Caller: “Hello, I’d like to get tested for STD.”

Counselor: “Great! What would you like to get tested for?”

Caller: “STD.”

Counselor: “Well, there are many STDs you can get tested for. Were you concerned about something in particular or would you like to get tested for the 8 most common STDs?”

Caller: “There are more than one!?”

Seriously.  This is what happens when we don’t have widespread support for sex education in public schools.  We live in such a highly sexualized culture but, as a nation, our sexual health literacy is very low.  If parents aren’t teaching their children about general safe sex practice and infectious disease and our teachers aren’t teaching about preventative care, it’s no wonder we get basic questions like this on a daily basis.  What is an STD?  Why are they sometimes called STIs?  What’s safer sex?  Do I really need to get tested?  Doesn’t my doctor test me?

Unfortunately, no, your doctor is probably not testing you for STDs.  And, no, STD is not an STD.  When you have unprotected oral, vagina, or anal sex, you are putting yourself and others at risk for becoming infected with a variety of sexually transmitted diseases or STDs.

Caller: “I’m interested in getting tested for all STDs. What is in your panel?”

Counselor: “Our 8 Test Panel includes testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes, HIV, and Syphilis.

Caller: “Well, I won’t need the Chlamydia and Gonorrhea tests, because I am a man, right?”

Sigh.  Chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial infections that occur in both men and women. In fact, chlamydia and gonorrhea  are among the most common STDs by and large because they can be present without any obvious signs or symptoms.  People don’t know they are infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea and unknowingly pass the infection to their partner.

Caller: “I need to get tested for HIV/AIDS.”

Counselor: “Just HIV, or all STDs?”

Caller: “I thought the HIV test covered all STDs?”

Look — getting tested is the most important thing you can do at the beginning of a new relationship (or after!) to protect your health and the health of your partner. Get tested for all STDs so you know the complete status of your sexual health. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you aren’t sure what you need to test for. That is what we are here for – and we’ve heard it all!

• Get the facts on STDs.
• Get tested today.

BY GERALD PALMER

Our phones ring off the hook with questions about sexual health.  And we’re happy to answer.  Wonder about some of the most frequently asked questions?  Wonder no more.  This post is devoted to giving you the answers you’re looking for.  (We’ll write a post about the rarely asked questions later.  Those are good.)  Please remember, if you have a question, call us at (888) 215-9543 to speak with a counselor.  That’s what we’re here for.

Q: Can I be positive if I’ve never had symptoms?

A: Yes, you may be positive even if you aren’t having any symptoms.  For example, women rarely experience symptoms of chlamydia.  And most people who have genital herpes aren’t even aware they have it.

Q: What if we only had sex for a few seconds? Can I get anything?

A: Yes, sexually transmitted infections can spread through oral, vaginal or anal sex.  And, even if there was no actual penetration, STDs can spread through skin to skin contact, like genital herpes.   This can happen no matter how long the exposure lasts…even a few seconds.

Q: My roommate/friend just got diagnosed with herpes. Is it safe to use the same towel/cup/silverware?

A:  Herpes does not stay alive on objects.  It’s a fragile virus without a host.  So you can’t get herpes from sharing towels and cups.

Q: Can I get an STD from oral sex?

A: Flat out, yes. You can get an STD from giving or receiving oral sex. It’s a relatively lower risk activity for some of the infections, but we don’t see the point in detailing the relative risk level for each STD. Why take the chance at all? If you think it’s a small risk, it’s still a risk, right?

Q: Why can’t I get a prescription if I already know that I’m positive?

A: Here at STD Test Express, we care about your health, and part of that care requires a documented positive result before treatment. This way we can ensure that you are getting the appropriate treatment for the infection.

Q: Do you know where I can get treatment without testing?

A: If your partner has tested positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea, there is a clinical practice called Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT).  Our doctors require positive test results before treatment, but your physician or partner’s physician may choose to treat without testing under EPT. Remember, treatment is only effective if both partners are treated and then re-tested to ensure that the infection has been cured/managed before resuming sexual activity.

And the #1 most asked question:

Q: How long should I wait to get tested?

A: This will vary from person to person – because all of the STDs have different testing windows.  Our doctors recommend testing at 3 weeks after exposure and then getting tested again at 3 months to confirm your results.

