In-person testing, home test kits and condom fit-kits orders will be paused until we're back on 6 Jan. In the meantime, visit your local GP or emergency healthcare clinic for testing Get a Test
Herpes (or Herpes Simplex Virus) presents in two different types:
Symptoms may not always be present, but can include an itching or tingling feeling around the infected area and an outbreak of painful blisters or sores which later form scabs. You may also get flu-like symptoms - like aches, fevers and nausea.
Many people who have the virus don’t know it, as they may have no symptoms, and these infections are very common. Herpes can be passed on both sexually and non-sexually during skin-to-skin contact, by direct contact with a sore on the mouth, dick or ass and can also be transmitted where there are no obvious symptoms.
A physical examination of the affected area can detect a herpes outbreak and there are tests available (but may cost to take) - see a doctor.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can infect the mucous lining of the penis, anus or eyes.
Keep reading…Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that lives in the mucous lining of the penis, throat, anus or eyes.
Keep reading…Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that infects the penis, throat or anus and then spreads to different parts of the body through the bloodstream.
Keep reading…Herpes (HSV)
Herpes (HSV) presents in two different types.
Keep reading…Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Papillomavirus (Warts) is the virus that can cause warts on the penis, anus or surrounding areas.
Keep reading…Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
LGV is a particularly virulent form of the Chlamydia bacteria. It is still rare, but it may become more common over time.
Keep reading…HIV
We comprehensively discuss HIV across our website, so we'll just cover the basics here. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It belongs to a group of viruses called retroviruses, which work by invading cells within the body then begin to continually reproduce itself.
Keep reading…Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A causes inflammation in the liver and is the form of the virus which often comes on very quickly and is short-term but severe.
Keep reading…Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver.
Keep reading…Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a virus that causes serious damage to the liver.
Keep reading…Gut Infections
Gut Infections are caused by bacteria (such as amoebiasis, shigellosis, giardiasis and salmonellosis).
Keep reading…Molloscum Contagiosum
Molloscum Contagiosum (MC) is a virus that causes pimple-like lumps on the body.
Keep reading…Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Pubic Lice (Crabs) are small parasites that grip onto the hair in the genital area.
Keep reading…Scabies
Scabies are tiny mites (smaller than crabs) that burrow under the skin to lay eggs.
Keep reading…Thrush
Thrush (or Candidiasis) is a yeast infection that irritates the mucous membranes around the genitals.
Keep reading…There is no cure and the virus stays in your body (specifically your brain) for life, but there are treatments that can reduce symptoms and speed up recovery. The possibility of repeated outbreaks varies from person to person, but outbreaks may become less frequent and over time may stop all together.
Outbreaks of herpes can be more severe and last longer for those with HIV. HIV viral loads can peak during outbreaks and increase transmission risk to partners of both herpes and HIV – however, if you have undetectable viral load, there is no risk of HIV transmission for your partner.
Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission. There is also strong evidence that taking anti-HSV medications greatly reduces the risk of passing herpes on to partners.
