Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome | Consultant360
This Blood Condition Is The Result Of Weak Blood Flow. How It's Diagnosed, How To Treat It
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The 11 Best Treatments For Restless Legs Syndrome
Treatments for restless leg syndrome can depend on the cause but may include iron supplements, medications, and certain habits, including adopting a healthy sleep routine.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition that causes uncomfortable sensations, most often in the legs. These sensations have been described as tingly, crawling, creeping feelings, and cause the overwhelming urge to move the affected limb.
RLS symptoms typically occur when the person is sitting, resting, or sleeping, and often happen at night. The movements caused by RLS are called periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). Because of these movements, RLS can cause serious sleep problems.
Some people have primary RLS, which has no known cause. Others have secondary RLS, which is typically associated with nerve problems, pregnancy, iron deficiency, or chronic kidney failure.
For most people with RLS, symptoms are mild. But if your symptoms are moderate to severe, RLS can have a big impact on your life. It can prevent you from sleeping enough, and thus cause problems with daytime focus and thinking, your job, and your social activities.
As a result of these problems, RLS can lead to anxiety and depression. And the longer you have the condition, the worse it can get. It can even spread to other parts of your body, such as your arms (1).
Because of the effects RLS can have on your life, treatment is important. Methods of treatment are varied, as the root cause of RLS isn't truly known. For instance, some researchers suggest that RLS is caused by problems with the brain chemical dopamine, while others suggest that it's related to poor circulation.
Here we list the best treatments for RLS. Some of these you can try on your own. Others you can discuss with your doctor, who can help you create a treatment plan to help relieve your RLS symptoms.
Your first step in addressing RLS should be to figure out if something is causing it. While RLS can be related to things that are largely out of your control, such as genetics or pregnancy, other possible factors can be addressed.
These factors could be daily habits, medications you're taking, health conditions you have, or other triggers.
HabitsThe use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can aggravate RLs symptoms. Limiting these substances could help reduce your RLS symptoms (2).
MedicationsCertain medications can cause or worsen RLS symptoms. Examples include: (1, 2, 3).
Make sure your doctor knows about all drugs you're taking, both prescription and over the counter. Talk to your doctor about whether they could be making your RLS worse, especially if you're taking any of the medications listed above.
Health conditionsCertain health conditions have been found to be related to RLS. End-stage renal (kidney) disease, or ESRD, and nerve damage from diabetes have been linked with RLS. Iron deficiency anemia also has a strong connection with RLS (see iron below) (4, 5, 6).
You should discuss with your doctor how your health history might impact your RLS, especially if you have any of these conditions.
Other triggersSome people claim that eating lots of sugar or wearing tight clothing aggravates their RLS symptoms. While there's not a lot of research to back up these connections, you might want to use some trial and error to see what seems to affect your own symptoms.
Having good sleep habits is advisable for anyone, but perhaps especially for people who have trouble sleeping, such as those with RLS.
While sleeping better may not resolve your RLS symptoms, it could help you offset the sleep loss you suffer from your condition. Try the following tips to make your sleep as restful and restorative as possible.
Iron deficiency is thought to be one of the main causes of RLS. Several studies have shown that iron supplements can help ease RLS symptoms (1, 3).
A simple blood test can check for iron deficiency, so if you think this could be a problem for you, talk to your doctor.
If you test positive for iron deficiency, your doctor may recommend oral iron supplements, which you can find at your local pharmacy. In some cases, intravenous (IV) iron might be needed (1, 8).
In addition, vitamin D deficiency could be linked with RLS. A 2014 study found that vitamin D supplements reduced RLS symptoms in people with RLS and vitamin D deficiency (9).
And for people on hemodialysis, vitamins C and E supplements may help relieve RLS symptoms (4, 10).
Exercise can help you feel better if you have RLS.
The National Institutes of Health states that moderate exercise may help ease mild RLS symptoms (3).
