Question 1

What is Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2)?

Accepted Answer

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) is a sexually transmitted infection that primarily causes genital herpes characterized by painful blisters and sores in the genital region. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2, which remains dormant in nerve cells after initial infection and can reactivate periodically. The Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (IgG) Type-Specific Antibody test is the most important test for diagnosis as it detects antibodies confirming past or current infection even when symptoms are absent.

Question 2

What causes HSV-2 infection?

Accepted Answer

HSV-2 infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2, which spreads through sexual contact including vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. The virus enters the body through small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes in the genital area. Once infected, the virus travels to nerve cells where it remains dormant and can reactivate throughout a person's lifetime, causing recurrent outbreaks of genital sores and blisters.

Question 3

What is the best test for HSV-2?

Accepted Answer

The Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (IgG) Type-Specific Antibody test is the most important test for HSV-2 because it detects IgG antibodies that are specific only to HSV-2, distinguishing it from HSV-1 which typically causes oral herpes. This blood test provides reliable results even when you have no visible symptoms or between outbreaks, making it essential for accurate diagnosis. The test confirms whether your immune system has encountered HSV-2 at any point, allowing you to know your status, make informed decisions about treatment, and take steps to prevent transmission to sexual partners.

Question 4

When should I get tested for HSV-2?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have experienced painful blisters or sores in the genital area, notice unusual bumps or tingling sensations before outbreaks, have had unprotected sex with a new or multiple partners, or if a sexual partner has been diagnosed with genital herpes. Testing is also important if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, as HSV-2 can be transmitted to newborns during delivery. Many people with HSV-2 have no symptoms or very mild symptoms, so testing provides peace of mind and helps prevent unknowingly transmitting the virus to others.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of HSV-2?

Accepted Answer

HSV-2 symptoms include painful blisters or open sores in the genital or anal area, itching or tingling sensations before blisters appear, painful urination, and flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes during the first outbreak. Many people experience mild symptoms that they may mistake for something else like ingrown hairs or pimples. After the initial outbreak, the virus remains dormant and can reactivate causing recurrent but typically less severe outbreaks throughout life.

Question 6

Who is at risk for HSV-2?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for HSV-2, but certain factors increase your risk including having multiple sexual partners, having unprotected sex, having other sexually transmitted infections, and being female (women are more biologically susceptible to infection). People with weakened immune systems and those who became sexually active at a young age also face higher risk. HSV-2 can be transmitted even when an infected person has no visible symptoms or sores, making it important to have open conversations with partners about STI status.

Question 7

What happens if HSV-2 is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated HSV-2 can lead to frequent and painful recurrent outbreaks that significantly impact quality of life and sexual relationships. The infection increases your risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV because the open sores provide an entry point for the virus. In rare cases, HSV-2 can spread to other parts of the body including the eyes causing vision problems, or the brain causing encephalitis. Pregnant women with untreated HSV-2 risk transmitting the virus to their baby during delivery, which can cause serious neurological damage or even death in newborns.

Question 8

Can HSV-2 be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HSV-2 can be accurately diagnosed with a blood test that detects type-specific IgG antibodies to the herpes simplex virus type 2. Blood testing is especially valuable because it can confirm HSV-2 infection even when you have no symptoms, between outbreaks, or if you have only had mild symptoms that went unnoticed. The type-specific antibody test distinguishes HSV-2 from HSV-1, providing clear confirmation of genital herpes infection and allowing you to make informed decisions about treatment and preventing transmission to partners.

Question 9

How is HSV-2 treated?

Accepted Answer

HSV-2 is treated with antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir that reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks, speed healing of sores, and lower the risk of transmission to partners. For people with frequent outbreaks, daily suppressive therapy can prevent or reduce recurrences. While these medications cannot cure HSV-2 or eliminate the virus from your body, they effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Your healthcare provider will recommend the best treatment approach based on your outbreak frequency and severity.

Question 10

How can I prevent HSV-2?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent HSV-2 by using latex condoms correctly and consistently during all sexual activity, though condoms do not provide complete protection since the virus can be present on skin not covered by a condom. Limiting your number of sexual partners, having open conversations about STI status before sexual contact, and getting tested regularly reduce your risk. If you have HSV-2, taking daily antiviral suppressive therapy significantly reduces transmission risk to uninfected partners, and avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks when the virus is most contagious is essential.

Question 11

What can I do at home for HSV-2?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can manage HSV-2 outbreaks by keeping the affected area clean and dry, taking warm baths with Epsom salts to soothe pain, and wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear to reduce irritation. Apply cool compresses to blisters, avoid touching sores to prevent spreading the virus to other body parts, and manage stress through adequate sleep, exercise, and relaxation techniques since stress can trigger outbreaks. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with discomfort, and maintaining a healthy immune system through good nutrition and avoiding triggers like excessive sun exposure or illness may reduce outbreak frequency.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HSV-2 (Genital Herpes) Blood Test

What is Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2)?

What causes HSV-2 infection?

What is the best test for HSV-2?

When should I get tested for HSV-2?

References

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