to diagnosing herpes including blood tests, swab tests, and– believe it or not – even eyeballing suspected symptoms and making a judgment call! Warren covers which tests should be used (spoiler alert: the eyeball approach is not recommended), who should have them, and how to make sense of the results.
In part two of our conversation, Terri Warren offers strategies to effectively manage herpes in a relationship and deal with the emotional aspects of the diagnosis.
There are currently both preventive and therapeutic vaccines under development. While the primary focus is on HSV-2, the primary cause of genital infection, HSV-2 vaccines may also have benefits in preventing or treating HSV-1 infection.
A paper published ahead of print in Sexually Transmitted Diseases finds that commercial blood tests commonly used to diagnose herpes simplex virus (HSV) are frequently not reliable, especially in those with “low positive” results.
The best way for couples to deal with herpes is to talk about it openly and make decisions together. So what’s the best way to start the conversation?
If you are pregnant and you have genital herpes, you may be concerned about the risk of spreading the infection to your baby. Be reassured that the risk is extremely small.
About 50 percent of the adult population in the United States has oral herpes. Most people contract oral herpes when they are children by receiving a kiss from a friend or relative.
While there is no cure for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, there are various treatment options available that can help manage symptoms and control outbreaks.
ASHA believes that all people have the right to the information and services that will help them to have optimum sexual health. We envision a time when stigma is no longer associated with sexual health and our nation is united in its belief that sexuality is a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life.
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