Question 1

What is Increased risk of HIV?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of HIV refers to biological and behavioral factors that make a person more vulnerable to acquiring HIV during exposure to the virus. It is caused by conditions like herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, which creates genital sores and breaks in skin barriers that allow easier HIV entry during sexual contact. The Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (IgG), Type-Specific Antibody test is the most important test for identifying this key biological risk factor.

Question 2

What causes increased risk of HIV?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of HIV is caused by sexually transmitted infections like herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which create physical breaks in the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area. These open sores and ulcers provide direct entry points for HIV to enter the bloodstream during sexual contact. HSV-2 also increases inflammatory immune cells in the genital area, which are the exact cells that HIV targets for infection, making transmission up to three times more likely during exposure.

Question 3

What is the best test for increased HIV risk?

Accepted Answer

The Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (IgG), Type-Specific Antibody test is the most important test for assessing increased HIV risk because it detects antibodies indicating HSV-2 infection, the most significant biological risk factor for HIV acquisition. This blood test identifies whether you have been infected with HSV-2, which causes genital herpes and dramatically increases HIV vulnerability through open sores and immune system changes. Knowing your HSV-2 status allows you to implement targeted prevention strategies, including antiviral medications to reduce outbreak frequency and enhanced protection measures during sexual activity.

Question 4

When should I get tested for increased HIV risk?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners, have been diagnosed with any sexually transmitted infection, or have noticed genital sores or unusual bumps in the genital area. Testing is also important if you are starting a new sexual relationship and want to understand your risk profile, or if you have experienced recurring genital symptoms like tingling, itching, or painful lesions. Early identification of HSV-2 infection allows you to take preventive actions that significantly reduce HIV transmission risk.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of HSV-2 that increase HIV risk?

Accepted Answer

HSV-2 causes painful genital sores, blisters, and ulcers that break open and create direct pathways for HIV to enter your body during sexual contact. You might notice tingling or itching in the genital area before blisters appear, followed by clusters of small, painful bumps that burst and form shallow ulcers. Many people with HSV-2 have no symptoms or very mild symptoms they do not recognize, but the virus still increases HIV susceptibility even without visible sores because it causes microscopic breaks in the skin and increases vulnerable immune cells in the genital tissue.

Question 6

Who is at risk for HSV-2 and increased HIV vulnerability?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who is sexually active can contract HSV-2, but risk is highest among people with multiple sexual partners, those who have unprotected sex, and individuals whose partners have genital herpes. Women are at higher risk than men for both HSV-2 and HIV because genital tissue provides larger surface areas for infection. People who already have other sexually transmitted infections, engage in anal sex, or have compromised immune systems also face elevated risk for both HSV-2 acquisition and HIV transmission if exposed.

Question 7

What happens if HSV-2 infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated HSV-2 infection continues to cause recurring outbreaks of painful genital sores throughout your life and significantly increases your risk of acquiring HIV if you are exposed to the virus during sexual contact. The open sores provide direct access for HIV to enter your bloodstream, making you two to three times more likely to contract HIV compared to someone without HSV-2. Beyond HIV risk, untreated HSV-2 can lead to more frequent and severe outbreaks, chronic pain, emotional distress, and unknowing transmission to sexual partners, including potentially serious infections in newborns if transmitted during childbirth.

Question 8

Can increased HIV risk be assessed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests can identify key biological risk factors that increase HIV vulnerability, particularly the Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (IgG), Type-Specific Antibody test that detects HSV-2 infection. This blood test looks for antibodies your immune system produces in response to HSV-2, indicating whether you have been infected with this virus that dramatically increases HIV transmission risk. While blood tests cannot predict whether you will get HIV in the future, they identify underlying conditions that make you more susceptible so you can take targeted prevention measures like antiviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if appropriate.

Question 9

How is HSV-2 treated to reduce HIV risk?

Accepted Answer

HSV-2 is treated with antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir that reduce outbreak frequency, severity, and duration while also lowering HIV transmission risk. Daily suppressive antiviral therapy keeps the virus less active, reduces genital sores that provide HIV entry points, and decreases viral shedding even when you have no symptoms. Combining antiviral treatment with safer sex practices like condoms and, when appropriate, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention creates multiple layers of protection that significantly reduce your risk of acquiring HIV if exposed.

Question 10

How can I prevent increased HIV risk from HSV-2?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent HSV-2 infection and reduce HIV risk by using condoms consistently during all sexual activity, limiting your number of sexual partners, and discussing STI status with partners before sexual contact. If you already have HSV-2, daily antiviral suppressive therapy dramatically reduces outbreak frequency and viral shedding, which lowers both HIV susceptibility and transmission risk to partners. Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk for HIV exposure, avoid sexual contact during active HSV-2 outbreaks, and get regular STI testing to identify and treat infections early before they increase HIV vulnerability.

Question 11

What can I do at home to manage HSV-2 and reduce HIV risk?

Accepted Answer

At home, take your prescribed antiviral medications consistently to suppress HSV-2 and reduce outbreak-related HIV risk, keep the genital area clean and dry to promote healing during outbreaks, and avoid sexual contact when you have active sores or prodrome symptoms like tingling or itching. Manage stress through adequate sleep, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques since stress can trigger HSV-2 outbreaks that increase HIV vulnerability. Maintain a healthy immune system with a balanced diet rich in lysine-containing foods like fish, chicken, and vegetables while limiting arginine-rich foods like nuts and chocolate that may trigger outbreaks, and always use barrier protection during sexual activity to create physical barriers against HIV transmission.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Increased HIV Risk Blood Test

What is Increased risk of HIV?

What causes increased risk of HIV?

What is the best test for increased HIV risk?

When should I get tested for increased HIV risk?

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