Unfortunately, like Chlamydia, many genital Herpes sufferers do not realize they have the infection until they take a Herpes test, as they often display no symptoms of the STD they carry. It has been estimated that a third of genital Herpes sufferers in the United States are not aware of their condition until they go for STD testing, either because they display no Herpes symptoms, or the symptoms they do suffer are so mild as to be mistaken for insect bites or a rash.

When someone is first infected with the sexually transmitted disease, they may suffer from painful lesions at the site the STDs infection. This symptom of Herpes will appear within two weeks of the virus' contact and should heal within two weeks to a month. This symptom of Herpes can appear on the penis, around the anus, the vaginal area or the buttocks and thighs. On first contracting Herpes, many people suffer from a second outbreak of lesions and sometimes also complain of symptoms similar to flu-swollen glands and a fever.

After the first symptoms of Herpes vanish the virus turns to a latent, inactive state within the body. The Herpes Simplex virus may reappear with occasional outbreaks, which usually last about a week and can often be triggered by periods of stress. In many cases the Herpes Simplex virus can return to activity (and become infectious) with no obvious sores. Unfortunately there is no cure for Herpes and the virus never goes away.

How severe and frequent the outbreaks of Herpes are is inconsistent between individuals.

Symptoms of Herpes Simplex Type 2:

• Symptoms usually appear around the genitals, but may appear elsewhere on the body
• Painful bilateral sores on the genital area
• Tingling and/or itching around the area infected
• A fever (often mistaken for flu)
• Almost everyone infected with Herpes Simplex Type 2 that are prone to outbreaks find the symptoms reoccur approximately four or five times a year.

It is important to note that in many cases symptoms will be weak or practically non-existent, so it is important to get a Herpes test if you are sexually active.

The symptoms tend to get weaker as time passes, and often those infected may only notice their 'first' symptoms of Herpes when they reappear, or when they undergo STD testing.

Getting a Herpes Test

If you are not sure that your symptoms match those of Herpes, why not take our Full STD Panel test, which offers all 8 major STD Tests in one appointment and gives you complete peace of mind for an amazing price of just $245. Our Full STD Panel includes the Herpes test as well as tests for Hepatitis, Syphilis, Chlamydia, HIV and Gonorrhea.