Are there tests for herpes and genital warts?

Dear Confused, 

There’s no way to know for certain if someone has a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or not without testing. That said, it is possible for someone to have herpes or genital warts (also known as human papillomavirus (HPV)) and not have symptoms. This is known as being asymptomatic. While there are tests for herpes and genital warts, they’re typically only recommended if someone has symptoms. That said, your plan to use a condom is a good safer-sex practice to use. Additionally, using a barrier method during oral sex can be helpful in reducing your risk of getting any STIs orally. Read on to learn more!  

What tests are available for herpes and genital warts?  

Testing for herpes depends on your symptoms. If you have blisters or sores, a health care provider may take a sample to test for the virus. If you don’t have symptoms, blood tests are an option. However, blood tests have a higher chance of showing a false positive (meaning the test says you have herpes when you don’t). This can happen if it’s done too soon after exposure or if there’s a low risk of having contracted the virus. As a result, blood tests are generally not recommended by health care providers if you don’t have symptoms.  

On the other hand, there are no tests for genital warts except for an anoscope. This type of test uses a lighted wand to look for warts in the anus. The only HPV specific test that exists is a cervical cancer screening, which is unfortunately a different strain of HPV from the one that gives you genital warts. 

Can you have herpes or genital warts and be asymptomatic?  

When it comes to herpes, you can remain asymptomatic for years after contracting the virus. If or when the virus does wake up, symptoms can be confused for something like an ingrown hair, yeast infection, or jock itch. Small fluid-filled blisters may also appear near the infected area. People might experience flu-like symptoms especially in the lymph nodes near the groin area. Genital warts are typically a visual representation of HPV. However, some warts may be harder to see or identify, thus making it possible to have genital warts and be asymptomatic. If genital warts do appear, they’re usually skin color, white, or grey. Symptoms might include:  

• Mild bleeding
• Burning
• Discomfort
• Itching or irritation  

List adopted from Cleveland Clinic  

If you’re concerned that you might have herpes or HPV, schedule an appointment with a health care professional. They can determine your symptoms and order the correct tests and treatment, if necessary. 

How are herpes and genital warts transmitted? 

Herpes can be transmitted from an infected person or object like a sex toy to a non-infected person. This happens when an infected area touches a small break in the non-infected person’s skin. Oral herpes is passed orally through kissing or during oral sex.  

Genital and oral herpes can be transmitted during sex even when someone is asymptomatic, since the virus can live on the surface of the skin and be passed later during sexual contact. This process is called asymptomatic reactivation or shedding.  

Once you have herpes, you’ll always have the virus even if you don’t show symptoms. Herpes may spread to other parts of your body if you touch sores or fluids from sores and then touch other areas.  

Similarly, HPV can also be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex or contact with infected sex toys. Like herpes, once you have HPV, you’ll always have it. It’s also possible to spread HPV to other areas of your body if not treated.     

Are there ways to prevent the transmission of herpes and genital warts?  

To lower your risk of contracting herpes and HPV, consider using a condom during penetrative sex. However, it should be noted that since HPV can infect areas that condoms don’t cover, they don’t offer 100 percent protection. If you use sex toys, consider using condoms on them to reduce the exchange of fluids and thoroughly clean them after each use. In addition to avoiding oral sex until active blisters have healed, consider using a dental dam to place a barrier between an infection and the other person. And finally, the most effective way to prevent genital warts is to get the HPV vaccine. 

While these infections can feel tricky to navigate, combining safer sex practices, open communicating with any partner(s), and regular health care visits can help you stay in the know and in the clear. 

Hope you’re no longer confused!