HPV and Herpes

Practicing unprotected sex, especially when you are with a new partner or have multiple sexual partners, is an invitation for common STDs like HPV and herpes. Now, there are a lot of other STDs that you can get infected with, but HPV and herpes are so similar that you might mistake one for the other.

The reason why HPV and herpes are similar is that both have the tendency to cause genital sores and also some cases appear without any symptoms. However, HPV is a more common STD than herpes. According to the CDC, almost everyone who are sexually active are bound to be subject to HPV at least once throughout their life! You need to also note that it is possible for you to be infected with HPV and herpes at the same time.

The transmission of HPV and herpes also happens when you come in contact with an infected person skin-to-skin. HSV 1, which causes oral herpes, can be contracted via kissing or even sharing of utensils or balms. Therefore, if you happen to be in a romantic relationship with someone new, make sure that both of you have a talk about it and get tested for STD. This way, both of you can remain safe and can go ahead with taking the relationship to the next level!

The underlying difference between HPV and herpes would be the symptoms. If you happen to contract HPV, you may develop genital warts. It could be a single growth or a cluster of them, where they have the appearance of a cauliflower. Herpes, on the other hand, may cause symptoms like bumps in the oral or genital regions. Along with these bumps, you may also have accompanying symptoms like flu, back or leg pain, pain while urinating, and itching of the genital area.

It is important to note again that both HPV and herpes can remain dormant. So, you wouldn’t really know that you have transmitted it until you start getting the symptoms. So, if you think you may have come in contact with any virus, make sure that you get tested for STDs. You can avoid filling forms and standing in a queue by ordering online with us. All you need to visit any of our partner labs is the requisition form or code that we send via email. Don’t wait around and make sure that you order an STD test from us today!