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Herpes simplex virus and HPV, short for human papillomavirus, are two common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Regular screenings for these STDs can help catch any potential issues early and reduce spreading them to other people. Read on to find out the best ways to get tested, everything you need to know about home testing, and what the results mean.
Key Takeaways
- HPV and herpes, both common STDs, are caused by different viruses and have distinct symptoms.
- Regular screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HPV and herpes is important for early detection and treatment.
- Today, at-home testing kits are available for such STIs.
- Those who are sexually active, particularly women over 30, should consider regular HPV screenings as they can catch the virus before symptoms appear.
- The CDC recommends testing for herpes when you notice genital symptoms, if a sexual partner has recently been diagnosed with herpes, or you want a complete STD screening.
- Tests like viral culture and PCR are reliable methods for herpes testing.
Is HPV the same as herpes?
Two common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are HPV and herpes. Both are caused by viruses and are spread through sexual contact. They can both cause sores and lesions, but they are different in many ways. Below, we’ll delve into the differences of HPV and herpes.
What is HPV?
HPV, short for human papillomavirus, is a common virus, affecting millions of people worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that about 43 million people in the United States currently have an active HPV infection, with approximately 13 million people getting a new HPV infection every year. This virus notably leads to genital warts in some people, while often showing no symptoms in others. Sometimes the lesions are internal.
The HPV infection spreads primarily through sexual contact. So if you've had a single partner or multiple sex partners, you're at risk of contracting HPV. It’s important to get regular screening for HPV because it can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
There are many different strains of HPV. HPV testing is designed to detect the strains that are more likely to lead to cervical cancer. These high-risk strains could raise your risk of developing cancer.
What is herpes?
Herpes can cause painful lesions near your genitals or in your mouth. Once you catch it, it will never go away, but it can be dormant (inactive) for years. Generally, there are two types of herpes—HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 usually leads to oral herpes, causing cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth. It's usually spread by non-sexual contact with saliva. However, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes through oral sexual contact.
HSV-2, on the other hand, is the most common cause behind genital herpes. It's predominantly spread via sexual contact with an infected person. Since HSV-2 could also spread to the mouth causing oral herpes through oral sex, staying informed about both your and your sexual partner's HSV status is important to your health.
When should I get an HPV test?
If you're sexually active, you should consider regular HPV screenings. These tests, often done during a routine Pap smear, can catch HPV before symptoms appear.
Keep in mind that an HPV infection doesn't always cause symptoms, making it one of the more insidious STDs. Signs like genital warts may only appear weeks or even years after sexual contact with an infected partner. Regular screenings help ensure that you don't unknowingly spread the virus.
It is recommended that women over 30 have regular HPV screening. This is largely because high-risk strains of HPV are a leading cause of cervical cancer. An HPV test acts as a powerful tool for disease prevention.
Of course, the frequency of testing should be personalized to your health condition and lifestyle. Your primary care provider will suggest frequency based on factors like age, sexual activity, and previous test results.
It’s important to keep in mind that if you’ve gotten the HPV vaccine, it doesn't rule out the need for regular HPV testing. The vaccine shields against certain strains, yet not all.
Who should consider getting tested for herpes?
Being sexually active, you might wonder if it's time for an STD test, particularly for herpes.
The CDC offers guidance on when and who should get tested. While routine herpes testing isn't recommended, there are generally three scenarios that require testing:
- Noticing genital symptoms, such as sores or painful urination.
- If a sexual partner recently got diagnosed with herpes.
- When you want a complete STD examination.
Swab Test for HPV
HPV testing is typically done using a swab of your cervix during a pelvic exam. Once you're in position on the exam table, your healthcare professional will insert a speculum into your vagina. Doing so allows them to visualize the cervix, which is the primary location for collecting cell samples. They will then insert a swab to collect a sample of the tissue, which will be sent to a laboratory.
To improve the accuracy of the exam, take these precautions:
- Refrain from sex and the use of tampons two days before the scheduled test.
- Avoid douching or the use of vaginal medicines and birth control foams 48 hours prior.
- Ideally, schedule your HPV test while not menstruating.
Can I Take the Test at Home?
At-home HPV test kits have been developed and widely utilized. These kits are especially convenient, as they allow you to collect the necessary sample privately, without a pelvic exam or office visit.
Just keep in mind, while this approach is increasingly popular, there's one caveat to remember. Any test conducted on self-collected samples may not always yield completely accurate results compared to those taken by healthcare professionals.
However, should you choose to go this route, make sure to read the instructions carefully and prepare the specimen collection container as directed. Do remember, each kit may differ in its instructions, so preparation may vary accordingly.
