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Genital herpes

A common viral infection. Manageable, with effective antiviral treatment.

Speak to a GP about genital herpesFrom £79

In short

Genital herpes is a common, manageable viral infection. Antiviral tablets treat outbreaks and can prevent frequent ones. Outbreaks usually ease over time, and a GP can help you manage it and reduce transmission.

Overview

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, the same virus family as cold sores. After the first infection the virus stays dormant and can reactivate, causing outbreaks of painful blisters. It's very common and, while not curable, is well controlled with antiviral treatment. It can be passed on even without visible sores.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Painful blisters or sores around the genitals or anus
  • Tingling, itching, or burning before sores appear
  • Pain when urinating
  • Flu-like symptoms during a first outbreak
  • Recurrent, usually milder, outbreaks over time

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if you have painful genital blisters or sores, recurrent outbreaks, or want a management plan. Seek urgent help if you can't pass urine, or for a first outbreak in pregnancy.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Being unable to pass urine because of pain (seek urgent care)
  • A first outbreak in pregnancy, or outbreaks near your due date (important for delivery planning)
  • Severe or widespread outbreak, or if you're immunosuppressed

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • A confidential assessment of symptoms
  • Prescription of antiviral tablets (aciclovir, valaciclovir) to treat an outbreak
  • A plan for recurrent outbreaks, including suppressive treatment if they're frequent
  • Advice on reducing transmission to partners
  • Reassurance and clear information about living with herpes
  • Referral to an NHS sexual health service for diagnosis confirmation and full screening (free)

What we don't do

  • On-site diagnostic swabs and full STI screening (free via NHS sexual health services)
  • Specialist management of complicated herpes in pregnancy (obstetric team)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about genital herpes starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate. NHS sexual health testing is free; you pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about genital herpes

Is genital herpes curable?
There's no cure, but it's very manageable. Antiviral tablets treat outbreaks and, taken regularly, can prevent frequent ones. Many people have few or no recurrences over time.
How is it passed on?
Through skin-to-skin contact, including when there are no visible sores. Antivirals, condoms, and avoiding sex during outbreaks reduce the risk to partners.
Will I keep getting outbreaks?
Outbreaks usually become less frequent and milder over time. If they're frequent or distressing, daily suppressive antiviral treatment can greatly reduce them.
Does it affect pregnancy?
It can, especially a first infection late in pregnancy, so tell your midwife or GP. With the right plan, risks to the baby are low.
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Ready to talk to a GP about genital herpes?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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