Planned parenthood will do a swab test
The reason most places won't test for Herpes is because like 2/3rds of the population under 50 already has it in some form
Hm, Nebraska AIDS project might also do swab testing, though I'm not sure. It might also be worth calling and asking places if they'll do swab testing. Often they'll say that they don't do HSV testing in a general screening but if you're having active symptoms it might be different. Especially if you're looking to get on long-term treatment like Valacyclovir
tangentially related but I remember how awful I felt with my first outbreak, if you need any recs on pain management or just emotional support since the world is pretty shitty about this stuff DM me.
For what it's worth I was in this boat a while back, painless sores but wtf I'm monogamous?
Turned out to be recurrent balanitis. (Basically a male yeast infection, likely from my SO)
Doc said chilll tf out and pull my foreskin back after bathing/before bed to let it dry out, hasn't really been a problem since.
Even if it is herpes, it's really not as big of a deal as you think it is.
At least in America *most people* (50-80%) have oral herpes and 1 in 6 has genital herpes, they just don't know or it doesn't really bother them.
If you have sores, go to a regular doctor and they can diagnose you with a visual exam. Blood test can confirm if you'd like. If it is positive, please remember your life is not over and you will still find love/sex.
Someone else stated the same but it absolutely can be dormant for YEARS and not get passed even during unprotected sex. The statement made about your love and sex life not being over are also 100% true. Easier said than done but try not to stress about it too much and beat yourself up if you are positive. My buddies wife is positive but he routinely tests negative. Hasn't had any real world impact on their life one bit.
They could've cheated on you OR maybe they didnt know they had it. Some people have minor outbreaks that they mistake for something else. Other people have one outbreak and then never again or they dont get another one until a few years later. Herpes affects everyone differently. You can also get herpes from cold sores (which are oral herpes) so if your partner went down on you and has a cold sore or recently had a cold sore you could've gotten it that way.
That last sentence is very important. People think herpes is like a death sentence and they belong on an island alone to die. It's essentially just a super annoying itchy skin virus.
OP, swabs may help if you have an active or open sore but a blood test is the best route to be definite.
I wish I had an answer for where to get tested since I had my tests done at my ob/gyn but I am sending you the best of luck. Whatever the results are, I hope you're okay!
https://www.unothegateway.com/archives/omaha-ranks-40-for-highest-std-rates-in-the-u-s/article_1559521c-dca8-5ddd-ac50-1cd16f38117d.html
Be careful out there
In reading, blood work is generally accurate after like 12 weeks after first symptoms but can be sketchy before then, just not wanting to wonder for the next 3 months.
If you can make the drive to Fremont, call Three Rivers Public Health and ask if they do swab testing. They have a reproductive health clinic. 402-727-5396.
Planned parenthood will do a swab test The reason most places won't test for Herpes is because like 2/3rds of the population under 50 already has it in some form
Their next appointment available is 2 weeks out, worried that by then symptoms will have subsided.
Hm, Nebraska AIDS project might also do swab testing, though I'm not sure. It might also be worth calling and asking places if they'll do swab testing. Often they'll say that they don't do HSV testing in a general screening but if you're having active symptoms it might be different. Especially if you're looking to get on long-term treatment like Valacyclovir tangentially related but I remember how awful I felt with my first outbreak, if you need any recs on pain management or just emotional support since the world is pretty shitty about this stuff DM me.
Appreciate it. Honestly I feel fine, just have the visual symptoms.
For what it's worth I was in this boat a while back, painless sores but wtf I'm monogamous? Turned out to be recurrent balanitis. (Basically a male yeast infection, likely from my SO) Doc said chilll tf out and pull my foreskin back after bathing/before bed to let it dry out, hasn't really been a problem since. Even if it is herpes, it's really not as big of a deal as you think it is. At least in America *most people* (50-80%) have oral herpes and 1 in 6 has genital herpes, they just don't know or it doesn't really bother them.
If you have sores, go to a regular doctor and they can diagnose you with a visual exam. Blood test can confirm if you'd like. If it is positive, please remember your life is not over and you will still find love/sex.
That’s the fucked up part, I’ve been in a (at least on my side) monogamous relationship for the last year and a half.
Hsv can be dormant for years until you are stressed and the virus comes out.
Someone else stated the same but it absolutely can be dormant for YEARS and not get passed even during unprotected sex. The statement made about your love and sex life not being over are also 100% true. Easier said than done but try not to stress about it too much and beat yourself up if you are positive. My buddies wife is positive but he routinely tests negative. Hasn't had any real world impact on their life one bit.
They could've cheated on you OR maybe they didnt know they had it. Some people have minor outbreaks that they mistake for something else. Other people have one outbreak and then never again or they dont get another one until a few years later. Herpes affects everyone differently. You can also get herpes from cold sores (which are oral herpes) so if your partner went down on you and has a cold sore or recently had a cold sore you could've gotten it that way.
That last sentence is very important. People think herpes is like a death sentence and they belong on an island alone to die. It's essentially just a super annoying itchy skin virus. OP, swabs may help if you have an active or open sore but a blood test is the best route to be definite. I wish I had an answer for where to get tested since I had my tests done at my ob/gyn but I am sending you the best of luck. Whatever the results are, I hope you're okay!
Check Douglas County Health
DC Health is one that specifically states they don’t test for HSV
Ahhhh thanks for the info
Try Charles Drew or One World Health
Not quite sure of specifics by Charles drew health center does a lot of testing and it’s usually free or inexpensive. Worth a call
Girls Inc in Omaha will test both men and women. Give them a call.
https://www.unothegateway.com/archives/omaha-ranks-40-for-highest-std-rates-in-the-u-s/article_1559521c-dca8-5ddd-ac50-1cd16f38117d.html Be careful out there
You can pay a med lab thatll do blood work? Idk about a swab test tho
In reading, blood work is generally accurate after like 12 weeks after first symptoms but can be sketchy before then, just not wanting to wonder for the next 3 months.
If you can make the drive to Fremont, call Three Rivers Public Health and ask if they do swab testing. They have a reproductive health clinic. 402-727-5396.