Genital Herpes Testing
Nationally awarded Clinics in 2016, 2018 and 2020 for health and business quality
We have extensive experience in the diagnosis, management and treatment of genital herpes. We have the most sensitive herpes test available (PCR) to make the first diagnosis. In addition, herpes is a largely clinical diagnosis, so the specialist doctors at Open House are the best test you can get.
Other tests, such as serology, are discouraged because of their low sensitivity and high false positive rate. Herpes tests are recommended if you have compatible symptoms and after examination by the doctor in a consultation. The result is delivered within 1 to 3 working days after receiving the sample in our laboratory and costs from €110.
Genital Herpes Symptoms
Genital herpes has 2 different phases:
- Primary infection where between 2 and 6 days after infection, multiple lesions appear as round blisters, which later burst and leave superficial and painful ulcers that bother and/or sting.
- After this initial phase, secondary lesions can appear, where there is a warning sign of itching in the area of the skin originally infected with the primary herpes, producing the same clinical picture, but milder, normally lasting up to 10 days.
Genital Herpes Treatment
There is no cure for herpes. However, there are medications that can prevent or shorten the duration of flare-ups. If you are experiencing a herpes outbreak, the most important thing is not to wait and go to the doctor .
Genital herpes transmission routes
Genital herpes is transmitted by direct mucosal contact with a herpes lesion when mutual touching, oral, vaginal, or anal sex is practiced with a person with an active infection, whether either in the genital area or in the mouth.
Protected sex with a condom helps reduce herpes transmission risk , but it doesn’t remove it entirely.