Does herpes show up in std test

Q: Is herpes on STD test?

If you didnt know before now, herpes is generally not included in a standard STD panel. That means all those screens that you so diligently obtained since becoming sexually active and the one you may have asked your partner to get as well, probably did not include herpes.

Medically reviewed by William Ross Perlman, PhD, CMPP on December 14, 2019. Written by Kathryn Wall. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

Table of Contents Show

Signs and symptoms of herpes
How to test for herpes
Common questions
How do healthcare providers test for herpes?
How to diagnose herpes?
Is herpes on STD test?
Is herpes included in STD panel?
Why isn't herpes a standard STD test?
How do they test you for herpes?

Table of contents

Signs and symptoms of herpes
How to test for herpes
Common questions
Related content

There are many different types of STDs (or STIs) that can affect men and women, and being informed about sexually transmitted infections is important for caring for your health. If you think you’ve possibly been exposed to herpes or are experiencing symptoms you think could be related, don’t fret. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help. The first place to start is knowing your STI status.

You’re most likely wondering what herpes is and how to test for it. There are two types of herpes [1]: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

HSV-1 causes common cold sores and chancres at or around the mouth, and it’s also commonly known as oral herpes. HSV-2 occurs more often at or near the genitals and is more commonly referred to as genital herpes. Like gonorrhea and chlamydia and other infections, genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be spread through close personal contact, such as kissing or sexual intercourse.

So if you’re wondering, “How do you test for herpes?”, you can take a genital herpes test to help determine whether you’re infected.

Test for 6 other common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, with Everlywell STD testing for women or STD testing for men—which allows you to test for STIs from the privacy of your own home.

Signs and symptoms of herpes

Oral herpes is an infection in the mouth, caused by HSV-1 [2]. Symptoms often include cold sores or fever blisters, but you can have oral herpes without any symptoms. (Related: STDs in women)

The herpes simplex virus can be dormant until an active outbreak occurs. The initial infection typically has the worst symptoms, ranging from flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes to headaches. Sores may occur in and around the lips and mouth. Recurring infections are usually milder, and may include redness, itching, or swelling. Painful, fluid-filled blisters can occur and are highly contagious. These blisters often turn into sores (or lesions), which will then scab over and typically heal in a few days.

Symptoms of genital herpes range from none to more severe manifestations [1]. The majority of genital HSV infections are mild, with little to no symptoms following the initial outbreak. For people who do experience symptoms, the usual course begins with genital inflammation, where the skin may itch or burn. Blister-like sores may appear. The sores may open, scab over, and heal.

Other indirect symptoms that can occur during an active herpes virus infection include fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a burning sensation during urination. (Related: How do you know if you have an STD?)

Genital herpes virus infections are highly contagious and spread through sexual contact. The first outbreak of herpes can last several weeks and usually affects the genital area. The virus then typically becomes inactive, but outbreaks may continue in the future. Fortunately, suppressive therapy—through the prescription of antiviral medication—is available for those who suffer from chronic, recurrent outbreaks.

If you think you may have a herpes infection, home testing could be a convenient option for you. If you’re wondering how to get tested for herpes at home, there’s good news: testing for HSV-2 is easy with the Everlywell female STD Test or male STD Test.

How to test for herpes

If you suspect you have herpes, the first thing you should do is contact your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can examine your blisters or sores to check for herpes. If you do have an HSV infection, your healthcare provider may recommend a treatment plan for you.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a genital herpes test if you have symptoms of herpes or a sexual partner who has genital herpes [3]. Note that some people have asymptomatic herpes and don’t show symptoms, but the CDC does not recommend asymptomatic screening for herpes [3].

If you would like an easy at-home option to test for 6 other common STIs, try the Everlywell home STD Test for women or the STD Test for men which checks for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Once your sample is received and analyzed at the lab, the test results are sent to you quickly and discreetly via our secure, online platform.

Common questions

How do healthcare providers test for herpes?

How are you tested for herpes at a clinic or healthcare provider’s office? Healthcare providers will examine the location and severity of any active blisters or sores around the mouth or genital area. They may take a tissue sample of the sores to send to a laboratory for examination. A blood sample will be needed if an antibody test is used to check whether you have been infected with the herpes virus.

How to diagnose herpes?

Genital herpes is typically diagnosed through examination by a medical professional and a blood test. If you suspect you have genital herpes (which is primarily caused by HSV-2), you can take an antibody test.

To test for 6 other common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, try the Everlywell home STD Test for women or the STD Test for men. After you collect your sample at home, it is received and analyzed at the lab, and the test results are sent to you quickly and discreetly via our secure, online platform.

Syphilis vs. herpes: how to tell the difference

Do I have herpes and not know it?

How often should you get tested for STDs?

References

Herpes Simplex. Cleveland Clinic. URL. Accessed December 14, 2019.
Oral Herpes. Johns Hopkins Medicine. URL. Accessed December 14, 2019.
Genital Herpes Screening FAQ. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Accessed December 14, 2019.

Is herpes on STD test?

If you didn't know before now, herpes is generally not included in a standard STD panel. That means all those screens that you so diligently obtained since becoming sexually active and the one you may have asked your partner to get as well, probably did not include herpes.

Is herpes included in STD panel?

The STD testing covers anywhere from six to 14 STDs, depending on where you get the test taken. Even though physicians test for the most common STDs, they do not test for herpes and HPV unless you exhibit symptoms of the diseases.

Why isn't herpes a standard STD test?

Herpes. For herpes, according to CDC guidelines, testing only occurs if there are symptoms and there are several reasons for this distinction. First, research shows diagnosing herpes in someone without symptoms does not change that person's sexual behavior and doesn't prevent herpes from spreading.

How do they test you for herpes?

A healthcare provider may diagnose herpes by looking at any blisters or sores. They can also take a sample or swab from a blister or sore that is not already crusted over or healing. In fact, the tests that use these samples work best.