Now, we have a question for you.  If you are concerned you may have been exposed to an STD or simply want to know your status, what are you waiting for?  Don’t take a chance – get tested regularly, know your status, protect yourself and your partners.

• How to get an STD test
  

BY MICHELLE SOBEL

Greek mythology is full of sex.  Zeus was notorious for his love affairs, conquests, infidelities and nymph seductions.  Likewise, myths about herpes have been long-lived, undoubtedly spawned during ancient times.  We’re here to present the facts about herpes and unwind the myths.

Here are the facts.

• Herpes simplex virus type 2 or HSV-2 is a chronic infection that can cause genital sores.
• Evidence has shown that it can make those infected with genital herpes 2 to 3 times more likely to acquire HIV if exposed.
• 16% of the U.S. population has genital herpes, many of whom are unaware they’re infected.
• It’s estimated that more than 80 percent of the people who have genital herpes are undiagnosed and may be passing the virus to others unknowingly.
• The only way to know if you are infected with genital herpes is to get tested.

Here are the myths:

Myth #1 Once you have herpes, you’ll have itchy rashes forever.
Not true. You may have an outbreak of itchy sores, but it does go away. Some people get occasional outbreaks. And some people live with herpes without any signs, itching or symptoms at all.

Myth #2 You can catch herpes from toilet seats.
It’s highly unlikely. The microorganisms that cause genital herpes can’t survive outside the human body on a surface like a toilet seat for very long.

Myth #3 If your partner gets herpes, he or she must be cheating.
Don’t jump to conclusions on this one. Your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse may have been infected for years and not have known it due to mild or no symptoms.

Myth #4 People with herpes can’t give blood.
According to the American Red Cross, people with genital or oral herpes may donate blood as long as they’re feeling healthy and don’t have any other restricted infections.

Myth #5 People get herpes from sleeping with too many people.
While having unprotected sex with multiple partners raises your risk for contracting an STD, it only takes one unsafe exposure to contract genital herpes.  Having herpes is so common.  It doesn’t say anything about a person’s promiscuity.

Myth #6 You can’t have sex again if you have herpes.
Of course you can have sex again if you have herpes.  There are ways to manage outbreaks and ways to protect from transmitting the virus.  It’s not a life sentence of celibacy.

Myth #7 My doctor routinely screens me for herpes.
No she doesn’t.  There are no current guidelines for routine herpes testing.  If you want a herpes test, you need to ask for one.

Myth #8 You can’t get herpes from oral sex.
Herpes is spread from skin to skin contact.  Even if your partner isn’t having an outbreak, it’s possible to transmit the virus.  Unless you’re using a condom or dental dam during oral sex, you’re not practicing safer sex.

Myth #9 It’s shameful to have herpes.
This is the myth we’d most like to bust.  Herpes is incredibly common.  Let’s stop stigmatizing this common virus.

Myth #10 When you have herpes, you know it.
80% of people living with herpes don’t know they have it.  Symptoms may not appear or can be very subtle.  The only way to know if you have herpes is to get tested.  If you’d like to know if your status, get tested.  We can help.

Gossip blogs lit up this week with talk about the reality show “Jersey Shore”, quoting the show’s creator about the STD status of the cast.  In a round-table discussion of reality show, Sally Ann Salsano was quoted to say, “We hand [Valtrex] out like M&Ms! ‘Hey kids, it’s time for Valtrex!’ It’s like a herpes nest. They’re all in there mixing it up.”  Herpes nest?  While it’s not difficult to imagine the fist-pumping, hard-partying cast with names like Snooki, The Situation, and J-WOWW behaving irresponsibly, we’re not thrilled with the stigma surrounding herpes that continues to get played out in the media.  Here are some facts:

• Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections around the globe.
• The vast majority of people living with herpes don’t know it.
• Multiple studies have shown that Herpes 2 infection increases the risk for HIV infection by at least twofold
• It’s spread by skin-to-skin contact, so you don’t necessarily have to have intercourse to spread it or catch it
• There’s no cure but there are anti-viral medications available to manage it and live a happy, active life

The only way to know if you have genital herpes or any other STD is to get tested.  The continual negative messaging around sexual health and stigmatizing herpes doesn’t help.  After the show’s creator blasted about “herpes nests”, the cast felt the need to tell the press that they don’t have herpes.  Your sexual health is private.   Know your STD status.  Share this private information with your partners.  No need to alert the media.  That’s the Situation.