And a 2006 study of 23 people with RLS found that aerobic exercise and lower body resistance training, done three times per week for 12 weeks, significantly decreased RLS symptoms (11).
Other studies have also found exercise very effective for RLS, especially in people with ESRD (4, 12).
Given these studies, plus others showing that activity can help improve sleep, exercise seems a natural fit for people with RLS (13).
One recommendation from the Restless Legs Foundation — exercise in moderation. Don't work out to the point of aches and pains, as this could make your RLS symptoms worse (14).
Like other types of exercise, yoga and stretching exercises have been shown to have benefits for people with RLS (12).
A 2013 eight-week study of 10 women found that yoga helped reduce their RLS symptoms. It also helped improve their mood and reduce their stress levels, which could in turn improve their sleep. And a 2012 study showed that yoga improved sleep in 20 women with RLS (15, 16).
Another study showed that stretching exercises made significant improvements in the RLS symptoms of people on hemodialysis (17).
It's not entirely clear to researchers why yoga and stretching works, and more research would be beneficial. But given these results, you might want to add some calf and upper leg stretches to your daily exercise routine.
Massaging your leg muscles could help ease your RLS symptoms. Many health organizations, such as the National Institutes of Health suggest it as an at-home treatment (3, 18,).
Although there's not a lot of other research that backs up massage as an RLS treatment, a 2007 case study illustrated its benefits.
A 35-year-old woman who had 45-minute leg massages twice a week for three weeks had improved RLS symptoms throughout that time period. Her massages included a range of techniques, including Swedish massage and direct pressure to leg muscles (20).
Her RLS symptoms eased after two massage treatments, and didn't start to return until two weeks after the massage regimen ended (20).
The author of that study suggested that the increased release of dopamine caused by massage could be a reason for the benefits. Also, massage has been shown to improve circulation, so that might be a reason for its effects on RLS (20, 21, 22).
As an added bonus, massage can aid in relaxation, which could help improve your sleep.
Medication is a key treatment for moderate to severe RLS. Dopaminergic drugs are typically the first medications prescribed. They're effective in relieving RLS symptoms, but they can cause side effects and other problems (1).
Other types of drugs can also help relieve RLS symptoms without causing these same types of problems.
Dopaminergic drugsDopaminergic drugs increase the release of dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is a chemical that helps enable normal body movements (1).
Dopaminergic drugs likely help relieve RLS symptoms because the condition is associated with problems in the body's production of dopamine.
Three dopaminergic medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe primary RLS:
While dopaminergic drugs have been shown to help improve RLS symptoms, long-term use can actually worsen symptoms. This phenomenon is called augmentation. To help delay this problem, doctors typically prescribe the lowest possible dose of these drugs (1, 26).
In addition, these drugs can become less effective over time. To help delay or prevent both of these problems, your doctor may prescribe a combination of dopaminergic drugs with other types of drugs to treat RLS (1).
GabapentinA fourth drug that's been approved by the FDA to treat RLS is called gabapentin (Horizant). This is an antiseizure medication (27).
It's not entirely understood how gabapentin works to relieve RLS symptoms, but studies show it to be effective (28).
In one study, 24 people with RLS were treated with gabapentin or a placebo for six weeks. Those treated with gabapentin had improved sleep and reduced leg movements from RLS, while those treated with a placebo did not (28).
Another study compared the use of gabapentin with the use of ropinirole (one of the drugs approved by the FDA to treat RLS). Eight people with RLS took each of the drugs for four weeks, and both groups achieved similar levels of relief from RLS symptoms (29).
BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines are drugs used to treat anxiety and sleep problems. Clonazepam (Klonopin) and other types of these drugs are often prescribed for people with RLS in combination with other drugs (30).
While these drugs may not relieve RLS symptoms themselves, their benefit of improved sleep can be very helpful for people with RLS (30).
OpioidsOpioids are typically used to treat pain. In some cases, usually when other medications aren't helpful or cause augmentation, opioids can be used carefully in low doses to help treat RLS (26, 8).
