Should You Get Tested for Herpes? When Is a Test Necessary?

Should You Get Tested for Herpes? When Is a Test Necessary?

Herpes is one of the most common viral infections in the world – and one of the most misunderstood. Many people don’t know if they have it, and even more are unsure when it makes sense to get tested. In this blog post, we explain when a herpes test is relevant, what types of tests are available, and how to find out for sure.

 

When is a herpes test necessary?

You should consider a test for herpes in the following situations:

• You have visible symptoms such as blisters, sores, burning or redness in the mouth or on the genitals
• You have had discomfort when urinating, without other explanation
• Your partner has herpes and you want to know if you are also infected
• You have had unprotected sex with a new partner and want peace of mind
• You are planning pregnancy or are pregnant (especially relevant for genital herpes)
• You experience recurring irritation or rash in the same area

If you have no symptoms and no specific reason for suspicion, a test is not necessarily necessary – but it depends on the situation.

Two ways to test for herpes

1. Swab from active outbreak (wound test)
The most accurate method. If you have blisters or sores, your doctor can take a sample and send it to a lab for analysis. The test will show if it is herpes and what type (HSV-1 or HSV-2).

2. Blood test (antibody test)
Can show whether you have previously been infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 – even if you don't have symptoms. However, it can't tell where on the body the infection is located.

Advantages and disadvantages of blood testing

Benefits	Disadvantages
Shows if you have antibodies	Does not show whether the infection is active
Can provide peace of mind	Can cause unnecessary worry
Useful for partners with herpes	Not used routinely in Denmark

What happens if the test is positive?

A positive test means you are carrying the virus – not necessarily that you have an active outbreak. Many people never experience symptoms but can still infect others. A discussion with your doctor will clarify whether treatment or preventive measures are relevant.

Is there a reason not to test?

Yes – if you have never had symptoms and are not in a particularly high-risk situation (e.g. new partner with known herpes), a test can create unnecessary uncertainty. Therefore, testing is only recommended when there is a medical reason.

Conclusion

Testing for herpes is an important tool – but only in the right situations. If you have symptoms, a new partner, or are concerned, a test can give you clarity and help you protect both yourself and your partner. Remember: Herpes is common and manageable – but knowledge is the first step.