Having a Pap smear helps detect cervical cancer and abnormal cells in the cervix. Yet, many people ask: Does a Pap smear test show a herpes infection? Herpes is a concern because the herpes simplex virus (HSV), found in HSV-1 and HSV-2, typically causes infections in the genital area and is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
We will learn in this article if a Pap smear can detect herpes, how the process works, and what to do if you think you have herpes.
What is a Pap Smear test?
Before we examine how to detect herpes, it is essential to understand what a Pap smear is and what it can detect.
A Pap smear (or Pap test) is performed to check for changes in cervical cells that might point to early cervical cancer or other problems. While you are undergoing the test, a healthcare provider collects cells from your cervix, which is located below the uterus, and sends them to a laboratory for analysis.
To check for abnormal cells, HPV, and signs of cervical cancer, women and individuals with a cervix should get pap smears, which are usually recommended from ages 21 to 65.
Does a Pap smear have the ability to identify herpes? Let’s have a look at that.
Can a Pap Smear Detect Herpes?
No, Pap Smears Do Not Detect Herpes Directly
Unfortunately, a Pap smear is not able to detect herpes in a woman. The main reason for conducting a pap smear is to catch abnormal cells, since they may suggest a greater risk of either cervical cancer or HPV infection. Unlike HPV, herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), so the Pap test does not specifically detect it.
Although a Pap smear can detect some cell alterations on the cervix, it does not identify herpes simplex virus infection or any active herpes infection. A Pap smear cannot detect sores or blisters, which are common symptoms of herpes, because the cells it collects are tiny and not visible to the naked eye.
What Can a Pap Smear Detect?
A Pap smear is generally done to detect the following:
- Abnormal cervical cells: If cervical cells are found to be unusual, it may suggest early signs of cervical cancer or pre-cancerous changes (known as dysplasia).
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) can lead to cervical cancer, and the test is able to recognize high-risk kinds of HPV, even though it doesn’t detect herpes.
- Cervicitis: The inflammation of the cervix may be caused by infections, but herpes is not its primary cause.
- Other infections: Although not common, a Pap smear can sometimes detect chlamydia or gonorrhea; however, herpes cannot be detected in this way.
Thus, although Pap smears help find other cervical problems, they do not detect herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections.
How is Herpes Diagnosed?
If you suspect herpes, there are other tests available that make a diagnosis clearer than a Pap smear. These include:
1. Blood tests for Herpes.
The most common method for diagnosing herpes simplex is through a blood test. They can see whether your blood contains antibodies for HSV-1 (oral herpes) or HSV-2 (genital herpes). There are two main kinds of blood tests.
- Type-specific IgG tests: Type-specific tests for IgG show whether a person has antibodies to HSV-1 or HSV-2.
- Herpes IgM tests: Herpes IgM tests look for the virus soon after infection; however, doctors typically prefer to use the IgG test.
2. Viral Culture or PCR Test
If you have visible sores or blisters, your doctor may test the liquid inside by using a viral culture or a PCR test to check for the presence of the herpes virus. They are able to determine whether HSV-1 or HSV-2 is the cause of an active outbreak.
3. Physical Examination and Symptoms
If you have sores or blisters in your genitals, the doctor may be able to diagnose herpes by looking at your symptoms. The diagnosis can only be confirmed by testing samples in a laboratory.
When to Get Tested for Herpes
If you wonder if you have herpes, these situations might make it a good idea to get tested:
- If you experience genital sores or blisters: Genital sores or blisters are a strong sign you may have herpes, so get checked.
- If you have unexplained genital itching, pain, or burning: Genital itching, pain, or burning without sores may be a sign that you have herpes.
- If you’ve had sexual contact with someone who has herpes: Since herpes is very contagious, you should get tested if you think you might have been exposed.
- If you’re pregnant: Active genital herpes in a pregnant woman may result in herpes being transmitted to the baby during childbirth. If you are pregnant and have worries, discuss testing with your doctor.
Conclusion
Can a Pap smear discover the presence of herpes? No, but it is still an essential aspect of both sexual and reproductive health. Pap smears are not meant to detect herpes simplex virus (HSV), but they can identify HPV and cervical cancer.
In the case of herpes or if you’re worried about it and might have been exposed, it’s essential to get a blood culture or PCR test to confirm the diagnosis. Keeping in touch with your health professional will help you look after your sexual health and address any worries about STIs.
Be aware of what’s happening, care for your health, and ask your doctor whenever you have questions about herpes or other sexual health topics.
Also Read: Is Bleeding After a Pap Smear Normal? When to Worry
