Testing for genital herpes

Routine Testing Discouraged

United States health officials have expressed concerns and say that the highlighted groups should refrain from regular tests for genital herpes. The expectant mothers, even if signs and symptoms of the sexually transmitted disease are not showing, should equally keep off, for the protection of the unborn baby as well.

This is recommendation was released by the United States Preventive Services Task Force and confirms what had been published in 2005.

Early identification does not affect disease course

After having analyzed already researched on evidence, the task force made the conclusion that the dangers that accompany screening surpass the merits. Genital herpes blood test screening is hugely inaccurate while the cure is yet to be discovered. Thus, the group argues that screening, early identification and treatment have zero impact on the direction taken by the disease.

The recommendation was published online Dec. 20 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. This task force is composed nationwide personnel who are well versed with prevention and evidence-based medicine.

Ann Kurth, a member of the task force, said in a news release from the panel that "Because current screening methods are often inaccurate, harms of screening include high false-positive rates and potential anxiety and disruption of personal relationships related to diagnosis.” Kurth is dean of the Yale School of Nursing in New Haven, Conn.

Her sentiments were supported by Dr. Maureen Phipps who is chairwoman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology and an assistant dean at Brown University's Medical School in Providence, R.I.

She said that "People who are concerned about their personal risk or are experiencing signs and symptoms of genital herpes should talk to their primary care clinician. This is especially true for women who are pregnant because clinicians can help women who have genital herpes minimize the chance of passing this on to their babies.”

How to know you have genital herpes

What the experts have discouraged is not testing for genital herpes but rather routine tests. The only sure way to know you have the virus is to go for a medical checkup if you suspect the signs and symptoms.

Common STDs like Genital herpes is a silent disease thus it is possible for you to carry it even without you or your partner knowing. Then one thing to be aware of is that you may have more than one STI at the same time. For that matter, go for a check-up under the following circumstances:

• You recently had unprotected sex with a new partner
• You or your partner or both of you feel have the symptoms
• You have a second STD
• You are pregnant or have plans to get pregnant
• Your sexual partner informs you they have an STD

The check-up for herpes is important as it may put you at the risk of either contracting HIV or passing the virus on.

You can have a check-up for herpes as soon as you have signs or symptoms. There is no routine test for genital herpes if you do not have signs or symptoms.