Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease passed from skin to skin sexual contact. If you think you have been exposed to the virus, it is a good idea to visit a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. Many people do not get diagnosed with ******* herpes because oftentimes the virus is not accompanied by symptoms, or the symptoms can easily and frequently get mistaken for other conditions. This lack of diagnosis, of course, leads to the high numbers of ******* herpes cases.

 

If you experience the following symptoms and/or believe that you have been exposed to the ******* herpes virus, you may want to consider going to get tested by your physician or at a sexual health clinic.

 

*Flu-like symptoms: fever, aches and soreness, swollen lymph nodes

*Tingling, itching, burning or pain in the ******* area

* Appearance of painful red spots, which, within a day or two, develop into clear, fluid-filled blisters

* Painful urination

*Abnormal ******* secretions

 

The best time to go to the doctor or clinic for herpes testing is when you first experience any of these symptoms, because a visual diagnosis may be made. ******* herpes can be caused by either herpes type 1 or type 2, so other testing besides a visual diagnosis is necessary to determine the exact type of herpes virus that you have.

 

Upon your doctor visit, you can expect to first be given a medical survey which will provide information about your medical history: general health, previous conditions and current and previous symptoms. This evaluation will probably include questions about your personal life, like how recently you participated in sexual activity, whether you used condoms, if you have had an STD before and if you have any reason to believe that you have been in contact with herpes. Answering these questions as candidly and truthfully as possible will help the physician in evaluating the chance that you have been infected.

 

Next, to verify HSV diagnosis, the doctor may suggest one or more tests (a swab test or a blood test) to conclude whether you have HSV-1 or HSV-2. Type 1 is the virus more usually associated with ****** herpes, while HSV-2 typically causes ******* herpes, although cross-infection can occur. Knowing which virus you have helps determine protocol for future outbreaks. You may need to schedule another appointment to get blood work. Once blood work is done, the doctor will discuss the results with you.

 

Once you are diagnosed, it is common to be shocked or nervous. You may wan tot schedule a follow-up appointment just to discuss the implications of your ******* herpes diagnosis. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor after diagnosis is confirmed:

 

* How did I contract ******* herpes?

* How often can I expect outbreaks?

* How can I identify a ******* herpes outbreak?

* Can I prevent future outbreaks?

* What are my options for treatment?

* How can I decrease the chance of spreading herpes to my sexual partner?

* Will I be able to have *** without infecting my partner?

* How does ******* herpes differ from cold sores/facial herpes?

* What are additional resources?

* Are there any support groups in my area?

 

Once you have discussed this with your physician, you should ask him/her about treatments that can reduce herpes outbreaks. Natural treatments have proven to be very affordable and lack the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs.