Keeping America STD Free! Herpes Testing and Your Neighborhood Clinic

There are over twenty five separate diseases that qualify as STDs. Sexually transmitted diseases are a huge problem in America. Huge. It is approximated that one in three people are positive for the virus that causes herpes. Think about that number. It's truly mind blowing. And yet on we go with our lives, only casually thinking about statistics such as these. Maybe that's a good thing. Maybe it's the only way to get from one day to the next. Another way to live stress free is to receive STD testing on a regular basis as to make sure we are healthy or at least keeping our infection in check with good healthy living and medicine.

Of all the STDs in America-and the world at large-there's a good argument to be made that herpes is one of the worst non-potentially fatal ones. Why? Well, while suffering through an outbreak it is possible that the world will know. Other diseases are not so obvious. With herpes, it is very possible that you will be wearing your infection on your sleeve, so to speak. Sort of like a twenty first century scarlet letter. And really, who wants that in their life? This is just one reason why testing is so important. Once one knows one's status, they can do their best to keep the illness from rearing its-quite frankly-ugly head.

Let's break it down, shall we? What exactly is it we are discussing when we discuss herpes? Herpes is a viral infection that includes a large variety of strains. For instance, how many people realize that chicken pox are a strain of herpes? What about shingles? Shingles are a strain of herpes, as well. However, today, when people discuss herpes, they are usually referring to two other distinct strains. And quick and easy testing is available for both.

The first one is called HSV 1 (herpes simplex virus 1). This strain is commonly known as oral herpes because it concentrates its symptoms in and adjacent-to the mouth. HSV 2 is generally known as genital herpes, as its symptoms are generally concentrated around the genital area, both inside and outside. This can include the shaft of the penis, the head of the penis, the outer or inner lips of the vagina and anywhere else "below the belt." Again, thankfully, testing is available at any certified STD clinic for these two rather popular strains of herpes.

What about the symptoms associated with herpes? There is no one exact science when it comes to symptoms. Symptoms vary in each and every individual. Sometimes, symptoms almost seem nonexistent. Although this is rare, it does occur and is another very good reason why testing is so important. Let's look at the common traits of the symptoms of herpes. The early, or first outbreaks, are typically more severe than the latter ones. Basically, as the disease matures in your system for longer and longer, the outbreaks become less and less severe. This is done very slowly. Do not believe that after several outbreaks the symptoms will no longer be obvious. This is just not the case.

Symptoms occur very quickly after infection takes place. In fact, be on the lookout for symptoms to appear just two to three days after initial contact takes place. These symptoms may be mild and difficult to detect, but the infected area of the body-either around your mouth or around your genital region-may be itchy, burning or tingly. This is followed by an outbreak of red blisters. Once these blisters break, they scab over, forming quite painful sores.

During this part of the infection you are very contagious. Be aware that even though the visible sores are such a big part of this virus that it is possible to infect someone else with herpes even when there are no sores present. It's hard to believe, but it's very true. Herpes test is the only way to definitively find out if you are infected with herpes. If the test comes back positive, there are many things you can do to protect against spreading the infection.

What about STD testing? Well, there are different means of testing available. These include a herpes viral culture, the herpes virus antigen test, and the polymerase chain reaction test. Only a certified STD clinic can recommend the right test for you. Whether testing the sore or a quick and easy blood test, results for herpes testing are highly accurate.

For those of us that who live in NYC there is an easily accessible certified NYC STD testing available to see new patients quickly-just log onto herpes testing NYC for more information. The clinic is located just several blocks from Grand Central Station and is highly professional and discreet. Call 1-212-696-5900 to arrange an appointment today. Let's keep America as healthy as possible.

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Protecting Against Herpes - Testing Is the First Step

Remember that movie named Mask with Cher and the kid with the elephant man disease? Geez, imagine being born that way and having to face the world each and every day with a disfigured face? Imagine the heartache and pain that this poor kid suffered? Obviously, having a herpes sore on your lip is nowhere near the existential agony that this poor kid had to go through, but some people infected with herpes do feel ostracized and singled-out for comments and ridicule. If you are engaging in any form of sexual activity, remember how important regular and routine testing is to keeping yourself as healthy and happy as possible.

