Herpes Test London

DocTap specialise in providing the fastest, most convenient, discrete and best value GP led Herpes tests (£84) and sexual health screening in London.

Simply book an appointment online at any London DocTap STI clinic. Same day appointments are available 7 days a week. Your doctor will be able to discuss appropriate options if you wish before carrying out a Herpes test or full STI screen. In many cases Herpes can be tested for via swab and without the need for a blood test.

Our testing partners are widely regarded as one of the leading sexual health testing laboratories in the world. All records are maintained securely and in the upmost confidence. We will never share your details with your NHS GP or any third party without your express permission.

This is only a small sample of the many sexual health tests which DocTap provide. Our expert doctors can advise you during your consultation on the most appropriate tests for your circumstances. View all blood tests.

What is Herpes

Herpes Simplex is a viral disease caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus, type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Both of them, once caught, remain in the body.

HSV-1 more commonly causes infections around the mouth (cold sores) while HSV-2 more commonly causes genital infections (genital herpes). 

Prevention of Herpes

The most effective method of avoiding infections is by avoiding vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Genital herpes is especially contagious when are there open blisters. You should also avoid kissing if you or the other person has a cold sore. 

Symptoms of Herpes

Most people with the HSV don't experience any symptoms when first infected. As a result, many people don't know they have the condition.

It usually takes two to fourteen days after contact for the first symptoms of herpes to appear.

Genital Herpes 

The symptoms of genital herpes for the first time (primary infection) include:

• itching, tingling, soreness and discomfort of the area affected
• general flu-like symptoms (e.g backache, headache, temperature, muscle aching)
• small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores around your genitals, rectum (back passage), thighs and buttocks
• vaginal discharge in women
• pain when passing urine
• a general feeling of being unwell, with aches, pains and flu-like symptoms

These symptoms may last up to 20 days. However, the sores will eventually scab and heal without scarring.

Once the initial symptoms of genital herpes clear up, the virus remains dormant (inactive) in a nearby nerve. The virus may be reactivated from time to time, causing recurrent outbreaks which are usually shorter and less severe than the primary infection. 

Oral Herpes 

The symptoms of oral herpes include:

• a tingling, itching or burning sensation around the mouth
• small fluid-filled sores on or around the lip, which may burst and crust over. 

Herpetic Whitlow

This describes a lesion (whitlow) on a finger or thumb caused by HSV. It is a painful infection that typically affects the fingers or thumbs, on or around the nail-bed. Symptoms of include swelling, redness and tenderness of the skin of infected finger. This may be accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes. 

Testing for Herpes

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be tested for with a urine or self swab. The test costs £89 with results within 4 days.

Treatment of Herpes

There is no method that eradicates HSV from the body. Treatment is usually with a tablet called Aciclovir, which works by preventing HSV from multiplying. This in turn reduces the frequency, duration, and severity of outbreaks.

If you have more than six recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes in a year, or if your symptoms are particularly severe and causing you distress, you may need to take aciclovir every day as part of a long-term treatment plan.

If you are experiencing recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes you should also consider being tested for HIV. This may be a sign of a weakened immune system. 

Common STD Tests

Why Choose DocTap?

DocTap seek to provide the most convenient, fastest, effective and best value private STI testing service in London. With 8 STD clinics across London and same day appointments available 7 days a week, it has never been easier to book a herpes test. We are proud to partner with The Doctors Laboratory (TDL) which has a worldwide reputation for excellence.

Unlike many walk in STI clinics, you will see a UK accredited GP who will be able to offer their expert option on what test is most appropriate for you. Your results will also be accompanied by a written analysis of what they mean and what your doctor advises you to do next. Should additional treatment be required, or if you simply wish to discuss the results in more detail, then you can book a 15 minute follow up consultation for only £25. This can either be at any DocTap clinic or over the phone. When booking your follow up consultation you can request to see you original doctor if you wish (subject to their availability).

Should you require a full consulation before deciding to have a herpes test then there may be insufficient time to also take a blood sample in the appointment. In that case you can choose to either go to our walk in laboratory by Oxford Street (£15 phlebotomy fee applies) or to make a second appointment for the doctor to take the bloods.