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Both HSV1 and HSV2 (herpes simplex virus) can be sexually transmitted, but genital herpes is typically, caused by HSV2. HSV1 and HSV2 reveal little to no symptoms in infected individuals. However, one can expect to see an outbreak of blister clusters on the vagina, penis, and or rectum. Though over the past ten years the number of genital herpes cases has decreased in the Unites States, the CDC reports that at least 45 million, both young and old, are infected with HSV2. It is important for women to know that male-to-female transmission is increasingly high, with there being an 80-90 percent chance of an infected male passing the infection to his female partner(s). Conversely, female-to-male transmission occurs only 20-25 percent of the time. coupled with the fact that visible symptoms may not show, sometimes years after the infection, herpes becomes an incredible danger to the health of women, a herpes test, for women and young adults ages 15-24, should be included with all other routine health measure.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

If an individual is having an outbreak of blisters at the time of a visit to a health care provider, genital herpes can be detected upon a visual inspection. If not, various methods can be used, including a viral culture test, antigen detection, and polymerase chain reaction test and antibody test. Speak with your health care provider about which test or combination of tests will yield the most accurate results. Herpes incurable, however, there are several antiviral medications that can relieve pain and shorten and prevent outbreaks. There are also daily suppressant therapies that can reduce the risk of spreading the infection to future partners. The most reliable means of avoiding herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases is also the most unlikely to happen, abstinence. It follows then, that the next safest measure is to only have sex within a long-term mutually exclusive relationship with someone who is not infected.

A herpes test, like all other STI tests are informative. While a test cannot prevent anyone from contracting or spreading anything, if detected promptly however, it does assist with preventing long-term complications. For instance, women who contract herpes during pregnancy are at great risk of transferring the infection to the baby. Though infection from a mother to a baby is rare, n early herpes test can prepare a mother for taking the appropriate next steps, like delivering the baby by cesarean section. Additionally, receiving a timely herpes test can reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. That is, since sever infections weaken the immune system, those positive for herpes are more susceptible to contracting HIV/AIDS.

As amazing of an experience sex can be, it is also a responsibility. Along with receiving a herpes test sexually active persons should speak with a health care provider about any other exposure risks and determine a line of action. For information about taking a herpes test, including counseling suggestions in the even of a positive result, individuals can contact the CDC, Planed Parenthood, or the National Herpes Resource Center