• Find out more about private herpes testing
• Top 10 STD Myths

Are you concerned that you may have been exposed to genital herpes? Getting a type-specific herpes test for HSV-1 and HSV-2 is the only way to learn if you have the infection or if you do not.  We’re here to help people get tested for herpes, HIV and other common STDs.  Doctors are available 7 days a week to discuss the results and followup with treatment, if necessary.

“This study serves as a stark reminder that herpes remains a common and serious health threat in the United States. Everyone should be aware of the symptoms, risk factors and steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of this lifelong and incurable infection,” said Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention.

Of the people who have genital herpes infections, women and African-Americans top the list for the highest rates. According to the CDC data, 1 in 5 women is infected with genital herpes or HSV-2.  The infection rate was almost twice as high among women — nearly 21 percent — than among men, at 11.5 percent.

For African-Americans, the prevalence of infection was 39.2 percent — more than three times that of whites, at 12.3 percent. Black women are most affected by the disease, with an infection rate of 48 percent.

Fenton said the high rates of herpes among African-Americans is most likely contributing to the high rate of HIV in that community. In fact, statistics show that people with herpes are two to three times more likely to get HIV if exposed.

CDC experts say there are a number of barriers to treatment, including poverty and lack of access to care. They say young women often don’t get tested for STDs because of misinformation and stigma.

And, according to CDC experts, while African-American women and men are often unwilling to get tested, doctors are often reluctant to discuss sexual health with their patients — particularly with black male patients.

A note about your negative test result for HSV-2.  HerpeSelect detects antibodies to HSV so if you just had an unsafe exposure yesterday, the antibodies will not have formed.  Practice safe sex and get tested again in 3 months to confirm your negative result.

Have a Herpes question?  Ask away or call our counselors for a free consultation!

Now, if you want to try to “time” an STD test based on what you think was a recent unsafe experience, there is a more nuanced answer.  Let’s say that up until yesterday you were a virgin and never had any sexual contact — vaginal, anal, oral or other.  And yesterday you got busy in an unsafe way with someone who told you, after having a robust night of lovemaking, “Wow, that was great, but I should tell you that I have genital herpes.”  Or HIV or Hepatitis C or another STD.  In that instance, you need to get yourself checked out and think about the timing of the test.

Viral infections like Herpes (HSV-2) and HIV may not develop detectable antibodies to the virus for up to 3 months.  This is called “seroconversion.” The HIV DNA by PCR test will look for DNA cells as early as 28 days after a possible exposure because it’s not looking for antibodies.

This is getting technical but diagnostic screening is simple.  Haven’t been tested in 12 months and you’ve had unsafe sex?  Get tested today and then wear condom.  Enjoy sex responsibly!

We’d love to hear from you.  Do you get tested regularly?

Herpes is so misunderstood.  First, you can’t get herpes from bathtubs, toilet seats, towels, or MySpace.  Genital herpes (HSV-2) is spread from good, old-fashioned skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus.  Here’s the problem.  Millions of people have herpes and don’t know it.  One study showed that up to 60% of infected people don’t know it because they don’t have the typical sores.  With a visual exam, doctors can often mistake herpes for jock itch, vaginitis, razor burn, or ingrown hairs.  Herpes can play hide and seek and is a master of disguise, so getting tested is the only way to know for sure.

We love it when Alec tries to tell Amy that “oftentimes the virus went undetected in tests.”  Yeah, good one, but that’s not true.  Type-specific blood tests, like the FDA-approved Herpeselect, differentiates between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies and is one of the most sophisticated tests on the market.  Herpeselect is highly sensitive (91%-100%) and specific (93%-100%) for HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, even when there are no symptoms. If you test soon after an exposure and the results are negative, be sure to repeat the test 4 to 6 weeks later for confirmation of your results.

So, yes, Amy Poehler, you can have herpes and not know it.  But don’t believe Alec when he says that it can go undetected in tests.  With 60% of infected people unaware they have herpes, please do “get caught up in all the logic”.  Get tested and take control of your sexual health. Because?  Because…it’s important, that’s why.  There’s really no need to overthink it.