Final answer:
Yes, a speculum exam can usually be performed on someone with an active HSV infection as long as proper precautions are taken.If not urgent, it might be preferable to delay the exam
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, a speculum exam can usually be performed on someone with an active HSV infection. A speculum exam is used to visually examine the cervix and vagina. While active HSV infections can cause genital sores and lesions, the speculum exam can still be conducted by a healthcare professional as long as they take proper precautions to avoid direct contact with the lesions. They may wear gloves and use other protective measures to minimize the risk of transmission.
To reduce the risk of transmission, providers must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow strict hygiene protocols. If not urgent, it might be preferable to delay the exam until active lesions resolve. However, if an exam is necessary, such as in cases of emergency or severe symptoms, precautions should be taken to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pregnant women with genital herpes often receive antiviral medication during the last month of pregnancy to prevent an outbreak around the time of birth. In the case of an outbreak, a cesarean delivery is recommended to avoid neonatal herpes transmission. According to the TORCH panel of prenatal tests, expectant mothers are generally screened for HSV during the first trimester, and systemic acyclovir treatment is recommended for newborns with neonatal herpes.