Prolonged-release oxycodone/naloxone (Targinact) is one opioid that could help relieve RLS symptoms and improve sleep (4). However, because of the newer guidelines being developed for the use of opioids, this should be a last resort.
As with all opioids, use of these drugs should be carefully overseen by a doctor, due to their risk of misuse and dependence.
A foot wrap has been shown to help relieve RLS symptoms.
Called restiffic, the foot wrap puts pressure on certain points on the bottom of your foot. The pressure sends messages to your brain, which responds by telling the muscles affected by RLS to relax. This helps relieve your RLS symptoms (31).
A 2013 study of 30 people using the foot wrap for eight weeks found significant improvements in RLS symptoms and sleep quality (32).
The restiffic foot wrap is available by prescription only, and per the company's website, it costs about $200. It may or may not be covered by your insurance (31).
If you've ever stayed overnight in the hospital, you may have had pneumatic compression. This treatment uses a "sleeve" that goes over your leg and inflates and deflates, gently squeezing and releasing your limb.
In the hospital, a pneumatic compression device (PCD) is typically used to improve circulation and prevent blood clots. Improved circulation might also be the reason pneumatic compression has been shown to help relieve RLS symptoms (33).
Some researchers believe that a cause of RLS is low oxygen levels in the limbs. They think that the body responds to this problem by increasing circulation via the muscle contractions that occur when the person moves their limb (33).
Whatever the reason, some research has shown that pneumatic compression can help relieve RLS symptoms.
A 2009 study of 35 people who used a PCD for at least an hour every day for a month had markedly improved RLS symptoms, sleep quality, and daytime function. However, other research has not shown the same effects (33, 34).
Some PCDs are rented, and others can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription. Insurance coverage for a PCD might be easier to acquire for people who can't tolerate RLS medication (33, 35).
Tonic motor activation (TOMAC), delivers stimulation of the peroneal nerves, which supply movement and sensation to the lower legs. The FDA approved the NTX100 Tonic Motor Activation System in 2023 (36).
A 2023 randomized clinical trial of 133 participants found TOMAC to be effective for people with RLS who do not respond to medication. No serious adverse effects were noted, aside from some mild irritation at the site (37).
TOMAC is a non-invasive device used by clinicians that applies two separate treatment units and two electrode patches applied externally just below the knee, over the head of the fibula (36).
A noninvasive treatment that's not yet in wide use for this purpose could help relieve RLS symptoms.
This painless treatment is called near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). With NIRS, light beams with long wavelengths are used to penetrate the skin. The light causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing circulation (33).
One theory posits that RLS is caused by low oxygen levels in the affected area. It's thought that the increased circulation caused by NIRS increases that oxygen level, helping to relieve the RLS symptoms (33).
Several studies have found this treatment effective. One study treated 21 people with RLS with NIRS three times per week for four weeks. Both circulation and RLS symptoms showed significant improvement (38).
Another showed that people treated with twelve 30-minute treatments of NIRS over four weeks also had significantly reduced symptoms of RLS. Symptoms were improved up to four weeks after treatment ended (39).
NIRS devices can be purchased online for several hundred dollars to over $1,000 (33).
The above treatments have some research to support their use. Other treatments have less evidence, but may still work for some people with RLS.
Hot and cold treatmentsWhile there's not a lot of research backing up using heat and cold to relieve RLS symptoms, many healthcare organizations recommend it. They include the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (40).
These organizations suggest taking a hot or cold bath before going to bed, or applying hot or cold packs to your legs (18).
Some people's RLS symptoms are aggravated by cold, while others have problems with heat. This could explain the benefits of these hot or cold treatments.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)A noninvasive procedure that's typically used to treat depression could be helpful in relieving RLS symptoms. So far, studies have been limited and more research is needed, but the results are promising (4, 41, 42).
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) sends magnetic impulses to certain areas of the brain.