Why put yourself in the position of having your behavior written on your body for all to see? There's no good reason, especially when STD clinics are so up-to-date and good at what they do; that is, testing and treating all forms of sexual illness. Growing up with a cold sore breaking out once a year was bad enough. Feigning illness as to not go to school, embarrassed at the crass remarks that would be hurled your way. T'was a tad torturous, to tell the truth.

For anyone engaging in sex, listen up. It's time to take the bull by the horns and get responsible for your health. Sure, at the beginning of your sex life it's hard to see that this comes with the territory. But it does and you're better off realizing that now, before you become infected with something like herpes that can change your life forever.

Genital herpes is something that cannot be hidden from a lover. They are also unsightly and painful. STD testing on a regular basis can keep you abreast of your health situation and alert you to any detrimental disease that you may have acquired during your sexual shenanigans. You owe it to your lover-if not yourself-to make sure that you are as healthy as possible. Protection is the way to go. But too many times, too many of us neglect that fact when in the throes of passion (ie: horny!)

Let's take a look at herpes and their diagnosis and treatment:

What are herpes exactly? Well, herpes is a collection of similar viruses (remember that viruses CANNOT be cured but only kept under control). The most common herpes viruses are HSV 1 and HSV 2. The HSV stands for "Herpes Simplex Virus" with the former being oral herpes and latter being genital herpes.

What are the symptoms? As mentioned earlier in this article, the symptoms are a series of blisters that break and scab over causing painful sores.

Does everyone who is infected show signs and symptoms? Surprisingly the answer to this question is "no." Many people are infected with the virus and do not break out in sores. These infected individuals may still infect others who WILL break out in sores. This is another reason why herpes testing so important for everyone having sexual relations.

What is the testing procedure? There are several different tests for herpes. They include the herpes viral culture, the herpes antigen test and the polymerase chain reaction test. It may all sound very confusing but it is not. Still, it is only at a certified STD Clinic that the doctor can choose the best test for you, administer it, and get you the results quickly. If you test positive the doctor can offer the best choice of treatment, as well.

What are the treatments? Again, because herpes is a virus and not bacteria, once you are infected, there is no getting rid of it totally. The best a doctor can do is to keep your symptoms (the painful sores) from forming with any regularity. Thankfully, there are medicines available today that make this possible.

For those of you located in the NYC area, log onto Herpes testing NYC to arrange and appointment with this discreet and highly regarded STD Clinic Dial 1-212-696-5900 for more information and remember that testing for all STDs is your best bet for remaining healthy and happy.

Testing For Herpes - The Responsible Thing To Do

Sometimes testing is not needed to know what the results are going to be. Unfortunately, with herpes this is often times very true. There are tons of STDs out there and many of us have acquired one or two throughout our lifetime. Herpes is one of the most obvious and in many ways one of the worst.

You wear the symptoms outwardly. There is no hiding oral herpes. When an outbreak is flaring you have very little recourse. There is a spotlight on you. This can be devastating. We all need to be close to people. It's just a human thing. No changing it. Herpes is a deal breaker with many potential mates. Testing for it will not change the facts, but it will give you the upper hand when deciding to get help.

Having a breakout of genital herpes can be hidden. Even while in the midst of an outbreak it is possible to date, to get close to a potential significant other. Yet at the end of the night things change. What are your options? You can close the lights and engage in sexual intercourse without disclosing your status, this is true. But this course of action only adds another level to your general unhealthiness. Lying to a lover adds detrimental layers to an individual's psyche.

It will also last only so long. If you were to get serious with this person they would find out eventually. At this point you have signaled that you are not to be trusted by omitting this serious issue. There may be no way to rebuild the trust.

