Genital Herpes Testing

Authored By: Dr. Leonard Leng.
Last updated: 13 Aug 2024.

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV:

• HSV-1: Mainly causes oral herpes but can spread to the genital area through oral sex.
• HSV-2: Typically causes genital herpes and is more common and highly transmissible.

Both types are spread through sexual and direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area (such as blisters and sores) and sometimes even when no symptoms are present.

Based on a study conducted in 2018, genital herpes is also one of the top five STIs in Singapore.

Source: National Skin Centre

Testing for herpes typically involves a blood test to detect HSV antibodies (proteins developed by the body to fight off infection). Common examples of such tests are the Herpes Simplex Type I IgG Antibody and Herpes Simplex Type II IgG Antibody.

Common symptoms of genital herpes include:

• Painful blisters or sores around genitals, buttocks, and thighs
• Tingling, itching or burning sensations
• Pain urinating
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches

Complications from getting infected with genital herpes can include:

• Increased risk of transmission of other STDs due to having sores.
• Eye infection which can cause pain, sores and blurred vision.
• Swelling of the brain, also known as encephalitis.
• Infection of newborn baby from mother during pregnancy which can lead to further health complications.

However, many people may not show symptoms or have mild symptoms that are easily mistaken for other conditions.

Symptoms of herpes can appear within 2 to 12 days after being infected with the virus. However, some individuals may not experience symptoms for weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection.

Currently, there is no cure for herpes.

While the infection is lifelong, oral antiviral medications can help manage symptoms by reducing the severity, frequency and duration of outbreaks and decreasing the risk of transmission to others. Maintaining good hygiene and avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks can also help manage the condition.

At ATA Medical, testing for genital herpes requires a blood test which would usually take less than 30 minutes to provide at our clinics. Our prices are listed as follows:

Also, we offer comprehensive STD screening packages which can include testing for both types of herpes virus (HSV-1, HSV-2). Female or male doctors are also available to perform the tests according to your preference.