It's not entirely clear why rTMS could help relieve RLS symptoms. One theory is that the impulses increase the release of dopamine in the brain. Another suggests that rTMS could help calm the hyperarousal in parts of the brain that are associated with RLS (43).
In one 2015 study, 14 people with RLS were given 14 sessions of rTMS over 18 days. The sessions significantly improved their RLS symptoms and improved their sleep. The results lasted for at least two months after the treatment ended (44).
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)With transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a device sends small electrical currents to parts of your body to help relieve pain.
There's not a lot of research on the use of TENS to treat RLS, but it could work.
The idea is that like the Relaxis vibrating pad, it uses counterstimulation. One study showed that regular use of TENS along with a vibration treatment completely relieved one man's RLS symptoms (33, 45).
AcupunctureAcupuncture can be helpful in the treatment of many health conditions, and RLS might be one of them.
A 2015 study of 38 people with RLS who were treated with acupuncture for six weeks showed that their abnormal leg activity from RLS was greatly reduced (46).
However, more research is needed to confirm acupuncture as a reliable treatment for RLS.
Surgery for varicose veinsFor people with certain circulatory issues, surgery could be the most effective treatment for their RLS (12).
Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels, often in the legs, that overfill with blood. This increased amount of blood can lead to superficial venous insufficiency (SVI), which means your body can't properly circulate blood. As a result, the blood pools in your legs.
In a 2008 study, 35 people with SVI and RLS had a procedure called endovenous laser ablation to treat their varicose veins. Of the 35 people, 84 percent of them had their RLS symptoms significantly improved or completely eliminated by the surgery (47).
Again, more research is needed on this surgery as a treatment for RLS.
RLS can cause significant discomfort, sleep issues, and problems with daily functioning, so treatment should be a priority. Your first step should be to try the at-home options on this list. But if they don't help you, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Your doctor can provide more information about each of these treatments and which one — or ones — might be a good choice for you.
Keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for another, and you may need to try several different drugs or treatments. Keep trying until you find the treatment plan that works for you (48).
4 Best At-Home Herpes Tests For 2024
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At-home herpes tests are a convenient way to test for this common infection. Here, we examine the best herpes (HSV) test kits, from their price to their support and privacy measures. We also provide our editor's hands-on review of the LetsGetChecked herpes test.
Medical News Today Editor Lois Zoppi received a free herpes test from LetsGetChecked to review. All opinions are their own.
Use code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off
MNT's reviewThe LetsGetChecked home kits can test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. This test kit may be best for people who require regular testing, as the company's subscription options offer significant discounts.
A person receives a collection kit with all the tools they need to collect their samples at home. This includes needles, a prepaid envelope, alcohol swabs, and a tube. The tests come in discreet packaging so that other people will not know what the person has received.
The person also has access to an instruction video on the company website explaining how to take their test. LetsGetChecked suggests that people take a blood sample before 9 a.M. And return it to the laboratory on the same day.
The company states that it issues the results within 2–5 days.
Individuals who receive a positive result can contact a nurse through the company, and they may suggest a treatment plan.
LetsGetChecked offers a one-time purchase for $119. Anyone who requires regular testing can purchase a subscription and get discounts on its tests. For instance, a 3-month subscription will give a person a 30% saving on the cost of the kits.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked.
What our tester says"I would recommend this product to MNT readers. It's an easily-accessible way to access tests that allow you to gain insight into your health.
"I haven't used online health testing before, but I was really impressed by how simple the whole process was. Testing was easy and relatively pain-free, and my results came quickly.
"However, I would have liked more detail in my reports, and the cost of the tests is prohibitive for people on a tight budget."
— Lois Zoppi, MNT Editor
"I would recommend this product to MNT readers. It's an easily-accessible way to access tests that allow you to gain insight into your health.
"I haven't used online health testing before, but I was really impressed by how simple the whole process was. Testing was easy and relatively pain-free, and my results came quickly.
