Diagnosing Genital Herpes

Diagnosing the genital herpes std properly and accurately is an important issue for the sexual health of all people. Genital herpes is an incurable infection that causes recurrence of painful sores in the genital region, and is said to make those infected with HSV-2 as much as two to three more times likely to contract HIV which is the viral cause of AIDS. Review other genital herpes complications here The Herpes STD caused by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) continues to exist at a high level in the U.S. population. The United States CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has recently released a CDC Report outlining the results of a 2006-2008 study that indicated the prevalence of HSV-2 in 16.2 percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 49. Furthermore, the disease evidently burdens African-Americans at a higher rate (39.2%) and African-American women even more (48%), with women in general at higher risk than men due to physiological factors.

Why is Diagnosing Genital Herpes Important?

The CDC study shows that the prevalence of genital herpes has remained at the current high level over the past few years after a steady rise during the 1970-2000 time frame. The main reason for the the continuing high rate of infection is that most who have the disease are unaware of their infection. This is caused by the fact that most people are either unaware of the nature of the symptoms, or that the symptoms of genital herpes that they experience are too mild, or may be confused with other diseases or conditions. It is important that the general population become more aware of herpes symptoms and the means of herpes transmission to help control the rate of HSV-2 infection, and reduce the possibility of transmitting it to others. This is why diagnosing genital herpes is important

How is Diagnosing Genital Herpes Done?

  Diagnosing Genital Herpes Diagnosing herpes simplex can be done by medical practitioners by visual observation when active sores or blisters are present. Final diagnosis can be confirmed by culture, and by serology, or a herpes blood test. It is more difficult to diagnose HSV-2 when no active symptoms or sores are present, but can be more reliably accomplished using a test for HSV-2 specific antibodies in the blood serum. This test is effective because those who have previously acquired HSV-2 develop the antibodies over time. The test is likely less reliable within the first 2-3 weeks of exposure to a possible infection when no symptoms have been experience, because the antibodies have not yet developed. These newer blood assays that test specifically for HSV-2 antibodies are the most reliable, and are now available at most clinics and Doctors' offices. It is important that you ask for the type specific HSV-2 herpes blood test, as it can provide reliable results in a very short period of time. Diagnosing genital herpes is very important to your sexual health, as well as that of your partner. CleanMyPC registry cleaner

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