Genital herpes

Genital Herpes Testing and Treatment in Nottingham

Serving: Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Mansfield, Sheffield and the wider Midlands area

At Park Private Clinic, we offer professional, confidential, and discreet services for individuals concerned about genital herpes. Our experienced medical team provides comprehensive care from initial testing through to treatment and management advice.

Understanding Genital Herpes

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

HSV-1: Traditionally associated with cold sores around the mouth, but can cause genital herpes through oral-genital contact
HSV-2: More commonly associated with genital herpes

In the UK, genital herpes affects a significant portion of the population. In 2024, more than 27,000 new cases were documented at GUM clinics across Britain, with many more likely going unreported or undiagnosed.

Why Choose Park Private Clinic for Genital Herpes Testing?

Discrete and confidential service in a non-judgmental environment
Same-day appointments usually available
Fast turnaround of test results to minimise anxiety
Expert medical team with extensive experience in sexual health
Comprehensive care from diagnosis through to treatment and management
Private, comfortable setting away from busy NHS clinics

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes symptoms can vary significantly between individuals. Some people may experience obvious symptoms, whilst others may have such mild symptoms that they go unnoticed or are mistaken for another skin condition.

Primary Outbreak Symptoms

The first outbreak of genital herpes is typically the most severe and may include:

Initial redness, tingling, or burning sensation in the affected area
Small, fluid-filled blisters that break open to form painful ulcers
Flu-like symptoms in,cluding fever, headache, and swollen glands
Pain when urinating, especially in women
Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
Generalised discomfort and malaise
Symptoms typically lasting 2-3 weeks if untreated

Recurrent Outbreak Symptoms

After the initial infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve cells. Recurrent outbreaks are usually less severe and shorter in duration:

Prodromal symptoms (tingling, itching, or burning) in the affected area 24-48 hours before visible symptoms appear
Smaller clusters of blisters than the initial outbreak
Less severe pain and discomfort
Faster healing time, typically 7-10 days

It’s important to note that not everyone with genital herpes will experience recurrent outbreaks. Factors such as stress, illness, fatigue, hormonal changes, and sun exposure may trigger recurrences in some individuals.

How Genital Herpes Is Transmitted

Understanding transmission is crucial for both prevention and reducing stigma around this common infection:

Direct skin-to-skin contact with the affected area during an active outbreak
Sexual contact in,cluding vaginal, anal, or oral sex
Viral shedding even when no symptoms are visible (asymptomatic transmission)
Maternal transmission to a newborn during childbirth (a serious but rare complication)

It’s worth noting that genital herpes cannot be contracted from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or sharing cutlery. The virus dies quickly outside the body.

Comprehensive Genital Herpes Testing

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management. At Park Private Clinic, we offer comprehensive genital herpes testing services:

Types of Tests Available

Visual examination by our experienced doctors
Viral culture taking a swab from a blister or ulcer
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing – highly accurate for detecting the virus
Blood tests to detect antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2

When to Get Tested

You should consider genital herpes testing if:

You have any symptoms that might indicate genital herpes
You’ve had sexual contact with someone who has been diagnosed with herpes
You’re starting a new sexual relationship and want comprehensive STI screening
You’re pregnant and have a history of genital herpes or a partner with herpes

The best time for testing is when symptoms are present, particularly when blisters or ulcers are in the early stages. This allows for more accurate swab testing.

Effective Genital Herpes Treatment Options

Whilst there is currently no cure for genital herpes, effective treatments are available to manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks:

Antiviral Medication

Antiviral medications form the cornerstone of genital herpes treatment:

Aciclovir – The most commonly prescribed antiviral
Valaciclovir – Converted to aciclovir in the body, requires fewer daily doses
Famciclovir – An alternative option with similar efficacy

These medications can be prescribed in different ways:

Episodic therapy – Taking medication when symptoms appear to shorten the duration and severity of an outbreak
Suppressive therapy – Daily medication to prevent recurrent outbreaks, particularly beneficial for those experiencing frequent recurrences

Supportive Treatments

In addition to antiviral medication, we recommend:

Pain relief – Paracetamol or ibuprofen for discomfort
Topical anaesthetics – To numb the affected area
Bathing with salt water – To help clean and dry the affected area
Loose-fitting clothing – To reduce friction and irritation
Adequate hydration – Drinking plenty of water, particularly when urinating is painful

Prevention and Safer Sex Practices

While no method is 100% effective at preventing genital herpes transmission, these measures can significantly reduce risk:

Condom use during sexual intercourse, though this provides only partial protection, as herpes can affect areas not covered by condoms
Abstaining from sexual contact during active outbreaks
Antiviral suppressive therapy can reduce viral shedding and transmission risk
Open communication with sexual partners about sexual health status

When to Seek Medical Advice

We recommend consulting with a healthcare professional if:

You’re experiencing symptoms that might indicate genital herpes
You’ve had sexual contact with someone diagnosed with genital herpes
You’re experiencing frequent or severe recurrent outbreaks
You’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have genital herpes
Your symptoms aren’t responding to prescribed treatments
You’re struggling emotionally with your diagnosis

Book Your Confidential Appointment Today

At Park Private Clinic, we understand that discussing genital herpes can be difficult. Our professional, non-judgmental team is here to provide the testing, treatment, and support you need.

Our discrete service ensures your privacy at every stage, from reception to consultation and treatment.