How To Diagnose Herpes

Need to learn how to diagnose herpes? Herpes, like any sexually transmitted disease, is a scary subject. While we'd all like to think it won't happen to us, the fact is it could. Read on to find out how to diagnose the herpes simplex virus.

Things you'll need:

• Doctor's appointment

1. Have a clinical exam. If you think you may have herpes, go to your doctor's office for a clinical examination. Although this is certainly not foolproof, as sores may not be present and redness can have other causes, this is the first step to take to diagnose herpes.
2. Get a viral culture. Have your primary physician do a viral culture to see if you have herpes and also ask your doctor that it be typed so you know what strain of herpes you have, if any. Sometimes herpes HSV1 causes cold sores on the mouth, while herpes HSV2 involves the genital area. However, both herpes simplex viruses can infect both the mouth and the genitals.
3. Have a blood test. Get a blood test at your doctor's office in order to diagnose herpes. Be aware, however, that the virus may not show up in a blood test for three to four months after you've become infected.

Tips:

• Consult your physician as soon as you become aware that you may have been exposed to the herpes virus and then go from there.
• Testing is the only way to know for sure whether you've become infected with herpes. 
• Any sexual partners you've had should also be tested for herpes.