Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease that causes blisters to appear on the genitals. People who have been diagnosed with herpes should also have STD testing for other diseases, which can be dangerous and are commonly co-transmitted.
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease that causes blisters to appear on the genitals. These blisters break open and turn into sores, which heal in a few days. Although each outbreak of %genital herpes% lasts for only a few days, the virus also enters the nerve cells and remains dormant. There, the immune system cannot reach it to get rid of it. That means the virus can remain inside of the nerve cells for life. It may reactivate from time to time, causing future outbreaks of herpes blisters and sores to appear.
Genital herpes is spread through direct contact with infected mucous membranes. Condoms can help to prevent the spread of the virus. However, they aren’t perfect, because herpes can still be spread through infected areas that aren’t covered by the condom.
In many cases, the disease is diagnosed based on the symptoms, as the sores caused by genital herpes are distinctive and easily recognizable. If the diagnosis isn’t clear based on the symptoms, or if confirmation of the diagnosis is desired, then your healthcare provider can obtain fluid or scrapings from the sores and test to see whether the herpes virus is present. This can also reveal which strain of the herpes virus you have.
If you don’t currently have sores, a blood test can also be done. The test looks for antibodies against the herpes virus. This will reveal whether you have been infected by the virus. This test is available as part of standard %STD testing%.
People who have herpes are at higher risk for getting certain other STDs. That’s because the herpes sores cause irritation and small breaks in the skin, allowing other bacteria and viruses to enter more easily. If you have herpes, you should be certain to get regular %STD testing in Singapore%. This is important to keep you and your sexual partners safe. How often you need testing depends on your risk factors. At your appointment for STD testing in Singapore, you can discuss with your healthcare provider when you need to come back for your next screening.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 19 May 2016. Accessed 14 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Diseases and conditions – genital herpes.” Mayo Clinic. Published 21 May 2014. Accessed 14 Jun 2016. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/basics/causes/con-20020893
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Genital Herpes Screening FAQ.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 9 Apr 2015. Accessed 14 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/screening.htm
References
Genital at Shim Clinic, Singapore