Expert: John Thai, MD - 8/31/2009

Question
I have no symptoms of anything.  As a regular exam, I was tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea. My doctor said that I didn't look as if I had anything.  Is it possible to still have herpes?


Answer
hi john,

in order to accurately diagnose herpes, one must observe a lesion that could be verified with laboratory tests. blood tests are available. however, it is non-specific. over 90% of the population is positive for type 1 herpes. so, it is useless.

so your doctor is correct in that should she or he not observe any lesions, she or he could not be able to appropriately diagnose or confirm a herpetic infection.