HSV Testing

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Understanding Herpes Testing (And Why It’s Always a Hot Topic)

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) blood antibody testing—it’s the endless debate, right? 

Confusing, controversial, and sure to stir up questions. Don’t worry, we’re breaking it all down for you.

Why Doesn’t Everyone Test for HSV?

Take Talent Testing Services (TTS) as an example. They’re big in the adult industry but open to anyone who wants to get tested. Recently, a podcast buddy gave TTS a shoutout, which got us thinking about their take on HSV testing.

Here’s the scoop—TTS doesn’t include HSV in their standard panel. Why? Simple. Just because someone has HSV antibodies doesn’t mean they’re actively infectious. 

See what they’re saying? Someone can be infected (they carry the virus), but that doesn’t mean they’re infectious (able to spread it). 

And they’re not wrong. Tons of people out there test positive for HSV-1 or HSV-2 and have never had a single outbreak. Not one. If that’s the case, their chances of passing it on are super low. For many, knowing they carry the virus might just add unnecessary stress. Makes sense, right?

When Does HSV Testing Make Sense?

Now, HSV testing might be a little more relevant in the world of non-monogamy, where regular testing is pretty common. It’s not mandatory like in the adult industry—it’s more of a personal choice. 

Picture this—you’ve tested negative six times in a row, and then out of nowhere, bam! A positive result. Suddenly, you’re like, “Wait… was that random sore I had months ago herpes?” Sure, it might provide clarity. But clarity has a way of coming with turbulence, doesn’t it?

The Emotional Rollercoaster of HSV Testing

What happens sometimes? People spiral. Full-blown panic mode. Their entire life, herpes was their worst nightmare. And now? They’re struggling with the idea that it’s been chilling in their body, quietly minding its own business.

Here’s the kicker, though—it usually doesn’t affect anything. No outbreaks, no symptoms. Absolutely nothing. 

But the stigma? That hits differently. Society has slapped a huge judgment on herpes, and that plays a massive role in how people react to their results. 

The New Approach to Testing 

Here’s where we’re flipping the script—our lab will soon be adding HSV-1 in addition to the already existing HSV-2 testing to our panels (yep, big news!). But we’re doing it differently. 

A lot of people will test positive for HSV-1, HSV-2, or both. If that happens to you? Deep breath. It’s just data about your body—not the end of the world and definitely not a scarlet letter. 

For most, it won’t even matter. No outbreaks. No spreading the virus. It’s… honestly just a fact of life. 

To Disclose or Not to Disclose? 

Disclosure is a tricky one, and it’s not always black and white. 

If you’re having outbreaks, yeah, disclosure is probably the way to go. Most people would expect that. 

But what if you’ve tested positive for antibodies and you’ve never had symptoms? What exactly are you disclosing? That you took a test most people haven’t taken? That you’re likely not contagious? 

And honestly, will the other person even know enough about HSV to have this convo? 

That’s for you to decide. It’s personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. 

Final Thoughts 

Testing is all about staying informed, being responsible, and looking out for yourself and others. If an HSV result pops up, don’t freak—it’s just one more piece of information about your health. 

And if you ever have oral or genital outbreaks, meds like Valacyclovir can make a world of difference. Plenty of HSV cases could be avoided if people took the time to understand their situation and make informed choices. Our doctors can prescribe and ship Valacyclovir to you today. 

Oh, and one last note—HSV-1 used to be called “oral herpes” but is now the leading cause of genital herpes. You can watch our Founder break down all the latest research in the video below.