Does STI screening treat genital herpes?

Genital herpes is often assessed from symptoms and, when suitable, a swab from a fresh blister or sore. A blood test may have a limited role and does not show exactly when infection happened or who transmitted it. Screening is therefore an assessment step, not a treatment. A clinician can explain what the chosen test can and cannot establish.

Typical episodes may cause grouped blisters or painful sores, burning, itching, or discomfort when passing urine. Some people have mild symptoms or none. Antiviral medicine can shorten or ease some episodes and may be considered for repeated symptoms; it does not remove the virus from the body.

Arrange care while sores or blisters are present if possible, because a fresh lesion may be easier to assess. Keep the area clean, avoid picking sores, and wash your hands after touching it. Avoid vaginal, anal, or oral sex during symptoms and follow advice about reducing transmission between episodes.

Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have severe pain. Discuss symptom relief, antiviral options, partner communication, and whether other STI tests are appropriate. Do not use someone else’s medicine.

Seek prompt care for severe or spreading sores, difficulty passing urine, fever, severe headache, confusion, or feeling very unwell. Contact a clinician promptly if you are pregnant and have new genital sores or possible exposure. Eye pain or sores near the eye require urgent assessment.

Ask whether the lesions can be swabbed, what the result means, when antiviral treatment helps, how to protect partners, and what to do if symptoms return.