Herpes is not the end of the world. It is just another one of the challenges that life seems to dole out so frequently. Testing in the early stages of your sexual life is a great way to get the facts, know your status and proceed from that point. Herpes has a stigma. For that there is no doubt. Let us take a brief look at herpes, its symptoms and treatments.

Herpes

It seems like the word is everywhere in the media. It is also a term that is frequently used as an insult. There are many types of herpes. These include illnesses like chicken pox and shingles. But the word herpes is commonly used to describe just two of its incarnations- HSV 1 and HSV 2.

HSV 1 is typically referred to as oral herpes. It is the cold sore that millions of Americans suffer from. HSV 2 is more commonly known as genital herpes and that is when the sores and blisters break out down under the belt line. They are unsightly and many times painful.

Infection occurs when the skin of a negative person comes in contact with the skin of a positive person. It is obviously much easier to pass the virus to another person when an outbreak is flaring, but it is also possible to catch the virus from what looks like a healthy pair of lips (or genitals).

Testing is quick and easy and so important to all of us engaging in any form of sexual activity. It does not take full-on intercourse to pass on this virus. Safe sex should be applied to all forms of sexual relations, including oral and anal sex. Sometimes-believe it or not-potential pregnancy is not the most important detail when it comes to using condoms.

The testing procedure usually consists of swabbing the infected area and testing the swabbing implement for traces of the virus. Other times testing is done when it is completely obvious to the doctor - and the patient - what it is they're dealing with. If you are someone who engages in sexual activities, testing should be done on a regular basis. Responsibility is an important aspect of sex.

If you are ready to get responsible for your health and happen to live in the New York City area log onto Herpes testing NYC and arrange to get started on your testing. It is a certified STD clinic and is located just two blocks from Grand Central Station, making it easy to get to by bus or train. If you'd like more information than the website can provide, or if you'd like to arrange an appointment, simply dial 1-212-696-5900 and get it done. Testing makes sense.

The Debate Over Testing for Herpes

When reading through the news headlines this past couple of days, I came upon an article on sexually-transmitted disease testing wherein a doctor made comments suggesting that it's virtually useless to screen for the herpes virus. Per Dr. Bradley Stoner of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, professional medical testing for the herpes virus is so unreliable (providing false negatives at a number far surpassing lab tests for other types of STDs) that it's effectively useless, unless of course, you are already experiencing repeated outbreaks of blisters and lesions. In this case, the screening would be performed solely to make sure that you have HSV-2 instead of something else. Stoner finished his statement by stating, "Other than that, I probably would not screen for herpes - the waters are just too murky."

This kind of statement was unexpected considering the majority of studies show the blood test for the herpes simplex virus to be approximately 90% effective at diagnosing infections. Stoner's remarks became even more perplexing once I stopped by the website of the ASHA (American Social Health Association) - the very organization for which Stoner acts as a spokesperson. Per the ASHA, there are a handful of FDA-approved blood tests that have been proven to be extremely successful at identifying the herpes simplex virus in patients.

Is There a Debate About Whether to Test for Herpes?

Given the contradictory statements from Stoner's very own agency, along with the absence of corraboration for his position from other experts, it looks like the doctor is the minority in his viewpoint that no test for herpes is effective enough to be worth taking. However, his assertion would have been entirely consistent with opinions stated by other researchers if he had explained that, apart from the handful of FDA-approved blood tests that test for glycoprotein, or gG, no other herpes tests are reliable enough to be utilized for diagnosis.

The Final Word - Is it Worth it to Test for Herpes?

Even though herpes tests are known for being unreliable, with the majority producing an unacceptably excessive volume of false-negative results, there is nevertheless a better case to be presented for being tested than there is for eschewing it. In spite of less-dependable tests like culture swabs and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests failing to properly diagnose infection in as many as 30% of cases, they still present the possibility for millions of herpes-infected people to place themselves on the path to treatment.

Devin Brindinshire's site http://www.herpessymptoms-inmen.com/ deals with diagnosis and treatment of oral and genital herpes in men, as well as other issues related to the herpes simplex virus.

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