"However, I would have liked more detail in my reports, and the cost of the tests is prohibitive for people on a tight budget."
— Lois Zoppi, MNT Editor
People can order at-home herpes tests from MyLAB Box. These kits contain instructions, a specimen bag, and a prepaid return envelope. Users may find this test convenient because of its quick turnaround for results and the option to book a free consultation and get treatment.
It is also one of the more affordable tests available online.
Once a person receives their collection kit, they can collect their sample using the instructions. They can then use the prepaid envelope to send it to the laboratory.
People should receive their results within 2–5 days. If the test is positive, they can book a free consultation with a doctor to discuss their results and treatment options. The doctor may then prescribe treatment.
This at-home test only works for people who wish to test for genital herpes. The company does not offer test kits for oral herpes.
The kit costs $89 as a stand-alone test, but the company also markets other kits that test for different infections. For example, if a person also wishes to test for other STIs, they can purchase the Total Box – 14 Panel option or the Uber Box – 8 Panel option.
Read our in-depth review of myLAB Box.
Pros & consSTDCheck offers tests for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. A person can order an HSV-2 test for $45. There is also an option to order a test package that tests for 10 different STIs.
This option is best for people who need their results quickly.
To order a test, a person must enter their ZIP code on the company website to find their nearest testing center. The company claims it has over 4,500 test centers nationwide, making them a convenient option for most people.
A person needs to attend their local test center for a blood test. They should then receive their online results within 1–2 days. Anyone who receives a positive result is eligible for a phone consultation with an STDCheck doctor. The doctor may prescribe treatments at their discretion.
Pros & consPriority STD offers two lab-based herpes detection tests: A standard herpes test, costing $99, and a herpes early detection test, costing $189. The latter can detect the presence of the herpes simplex virus as early as 10 days after exposure.
This may be suitable for people who would prefer to seek swift diagnosis and treatment for herpes.
To order either herpes test, a person must access the company website and enter their zip code to find their nearest testing center.
The company claims it has over 4,000 private test centers across the United States.
After ordering the herpes test, a person can walk into their local center to receive the testing. An appointment is not necessary.
The test procedure involves a simple blood test and urine sample, typically taking minutes. A person can expect to receive their online test results within 1–3 days.
In the event of a positive result, a person can have a phone consultation with a partner physician, who may prescribe treatment at an additional cost of $65.
Pros & consThe table below compares the six at-home herpes tests for cost, follow-up care, and more.
People considering buying a home test may seek advice from a pharmacist on which test is likely to be best for them. The pharmacist may also be able to show them how to collect the sample at home to prevent inaccuracies.
People who are looking for an at-home herpes test should consider the following before making a purchase:
At-home and in-person tests screen for the herpes simplex virus and will return either a positive, negative, or inconclusive result.
At-home tests require a person to collect the sample themselves. These samples may include urine, mouth or genital swabs, or a blood sample.
While at-home tests may be more convenient for those uncomfortable discussing their sexual history with others or those who cannot easily access healthcare, there are some risks. If a person does not collect the sample correctly, they may receive an inconclusive or incorrect test result.
Some at-home tests involve ordering a test online and visiting a lab so that a technician can collect the sample. This may be a good middle ground between true at-home tests and tests from a clinic for those who prefer not to discuss their sexual health with their doctor.
Samples taken by lab technicians and healthcare professionals are more likely to be valid. These professionals have had training and are more likely to take the sample correctly.
Another difference between at-home and in-person tests is that companies offering at-home testing may not offer follow-up advice. On the other hand, healthcare professionals from a clinic can provide people with resources, treatment, and prevention tips.
The CDC recommends herpes testing only for people who experience symptoms. Herpes can produce blisters on and around the genitals, mouth, or rectum. One reason for this is that false-positive results are possible.
Learn more about how long it takes for herpes symptoms to show.
People who have active herpes lesions can undergo a swab test. However, if the lesion is small or has started healing, there might not be enough virus for the test to detect. Due to this, there is also a risk of a false-negative result.
