Know if you have herpes

Video: Herpes (oral & genital) - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Content

To step
Method 1 of 3: Risk factors
Method 2 of 3: Symptoms
Method 3 of 3: The doctor's diagnosis
Tips
Necessities

The herpes simplex virus is a sexually transmitted disease that is common in the Netherlands and other countries. Although doctors can manage the symptoms, reduce the pain, and reduce the chance that you will spread the infection, the condition cannot be cured. Genital herpes, if not treated, can: spread the disease, infect babies during delivery, cause cystitis, cause rectal inflammation, and in severe cases even lead to meningitis. You can find out if you have herpes by analyzing risky behavior, recognizing the symptoms, and having an STI test. Read on to learn about the symptoms of herpes and how to diagnose herpes if you do.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Risk factors

Realize that many people can have genital herpes for a long time without showing any symptoms. Risky behavior can determine whether you need to undergo a test. This can suppress the symptoms and prevent spreading the infection.
See if you have recently had unsafe sex. Acting sexually puts you at the highest risk of contracting HSV-2. Even with safe sex, herpes can spread, especially if there is an outbreak.
See if you've had many different sexual partners in the recent past. Herpes can be contracted both orally and through sexual intercourse.
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are considered genital herpes, but HSV-1 is more common on the lips and mouth. Although HSV-2 is mainly contracted through the genitals, HSV-1 can spread genitally through oral sex.
As a woman, raise your awareness. Genital herpes is more commonly passed from man to woman.
- In the United States, 1 in 5 women has genital herpes, while only 1 in 9 men contract the disease.

Method 2 of 3: Symptoms

Start looking for symptoms about two weeks after contracting this sexually transmitted disease. It may take time for the first outbreak to develop, but it is generally more severe than subsequent outbreaks.
After sexual contact, look for redness and itching near the genitals and around the mouth.
Look for blisters on and around the genitals. The blisters will be filled with a straw-colored substance. If they break open they can become sores.
- In women, the blisters can appear on the labia, vagina, anus, cervix, buttocks, and thighs. The sores generally heal within one to two weeks.
- On men, blisters generally appear on the scrotum, penis, buttocks and thighs.
Also look for extra blisters on the lips, mouth, eyes, tongue, and other parts of the body. You may get a tingling sensation on the area before the blister appears.
Watch for painful urination. Urinating during an outbreak can be very painful. In some cases, women may not even be able to empty their bladder and should seek medical attention to urinate.
Pay attention to vaginal discharge if you are a woman.
Recognize the symptoms of the flu as systemic signs of the infection. Fever, muscle pain, decreased appetite, and fatigue are all symptoms of the infection.
Understand that outbreaks are more likely to occur during periods, stress, illness, and fatigue. Go to the doctor if you experience your first outbreak.

Method 3 of 3: The doctor's diagnosis

Schedule an STI test at a local clinic or your doctor.
Prepare for a blood test. This examination cannot determine which type of HSV you have contracted. However, it can determine if you have had an outbreak before, even if you are not experiencing the systemic effects or blistering now.
Visit the doctor during an outbreak. The doctor can take a culture from the open blisters to test for HSV.
Get a DNA test if you need to know if you have contracted HSV-1 or HSV-2. This test may use blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or tissue close to an ulcer. This is the most expensive option.
If you test positive for the virus, ask for a prescription for an antiviral herpes medication. Prescribed medications can suppress the virus and its symptoms. It lowers the risk of spreading the virus to others.

Tips

Discuss the diagnosis of herpes with sexual partners. Talking to your partners is the best way to limit outbreaks and minimize the risk of the virus spreading.