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Herpes 2 Diagnosis

A Herpes 2 diagnosis generally means that you have genital herpes. This is not a diagnosis that anyone wants, but once you've got it, you're stuck with it. There is no cure for Herpes 2, but there are effective means of treatment.

  1. Herpes 2

    • According to the New York State Department of Health, Herpes 2 is a sexually transmitted virus that usually affects the genital area, causing painful lesions. There is no cure for Herpes 2, and if you have it, you may have recurring outbreaks throughout your life. It is estimated that as many as 20 percent of the adult U.S. population has genital herpes.

    Transmission

    • Herpes 2 is transmitted when the virus is released from a sore. This usually occurs during sexual contact. It's important to note that a visible sore need not be present for the virus to be transmitted.

    Diagnosis

    • A Herpes 2 diagnosis is accomplished in one of two ways. The first is through visual inspection by your doctor when sores are present. Usually a sample from the sore is tested in a lab to confirm the diagnosis. The other way to detect genital herpes is by blood test.

      Once a diagnosis is made, Herpes 2 treatments can be selected.

    Treatment

    • Treatments for genital herpes are generally of the prescription medication type. MayoClinic.com lists the antiviral medications acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir as being effective for both reducing the severity and duration of a herpes 2 outbreak and possibly preventing future outbreaks.

      The University of Michigan Health System suggests some complementary Herpes 2 treatments, and says that genital herpes outbreaks may heal faster when you apply ointments that contain zinc, lemon balm, bee propolis or lithium succinate to the affected area. Taking 1,000 mg of lysine each day may also help to prevent outbreaks and heal existing outbreaks faster.

    Considerations

    • If you've received a Herpes 2 diagnosis, there are some important considerations you should keep in mind regarding your sexual activities and the health of your loved ones.

      First, if you have a genital herpes diagnosis, always use a latex condom during sex. If you are having an active outbreak, avoid sex until it clears up.

      If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, keep your doctor informed about outbreaks as you near your due date in order to protect your unborn child.

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