Herpes is a mild condition that causes small sores to appear on the skin. People develop herpes after being exposed to the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus affects the external genitalia, anal region, mucosal surfaces, and skin in other parts of the body. Herpes is a long-term condition. However, many people never have symptoms even though they are carrying the virus.

Clinical Manifestations:

Most people infected with HSV don't know they have it because they don't have any signs or symptoms or because their signs and symptoms are so mild. When present, symptoms may begin about two to 12 days after exposure to the virus. If you experience symptoms of genital herpes, they may include:

• Pain or itching:  Experience pain and tenderness in your genital area until the infection clears.
• Small red bumps or tiny white blisters: These may appear a few days to a few weeks after infection.
• Ulcers: These may form when blisters rupture and ooze or bleed. Ulcers may make it painful to urinate.
• Scabs: Skin will crust over and form scabs as ulcers heal.
• Burning when you pee if your urine touches the herpes sores
• Having trouble peeing because the sores and swelling are blocking your urethra
• Pain around your genitals. 

 

If herpes is caused by HSV-2, you might also have flu-like symptoms, such as: swollen glands in your pelvic area, throat, and under your arms,fever,chills, headache, feeling achy and tired. 

 

Risk Factors

Your risk of becoming infected with genital herpes may increase if you:

 

• Women are more likely to have genital herpes than are men. The virus is sexually transmitted more easily from men to women than it is from women to men.
• Have multiple sexual partners. 

Complications

Complications associated with genital herpes may include:

 

• Other sexually transmitted infections: Having genital sores increases your risk of transmitting or contracting other sexually transmitted infections, including AIDS.
• Newborn infection: Babies born to infected mothers can be exposed to the virus during the birthing process. This may result in brain damage, blindness or death for the newborn.
• Bladder problems: In some cases, the sores associated with genital herpes can cause inflammation around the tube that delivers urine from your bladder to the  outside world (urethra). The swelling can close the urethra for several days, requiring the insertion of a catheter to drain your bladder.
• Meningitis: In rare instances, HSV infection leads to inflammation of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
• Rectal inflammation (proctitis): Genital herpes can lead to inflammation of the lining of the rectum, particularly in men who have sex with men.

 

Important information

• Sample type: Urine 
• Kits will be posted to you containing instruction
• Take the test according to the instruction
• Post the kits back to us using our pre-paid envelope
• Your sample will be received by our laboratory team depending on the day and time of postage.
• If you purchase your test on Monday – Friday by 12.00 noon, you will receive your test kits the following day. However, any test purchased after 12.00 noon will be    dispatched the day after we receive your order. 
• Please note that any samples sent to us on Saturday will be received by our laboratory team on Monday. 
•  Our turnaround time is 2 working days upon receipt of your samples.
• If you drop your samples directly to our laboratory, your result will be ready within 22-48 hours upon receipt.