Upon completion of the at-home testing, always consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the results and any necessary follow-up steps. This is important as even with a negative result, if you have symptoms, further tests might be needed. The same stands true with a positive result—your doctor might recommend additional testing to confirm.
HPV test results
Interpreting your HPV test results can be complex, and it can depend on the strain of HPV you have and your personal health history. Sometimes, your HPV test may identify high-risk strains such as HPV 16 or 18. If this happens, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy to examine the cervix and a biopsy to look for abnormal cells requiring treatment.
Studying these results should not be an alarming experience, especially given that the human papillomavirus is a common STD. For instance, a positive HPV test after previous negative results usually suggests a new HPV infection. Most new HPV infections lead to a negative result in six to 12 months. However, it doesn't always imply that your body has cleared the infection. The HPV virus can lay dormant and resurface in future test results. Depending on your estimated risk level, your provider may recommend more frequent testing.
Choosing the right genital herpes test
When it comes to selecting the appropriate genital herpes test, you should take into account several factors. If you're experiencing symptoms that you think may be herpes, a swab test will likely be the most effective test.
There are two main types of herpes tests: swab tests and blood tests. For swab tests, if you have active blisters, medical professionals will gently swab the area to collect a sample. There are two specific types of swab tests:
- Viral culture: Although it's not the most sensitive, it's often performed because it's somewhat low-cost.
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT): NAATs are highly sensitive tests that indicate the presence of the herpes virus.
However, if you don’t have any sores or if the sores have already healed, blood tests can detect herpes antibodies even when symptoms are absent.
Herpes Viral Culture (Swab) Test: How It Is Different from Others
The herpes viral culture test, often done via swab, is unique when compared to other STD tests. It is primarily aimed at people showing active herpes lesions, like blisters, sores, or ulcers on their skin.
During a viral culture test, a healthcare provider collects samples by scraping the base of the lesion (with a scalpel blade) or swabbing it with a cotton or Dacron swab. The collected material is then transferred to a microscope slide for examination.
There's also the Electron Microscopy method that collects lesion fluid, but this method is significantly less sensitive, predominantly yielding positive results with external lesions found on the body parts like buttocks or thighs.
Getting your results for herpes tests
You can expect test results within a few business days. Rapid blood tests may deliver results in as little as 15 minutes, while viral culture testing may take a few days.
The people who conducted the test should contact you to provide the results; alternatively, they may send the results electronically or by mail.
How accurate is the herpes test?
Viral culture tests are highly accurate during the early stage of a herpes outbreak, when sores are still forming. These swab tests not only indicate the presence of the herpes virus, but can also differentiate between herpes 1 and 2.
The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is another reliable herpes test option. It identifies the herpes DNA in your blood, a sore swab, or cerebrospinal fluid collected by a spinal tap.
You should keep in mind, though, that false positives occur with herpes testing. Factors, like recent infection or existing immunity to related viruses like chickenpox or mono, can impact the accuracy of the results depending upon the type of herpes test used.
The swab herpes culture test has a 0% chance of false positives. The commercially available herpes IgG test, however, has up to a 19% probability of false-positive results, particularly with a low positive number (less than 4). Notably, the Washington University HSV test, often cited as the gold standard blood test, claims almost zero false-positive likelihood.
What should I do if I test positive for herpes?
If you've tested positive for herpes, you should reach out to your healthcare provider or a public health professional for guidance. They should provide you with information on the treatment most suitable for you. Different sexual activity can increase or decrease your risk of transmitting herpes to your sexual partner. Therefore, understanding the links between herpes and your sexual practices is vital.
Your next step should be to talk to your sexual partners about your herpes status. Open communication with your sexual partners promotes sexual health and helps prevent the spread of this common STD. Remember, having a discussion about sexually transmitted diseases can be sensitive but it’s essential for disease control and proper health promotion.
Having regular check-ups with health professionals can help you track your herpes condition and the effectiveness of your STD treatment. This way, you can reduce any risk of further complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are PCR swabs for herpes?
PCR swab tests for herpes are highly accurate. If your results are positive, you can be certain that you have herpes.
Why isn't herpes included in regular STD testing?
Herpes isn't usually included in regular STD findings because a positive result only indicates exposure to the virus, not whether or not you will develop sores or where they might appear.
What is the most accurate herpes test?
NAAT methods with PCR are the most accurate for herpes, especially after 48 hours of symptom onset. Viral culture is less accurate, only being effective in about 30% of recurrent outbreaks
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