Herpes is a very common condition that affects an estimated one in five people in the United States. However, it is believed that up to 90 percent of people do not realize they have genital herpes. You may wonder how you can have herpes without knowing it, but this is very common. In many cases, people have very mild symptoms that are often mistaken for another condition or missed altogether.
One of the most frustrating aspects of herpes is that the symptoms can vary so widely from person to person. This is why we recommend you come into Urgentology Care for sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing. If you notice any lesions or other marks that you have not seen before, we encourage you to come into our urgent care clinic to be tested for herpes.
Schedule a same-day appointment at Urgentology Care for herpes diagnosis and treatment in Arlington.
Diagnosing Herpes
Genital herpes is an STD that is caused by either the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both genital herpes and oral herpes can be spread through saliva, either in a sexual context or during childhood because of non-sexual contact with saliva. In the United States, genital herpes is extremely common, with more than one out of every six people between the ages of 14 and 49 contracting the virus.
There are several different ways in which herpes are diagnosed. In some cases, your Urgentology Care healthcare provider may be able to diagnose herpes by looking at your symptoms. We often take samples from the sores people have and test them or use a blood test to check for any herpes antibodies. We understand that this can be a very sensitive subject, but we encourage you to discuss your health, sexual activity, and any concerns with your healthcare provider openly and honestly.
Symptoms of Herpes
Both HSV types of herpes can result in blistery, red sores. However, there are some differences in the other symptoms.
HSV-1 symptoms
If you have HSV-1 herpes, the infection will likely start with sores on the lips or inside the mouth. These first symptoms may also develop in the genital region if the virus was transferred during oral sex. This virus can take anywhere from one to 26 days for the symptoms to appear.
Other signs include:
- Raised, reddish areas on the skin
- A group of fluid-filled blisters on a red area of skin
- Blisters that develop with a crust on them
HSV-2 symptoms
HSV-2 herpes does not always carry symptoms, especially in men. If a person does show symptoms, they usually include pain in and around the penis or vagina. Many people report this pain worsens with urination or during sexual activity. There may be sores that are red, fluid-filled, or crusty. With this type of herpes, these sores may develop, go away, and recur for years if left untreated.
Treating Herpes
Typically, herpes does not go away completely, often appearing and resolving from time to time. When it comes to treating herpes, we focus on helping patients find relief and becoming more comfortable. If you have HSV-2, it is important that the virus is not spread to other partners or newborns.
If you have shown any of the above symptoms or fear you may have herpes, please come into Urgentology Care or call us at (817) 799-7273 today.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is it normal to have no symptoms with herpes?
Yes, it is quite common for individuals with herpes not to exhibit any visible symptoms. Many people are unaware they are carrying the virus because the signs can be incredibly mild or mistaken for other conditions. This nature of herpes makes regular screenings at Urgentology Care important, especially for sexually active individuals in Arlington and nearby areas. Early detection can help in managing transmission risks to partners and in maintaining personal health.
What should I do if I think I have been exposed to herpes?
If you believe you have been exposed to herpes, it’s essential to act quickly. We recommend scheduling an appointment at Urgentology Care as soon as possible. When you come in for testing, our healthcare team will discuss your symptoms, potential exposure, and any concerns you may have. It's important to communicate openly about your sexual history and health for an accurate diagnosis. Early testing and treatment can significantly reduce risks associated with herpes.
