STD AT-HOME TEST: Herpes Virus 1 & 2-Anal

What is Herpes?

Anal herpes as a viral infection that is caused by the herpes virus. This virus has two categories: herpes simplex virus type one, and herpes simplex virus type two. While the first type is mainly transmitted orally and the second type in the genitals, it is very common to have either type in both locations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up until 2017, there were 3.7 billion people, worldwide, under the age of 50 years that are infected with herpes simplex-1. This consists 67% of the entire population. Also, there are 417 million people between ages 15 and 49 that are infected with herpes simplex type-2.

Anal herpes consists of sores and blisters that erupt around the anus. It is a life long infection that cannot be cured, but managed. This sexually transmitted disease can have many symptoms including having red bumps or white blisters, feeling pain and itching around the anus, developing ulcers at the site of the original blisters, witnessing changes in the bowel habits, and ending up with scabs covering the ruptured ulcers.

Anal herpes is passed from a person to another through sexual intercourse. This viral infection is highly contagious when lesions are present; but, even when symptoms are not showing, an infected person can still pass the virus to his/her sexual partner. The CDC explains that there are 24 million Americans with type-2 herpes, and 776,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. So, 1 in 6 Americans has genital herpes. The virus that causes genital herpes can lead to anal herpes; but, not everyone infected with genital herpes has anal herpes.

Why take the at-home Herpes Virus 1 and 2 – Anal test?

Many sexually transmitted diseases can spread to the anus. This anal swab test can help the infected person gets screened and diagnosed for the herpes simplex pathogen. Those who practice receptive anal sex need to be tested routinely. It is essential to get tested for anal herpes, if you believe you have been exposed to it through unprotected sex with an infected person. This is a viral infection that requires management for life. Getting treated will lower the risks of spreading the infection to others. It will also prevent complications such as having proctitis, which the inflammation of the rectum. This is specifically common among men who have sex with men.

What your at-home Herpes Virus 1 and 2 – Anal test results mean?

A positive herpes simplex culture from anal scraping indicates an active herpes infection. A negative culture test can either indicate that the virus in not present, or that it is not detectable. If the swabbed sample contains very few copies of the virus, or that the virus is not actively replicating; then, you will end up with a false negative. Those who still suspect an infection, despite the negative result, need to repeat the test.

Anal herpes cannot be cured. The treatment will help shorten the length of the outbreak and minimize its intensity. Getting treated means that you will no longer put your partner at high risks of getting the infection. The doctor may prescribe an antiviral therapy as a form of suppressive therapy. If the infection is severe, the patient may be given an intravenous antiviral therapy. While herpes is a lifelong infection, following the antiviral therapy helps minimizing both the severity of the upcoming outbreaks and their occurrence.

The best methods to minimize the risk of spreading anal herpes include practicing safe sex and good hygiene, as well as having an early diagnosis and containing the virus with a proper treatment.

Where can I get an at-home Herpes Virus 1 and 2 – Anal test?

This test kit will be mailed to you via USPS. You will receive an anal swab, as well as other test kit materials. Please review all instructions prior to performing this test. Specimens should be shipped via USPS back to the laboratory. Results take 3 to 5 days upon receipt of the specimen by the laboratory.

ANAL TEST COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS PDF

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: May 31, 2019