Genital herpes is an STD that causes sores to appear on the genitals. The sores make the transmission of HIV more likely, because they give the HIV virus access to the bloodstream. A regular HIV test should be considered by anyone with herpes.
Genital herpes is a common STD that causes painful sores to appear on the genitals. It’s caused by a virus called the herpes simplex virus, or HSV. This virus can also infect the mucous membranes of the mouth, where it causes “cold sores.” HSV can be passed between the genitals of two partners during intercourse, or between the genitals and the mouth during oral sex. There are two types of HSV, and both types are able to cause infections in either the genitals or the mouth. Infections of the anal area can also occur, and are passed by anal sex.
Like some other viral STDs (including HIV and hepatitis B), %genital herpes% cannot be cured. HSV lies dormant inside the nerve cells, where it can remain for life. It can reactivate in the future and cause new sores to appear. It’s very difficult to predict when a new outbreak will happen, although the outbreaks do tend to become less frequent over time.
Having genital herpes affects your risk of contracting HIV. The sores of herpes irritate the mucous membranes of the genitals, and can cause bleeding. This irritation increases the risk that HIV will be able to access your bloodstream, where it sets up a long-term infection. People who have active genital herpes sores when an HIV exposure occurs have been shown to be at an increased risk of contracting HIV from that exposure.
If you have genital herpes, you should be vigilant about protecting yourself from HIV. You may also want to consider having an %HIV test% on a regular basis. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that those who have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted disease get an HIV test at least once a year. Sexually active gay and bisexual men should consider being tested more frequently, particularly if they also have genital herpes.
An STD clinic is a good place to obtain an %HIV test in Singapore%. STD clinics have the HIV test readily available, and can also test for any other STDs if necessary. Additionally, the clinic will protect your privacy regardless of the results of the test. Many people fear getting an HIV test, because they don’t want others to be told about their status if the test is positive. An STD clinic in Singapore will use discretion, so you don’t have to worry.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 19 May 2016. Accessed 13 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 13 Jun 2016. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/basics/causes/con-20020893
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “HIV Basics – Testing.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 5 May 2016. Accessed 13 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
References
Genital at Shim Clinic, Singapore