Healthcare professionals may be able to diagnose a person with herpes if they present with blisters and sores. Doctors may also swab sores or blisters that have not yet healed and send the samples to a lab for tests.
Anyone who thinks they might have had exposure to HSV and wants to take a test for reassurance, despite a lack of symptoms, will need to test for antibodies in the blood instead. White blood cells produce antibodies when bacteria, viruses, or other unwanted substances. A positive antibody test may not indicate that a person has a current herpes infection. It also cannot tell people when they got herpes, if they have it.
According to the American Sexual Health Association, people should wait 12–16 weeks from the time of sexual contact before taking a test. The test checks whether or not the body has developed antibodies for HSV-1 or HSV-2, which may take some time to become detectable after exposure.
People who are sexually active or share needles with others may require regular testing.
Individuals with partners with herpes and who do not use barrier methods such as condoms each time they engage in sexual activity should also test for herpes regularly.
Some people may prefer to order their at-home tests from online providers since this does not require them to leave their homes.
A 2020 study notes that at-home kits may also benefit those who may not access routine healthcare.
There are two types of home tests: self-collection and laboratory-based.
Self-collection testsAfter purchasing a test collection kit from an online provider, individuals receive all the tools they need to perform the test at home. They collect a sample by following the instructions in the kit and then return it to the company or its laboratory for analysis.
Laboratory-based testsAfter purchasing the test from an online provider, the person receives a laboratory requisition form, which they present at a testing site. A healthcare professional takes the required sample, and the individual receives their result within a few days.
How accurate are at-home herpes tests?
At-home herpes testing may not be as accurate as in-person testing, but it may help you confirm if you have herpes. It's a good option for a patient who is unable to see an in-person physician or is hesitant to seek care from an in-person physician.
– Stacy A. Henigsman, DO.
HSV-1 or HSV-2 test results may be negative or positive. These results depend on the type of test people take.
False results can occur with many diagnostic herpes tests. Herpes tests are not as exact as tests for other STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
A research review on the diagnosis of HSV-1 and HSV-2 concludes that using blood tests to diagnose genital herpes may be inappropriate because positive results may be due to chronic infection, whereas negative results may overlook recent infection.
According to the American Sexual Health Association, other viruses carried by the person in their blood may cross-react with the herpes virus, causing a false positive herpes result. These viruses include the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox or cytomegalovirus.
Other factors that may determine the correct outcome of a herpes test result include sample preparation and the stage of infection of the sample.
Four types of tests can confirm the presence of the HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. These are:
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)This is also known as a viral DNA test or HSV DNA test. The healthcare practitioner examines the sore sample to look for the DNA of HSV-1 and HSV-2 to determine which virus is causing the person's infection.
These tests are 99% accurate and represent the gold standard of testing by healthcare practitioners in advanced HIV infections.
Viral cultureA healthcare practitioner collects a sample from the person's skin sore and sends it to a laboratory to see if the virus grows. This type of test is useful early in an outbreak when the sore is open.
A positive result indicates that the person has an HSV infection. This may be an initial outbreak or a recurring one.
A negative result indicates that the test sample did not contain HSV. A negative result does not always mean that the person is free from the herpes virus. For example, a false negative may occur if the lesion is small or has started to heal.
Tzanck smearA healthcare practitioner scrapes cells from the person's sore to look for characteristics of herpes infection. A clinician examines the cells at the doctor's office. There is no need to send the sample to a laboratory.
A positive result indicates the person has an infection. A negative result indicates that they do not have a herpes infection.
Antibody testsHerpes simplex antibody tests determine the presence of the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus. A clinician detects these antibodies in the person's blood or sore sample.
A positive result means that the person has HSV antibodies from a current infection or has had exposure, an outbreak, or infection. A negative result indicates that the person does not have the virus.
