Which STD does a normal test check

[memhsv]

Can anyone tell me what STD?s are checked during a normal STD screening? I have found a few sites that imply that HSV might not be part of the normal panel that is done.

If this is the case why then do physicians not make this clear? I would think that HSV screening would be an important part of the exam as it appears to be a fairly wide spread problem compounded by the fact that many people have the virus but are unaware of the fact.

Both myself and my girl friend have been screened for STD?s on a regular basis but I have recently experienced my first out brake of HSV. My doctor confirmed this the other day and at that time ordered a specific blood test for HSV. Neither of us has ever tested positive in the past but I am now afraid that maybe all this time the panel that we received may not have included HSV screening.

Any help hear would be greatly appreciated.

[dallasgirl]

HSV is NOT in the standard suite of tests (which I find to be VERY misleading and potentially dangerous in that people think they are 'clean', when in reality they aren't, and consequently spread the virus further). I can't explain why....maybe insurance reasons and costs (does anyone out there know?). Since most people aren't tested for it, and most infected with it show no outward symptoms, this leads me to believe that the occurence of HSV2 in the population may actually be greater than the 25% that is posted everywhere. But, that is just a feeling....I have no evidence for that. (I had to be tested specifically for it. And, I was told there would be an extra cost.)

Good luck. You aren't alone. Let us know how you are doing.

-Dallasgirl

[memhsv]

I was shocked also

I was equally shocked in learning this information last week. I have always lived my life with the utmost responsibility and consideration for others and feel betrayed by my health care providers. I have always had what I thought to be STD screening at every yearly physical and between partners which has been far and few between. In every case I have told them unequivocally that I was negative for STD?s and now I find out that was not the case. My current girl friend has had the same experience and in this incident we believe it was her that has passed the virus on to me. She is devastated by this but knows that she has my support and understanding I place no blame with her as my lack of test results for HSV could have easily reversed this situation.

Thank you for your response.