Herpes
Genital herpes is an infection of the genitals (penis in men, vulva and vagina in women) and surrounding area of skin, caused by the herpes simplex virus.
What is STD?
STD stands for sexually transmitted disease and are also known as STI (sexually transmitted infection). The infections are passed from person to person through sexual contact. If you are worried you may have an STD, are looking for more information, click below
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Find a clinicHerpes Testing £124
It is transmitted via skin to skin contact. Approximately 80% of people infected with genital herpes are unaware of the infection. There are two types of herpes simplex virus:
- Type 1 herpes simplex virus is the usual cause of cold sores around the mouth. It also causes up to 90% of cases of genital herpes.
- Type 2 herpes simplex virus usually only causes genital herpes.
Herpes tests are available at select CityDoc clinics for £124. Results from clinics nationwide take 3 to 5 days.
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Next day appointments
Bookable online with live availability or walk-in appointments -
Private health clinics
Clinics regulated by the Care Quality Commission and experienced nurses -
STD testing & STI screening
Chlamydia, HIV and sexual health checks for asymptomatic conditions -
Caring & Confidential
Confidential consultation with our nurse and medical assessment
The first episode of symptoms may appear months or years after being first infected.
Primary Infection
- Symptomless
- Non specific symptoms-fever, aches and pains
- Blisters around genitals, becoming shallow painful ulcers. The ulcers and blisters can last up to 10-20 days, and then gradually heal and go without scarring.
- Vaginal discharge, pain on passing urine
Following the primary infection, the virus lies dormant in local nerves and activates, leading to recurrent symptoms of genital herpes if the primary infection was in the genitals.
However, even people who do not get symptoms may, on occasions, have virus in their genital area and therefore be infectious to sexual partners. In fact, this is how many genital herpes simplex infections are passed on.
Recurrent Infection
Recurrences tend to be less severe and shorter than the first episode. It is more usual to have 7-10 days of symptoms with a recurrence, unlike the 10-20 days of symptoms that may occur during the first episode. Most people do not develop a fever and do not feel particularly unwell during a recurrence. A tingling or itch in the genital area for 12-24 hours may indicate a recurrence is starting. The time period between recurrences and the frequency of recurrences is variable. The recurrence rate for HSV 2 is 4 times higher than HSV 1. Recurrences tend to reduce in incidence over time in most people.
The first episode of symptoms may appear months or years after being first infected.
Primary Infection
- Symptomless
- Non specific symptoms-fever, aches and pains
- Blisters around genitals, becoming shallow painful ulcers. The ulcers and blisters can last up to 10-20 days, and then gradually heal and go without scarring.
- Vaginal discharge, pain on passing urine
Following the primary infection, the virus lies dormant in local nerves and activates, leading to recurrent symptoms of genital herpes if the primary infection was in the genitals.
However, even people who do not get symptoms may, on occasions, have virus in their genital area and therefore be infectious to sexual partners. In fact, this is how many genital herpes simplex infections are passed on.
Recurrent Infection
Recurrences tend to be less severe and shorter than the first episode. It is more usual to have 7-10 days of symptoms with a recurrence, unlike the 10-20 days of symptoms that may occur during the first episode. Most people do not develop a fever and do not feel particularly unwell during a recurrence. A tingling or itch in the genital area for 12-24 hours may indicate a recurrence is starting. The time period between recurrences and the frequency of recurrences is variable. The recurrence rate for HSV 2 is 4 times higher than HSV 1. Recurrences tend to reduce in incidence over time in most people.
Receiving STD results
During your appointment test results and timings will be discussed. All test results are sent to our London based Harley Street laboratory for analysis and results will be sent directly to you once complete. If your results are positive, our specialist team will be in contact and provide NHS referrals if required. We provide treatment nationwide for Chlamydia and in our London flagship clinics we offer treatment for both Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.
Sexual health FAQ’s
Are you unsure on the difference between an STD and STI? What happens if I have a positive result? If you are looking for answers to these and other sexual health questions, we have put together a list of FAQ’s for you.
Sexual health enquiries
If you need further help regarding any sexual health matters, simply contact us below