Before ordering a sample collection kit, people should consider the advantages and disadvantages of using at-home herpes tests. These include:
Anyone who has sexual contact with someone who has received a herpes diagnosis should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
People who have received a positive test result may also wish to consider seeking medical advice.
Currently, herpes is not curable, but doctors can prescribe medications to reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms. This may help lower the chance of the infection spreading to other individuals.
Can you test for herpes at home?Yes, it is possible to test for herpes at home. LetsGetChecked, STDCheck, and MyLAB Box all sell at-home herpes tests online. At-home herpes tests will require a blood sample, which people can collect by using a finger prick.
While at-home herpes tests are easy to complete and convenient to use, there is a risk of user error if a person is not used to taking them.
Yes, it is possible to test for herpes at home. LetsGetChecked, STDCheck, and MyLAB Box all sell at-home herpes tests online. At-home herpes tests will require a blood sample, which people can collect by using a finger prick.
While at-home herpes tests are easy to complete and convenient to use, there is a risk of user error if a person is not used to taking them.
Is there an instant herpes test?Yes, there are instant herpes tests that can return results in as little as 15 minutes.
However, these tests are not a suitable replacement for diagnosis from a healthcare professional, especially as no one but the test taker reviews the results.
Yes, there are instant herpes tests that can return results in as little as 15 minutes.
However, these tests are not a suitable replacement for diagnosis from a healthcare professional, especially as no one but the test taker reviews the results.
How accurate are herpes home test kits?At-home herpes home test kits are accurate so long as a person follows the test instructions. Tests may return an inaccurate or inconclusive result if a person does not take their sample correctly.
The CDC recommends that only people who have symptoms of herpes undergo testing. Possible symptoms include blisters around the anus, genitals, or mouth that burst and leave painful sores. The CDC also recommends testing if an individual experiences what could be a herpes outbreak.
However, a person should always contact a doctor to help them interpret the results and receive further testing if necessary.
At-home herpes home test kits are accurate so long as a person follows the test instructions. Tests may return an inaccurate or inconclusive result if a person does not take their sample correctly.
The CDC recommends that only people who have symptoms of herpes undergo testing. Possible symptoms include blisters around the anus, genitals, or mouth that burst and leave painful sores. The CDC also recommends testing if an individual experiences what could be a herpes outbreak.
However, a person should always contact a doctor to help them interpret the results and receive further testing if necessary.
How can I check I have herpes?Many people who have herpes will not have any symptoms or will only have mild symptoms that they may mistake for other conditions, such as ingrown hair.
If a person experiences symptoms, they are likely to notice:
Many people who have herpes will not have any symptoms or will only have mild symptoms that they may mistake for other conditions, such as ingrown hair.
If a person experiences symptoms, they are likely to notice:
Many people who have herpes do not have any symptoms at all. Additionally, if a person has herpes symptoms, they can still be mistaken for something else. For example, herpes sores may look like pimples or ingrown hairs. Since herpes sores can look like blisters, they can also be mistaken for skin condition symptoms, such as dermatitis.
Learn more about what herpes sores look like.
Many people who have herpes do not have any symptoms at all. Additionally, if a person has herpes symptoms, they can still be mistaken for something else. For example, herpes sores may look like pimples or ingrown hairs. Since herpes sores can look like blisters, they can also be mistaken for skin condition symptoms, such as dermatitis.
Learn more about what herpes sores look like.
At-home herpes tests may be the preferred option for people who feel uncomfortable discussing their sexual health with a doctor and those who cannot visit a healthcare facility.
Many companies sell at-home tests. Before purchasing a test, an individual may wish to compare the costs, how long it takes the companies to issue the results, and their instructions for collecting the sample.
Some people may have difficulty collecting samples at home and interpreting the test results. Some companies may only offer consultations to individuals who receive a positive test.
There are different types of herpes tests a person may wish to take. People should consider that any test has room for error, and those who receive a positive herpes test result should contact a doctor to discuss treatment options or a follow-up test.
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