STD Screening & Herpes: Why Talking About It Is Part of Good Health

Prepared by Delaware Beaches Online and Atracare| Southern Delaware

Let’s get real: conversations about STD screening are no longer taboo. In fact, they’ve become part of normal health maintenance—and for good reason.

“People are walking into bars showing each other their STD results,” says Dr. Lenai, a primary care provider at Atracare. “It might seem funny at first, but it’s actually really responsible.”

STD Screening: A Modern Health Habit

The stigma around sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is fading. Today, it’s more common than ever for individuals to openly discuss their screening status. And that’s a good thing.

Being screened regularly isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s about protecting others too. It helps stop the spread of infections and gives you peace of mind. At Atracare, we see STD screening as just another part of your regular health maintenance, like getting your blood pressure checked or scheduling your annual physical.

Let’s Talk About Herpes

One of the most misunderstood conditions we see is herpes—specifically HSV types 1 and 2. Here’s what Dr. Lenai wants you to know:

• Almost 90% of the population has some form of herpes virus.

• This includes things like cold sores, shingles, and even chickenpox—all part of the herpes family.

• It’s so common that we don’t routinely test for it unless someone is experiencing symptoms.

And if you do have genital herpes? That’s not something to be ashamed of. Many people have just one outbreak and never deal with it again. For others who get recurring outbreaks, there’s effective maintenance therapy to help reduce flare-ups and minimize the chance of transmission.

Why Open Conversation Matters

Herpes might not be deadly, but it still matters. Open conversations around symptoms and test results help providers offer the right treatment at the right time.

“If you have open lesions, we want to know. Not to judge you—but so we can help you heal and prevent spreading it to someone else,” says Dr. Lenai.

Whether it’s STDs, herpes, or any aspect of your sexual health, the message is simple: you deserve care, not shame.

Ready to prioritize your sexual health?
Book confidential, judgment-free STD screening with Atracare today.

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