Let's Talk About...Herpes ⋆ College Magazine

Did you know one in two sexually active young people contract a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) by the age of 25?

It’s shocking and it’s true. It may comfort you, however, to know that many STIs are curable and they are ALL treatable. If you think you may have an STI and would prefer to talk to a doctor on the phone rather than in person, call CampusMD. It’s a simple way to have a confidential conversation with a physician about your personal life.

Odd rashes, occasional discomfort or unusual skin spots could all be signs of an STI. Who knows, maybe you’ve mistaken herpes for that razor burn? Either way, it’s important to have the STI conversation with an expert.

After speaking to a doctor, you must get tested. Many STIs manifest silently and getting tested is the only way to know for sure. Remember, possibly half of the people sitting in your class could potentially be infected. So why aren’t you getting tested?

“Like many people, barriers to testing for students include denial, misunderstanding or risks, or simple fear,” said Kevin J Kelleher, M.D., a board-certified Family Physician for 17 years and Medical Director of CampusMD.

If you feel this fear, take the first easy step by calling a doctor. CampusMD, for example, gives you immediate access to a physician 24/7. This gives you an opportunity to ask questions and discuss signs and symptoms you may be concerned about. It’s also a chance to better understand exactly what is involved in testing.

When it comes to getting tested, it’s important to know how the tests work and what you’re getting tested for. Did you know there are four ways doctors test for STIs?

1. Blood sample

Drawing a vile of blood or pricking the surface of the skin can be used to detect HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B, and in some cases, herpes (if positive, a physical exam will be needed to determine if it is HSV-1 or HSV-2).

2. Urine sample

Simply peeing in a cup can reveal if you are infected with Chlamydia or gonorrhea, two of the most common bacterial STIs; often these infections have no symptoms.

3. Discharge, tissue, cell or oral fluid sample

Using a swab, your doctor will collect samples to examine under a microscope. These samples can test for certain STDs such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, or HIV.

4. Physical examination

You may be examined for physical signs of an infection such as a rash, discharge, sores or warts. For women, this exam is similar to a pelvic exam at the gynecologist. Assuming this is the part everyone is afraid of, it’s not like no one’s ever seen it before (or else you wouldn’t be there).

Getting tested can put your mind at ease and treat potentially serious infections. “Leaving an infection untreated can put you and any partner at serious risk,” Dr Kelleher notes. Simply put: it’s the mature thing to do.

CampusMD is always available to answer your questions on STIs. This nationwide telehealth service connects students to an independent network of licensed physicians across the United States 24/7. The doctor on the line will ask you a series of questions about your symptoms and can call in a prescription if needed. Even if it’s midnight—you can reach a CampusMD doctor. Talk about making life easy.