Genital Herpes Test – Herpes Genitalis Test
Genital herpes even known as Herpes Genitalis is an infection caused by herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) that affects the genitals of the body. Studies have shown that this infection is growing to be one of the most commonly transmitted diseases through sexual intercourse. Worst thing is that, unlike oral herpes that occurs because of HSV-1 virus there are no classic symptoms of this infection hence detecting the virus on time becomes quite difficult.
What Should You Know About Genital Herpes Test?
Genital herpes test is a simple test which is categorized into four different types. They are Polymerase Chain Reaction, Herpes viral test, Herpes virus antigen detection test and Antibody test. Each test is different in itself and Herpes viral test is the popular one amongst them for tracing HSV-2 virus, as it is often practiced by the professionals. This test helps in detecting the severity of the disease and which stage is the patient suffering from.
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How To Come Prepared For Genital Herpes Test?
Herpes test, especially the genital one is quite easy and is often done to find antibodies of HSV-2 virus in the blood. When you come for genital herpes test, try to be confident as this is a simple procedure without any complications. Only blood samples are taken by the lab technicians to perform the required test and then results are given in just two days.
Know the Symptoms of Genital Herpes
Discovering the symptoms and going for genital herpes test is crucial as this will warn you about the possible dangers of the virus and the same time prepare you with the necessary precautions that you should take to avoid the spreading of the virus.
Major symptoms seen in a person who is victim of genital herpes are
- Small blisters about 1/32 inches of size appear on the genitals, mostly at the round areas or the skin foldings.
- The blisters are about 3-4 millimeters in diameter and are often grouped together forming crops.
- Initially the blisters are formed which later take the form of ulcers causing tender to slight pain.
- With time the pain starts growing and increases while urinating or excreting.
- For males the herpes sores grows on or at the round of the penis
- For females the herpes sores grows inside the vagina but at times is visible outside too.
- With time they start spreading to different parts of the genitals and cover the anus too.
There are certain outbreaks of the infection which are seen at its first stage these include muscle ache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches and painful vaginal discharge (for female). But, if the disease is left untreated then it can cause later outbreaks like inflammation, ulcers, spreading of sores and finally starts affecting the normal bodily functions too.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Genital Herpes
How Does Genital Herpes Spread? – Genital herpes is facilitated by a simplex virus and is even recognized as fever blisters. The interesting fact here is that sores that are either caused by HSV-1 at the mouth or HSV-2 at the genitals almost appear the same. They spread immediately when direct contact is made at the genital in the form of copulation causing transfusion of fluids. Even skin to skin contact can lead to the spreading of this virus.
Genital Herpes is common. Genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women than men.