How long should I wait to get tested after a risky encounter?

The 'window period' varies for different infections. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can often be detected after 1 to 2 weeks, while HIV and syphilis may take up to 4 to 12 weeks to show accurately on a test. However, if you have symptoms or are very concerned, we recommend coming in for an initial assessment and a 'baseline' test immediately.

Will my GP tell my partner or my regular doctor?

No. Your consultation is strictly confidential. We do not share your results with your regular NHS GP or anyone else without your written consent. If you test positive for an STI, we will advise you on how to inform your partners, as this is important for their health, but we do not contact them directly.

Can I get the HPV vaccine as an adult?

Yes, the HPV vaccine is highly effective for adults and can protect against the strains of the virus most likely to cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Even if you have been sexually active, you may not have been exposed to all the strains the vaccine covers. We can discuss whether it is a good option for you during your consultation.

Is erectile dysfunction always a sign of aging?

Not at all. While it becomes more common as men get older, it is often caused by treatable physical or psychological factors. It can be a sign of high blood pressure, diabetes, or high stress levels. Our GPs can help identify the cause and provide effective treatments, regardless of your age.

Home Treatments Private GPSexual Health Concerns

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Private Sexual Health Services and STI Screening

Sexual health is a fundamental part of your overall physical and emotional well-being, yet many people feel a sense of hesitation or embarrassment when seeking help. At Kinvara Private Hospital, we believe that taking care of your sexual health should be as routine and stress-free as any other medical check-up. We provide a completely confidential and non-judgmental environment where you can discuss your concerns openly. Whether you are experiencing new symptoms, have had a recent high-risk encounter, or simply want a regular check for peace of mind, our private GPs are here to support you. By choosing a private consultation, you bypass the long wait times of public clinics and gain access to a discreet service that prioritises your privacy and comfort.

Medically Reviewed By

Mr Vasu Karri, Medical Director • Updated 2026-01-24

✓CQC Good rated private hospital
✓Consultant-led care from start to finish
✓No GP referral necessary
✓All-inclusive prices, no hidden costs
✓0% finance available over 12 months

Navigating sexual health concerns requires both clinical expertise and a high degree of sensitivity. Our private GP service offers comprehensive screening for a wide range of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), from common bacterial infections to more complex viral conditions. We understand that waiting for results can be a period of high anxiety, which is why we utilize advanced laboratory services to provide rapid and accurate feedback. Beyond testing, we offer expert advice on preventative care, including vaccinations and medication. Whether you are looking for a full 'peace of mind' screen or need management for long-term issues like erectile dysfunction or recurring infections, we provide a streamlined pathway to treatment. You will leave your appointment with clear answers and a professional management plan tailored to your needs.

Discreet Screening and Diagnostic Excellence

Our screening process is designed to be as simple and stress-free as possible. Depending on your history and symptoms, we may use urine samples, blood tests, or swabs to check for infections. We offer full STI panels that cover chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV as standard. We can also provide targeted testing for Hepatitis B and C, as well as HPV typing for those concerned about cervical health or genital warts. Our clinicians perform these tests with the utmost care and respect for your comfort, explaining each step of the process as they go.

For concerns related to sexual function, we may perform a more detailed physical examination. For men, this might involve checking blood pressure and heart health to rule out vascular causes for erectile dysfunction. For women, a gentle pelvic examination may be necessary to check for signs of inflammation or infection in the cervix or uterus. We also utilize blood tests to check hormone levels, such as testosterone or oestrogen, as imbalances can significantly affect desire and physical response. Having these diagnostic tools available on-site means we can move quickly from assessment to a clear clinical diagnosis.

We also provide specialist screening for those who may have been exposed to high-risk situations. This includes testing for 'window periods' - the time it takes for an infection to become detectable after exposure. Our GPs can advise on the best time to test for various conditions to ensure the most accurate result. If you have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, we can discuss PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) as an emergency measure. We provide a supportive and professional path through these stressful moments, ensuring you have access to the best medical protection available.

A Modern Approach to Sexual Well-being

Sexual health is not just about the absence of disease; it is about maintaining a healthy, safe, and fulfilling life. Modern sexual health care involves a combination of regular screening, proactive prevention, and effective treatment. Many STIs are 'silent,' meaning they can be present in the body without causing any obvious symptoms for months or even years. During this time, they can still be passed to partners and may lead to long-term health complications such as infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease. Our GPs focus on identifying these hidden issues through thorough clinical history and targeted testing, ensuring you stay ahead of potential health problems.

We also recognize that sexual health is closely linked to your mental health and self-esteem. Issues such as erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, or pain during sex can have a profound impact on your relationships and daily happiness. These symptoms are often the result of a complex interplay between physical factors - like blood flow and hormone levels - and psychological factors such as stress or performance anxiety. In a private consultation, we have the time to explore all these facets of your health, looking for the root cause rather than just treating the symptom. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and treatments needed to enjoy a healthy sexual life.

Confidentiality is the cornerstone of our service. Your sexual health records are kept entirely separate from your NHS record unless you explicitly request otherwise. This means you can seek testing and treatment with total discretion. We provide a professional, clinical setting that is far removed from the high-traffic environment of a standard clinic. We take the time to discuss your sexual history and any specific risks you are concerned about, allowing us to tailor our testing panels to your individual needs. This bespoke approach ensures that you are getting exactly the care you need, when you need it.

Benefits

Total discretion with records kept separate from your general NHS file
Rapid access to comprehensive STI testing with fast-tracked laboratory results
Longer appointments that allow for a sensitive and thorough discussion of your concerns
On-site access to vaccinations and emergency preventative medications like PEP
Expert management for sexual function issues like erectile dysfunction and loss of libido

Understanding Infection and Transmission

Most sexual health concerns are driven by the transmission of bacteria, viruses, or parasites during intimate contact. Bacterial infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea are among the most common in the UK and are easily treated with antibiotics once identified. However, if left undiagnosed, they can cause significant scarring in the reproductive organs. We also see viral infections such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and genital herpes. While these may not always have a 'cure' in the traditional sense, they can be managed effectively with vaccinations and antiviral medications to prevent outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission to others.

Lifestyle and environmental factors also play a significant role in sexual function. For men, issues like erectile dysfunction are often early warning signs of cardiovascular health problems, as the small blood vessels in the penis are often the first to be affected by plaque build-up or high blood pressure. In women, recurring infections like thrush or bacterial vaginosis can be triggered by changes in the gut microbiome, hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle, or even the use of certain soaps and detergents. By looking at your overall health profile, we can identify these external triggers and help you make the necessary changes to restore balance.

Effective Pathways to Treatment and Prevention

Conservative Management

Many sexual health issues can be resolved with simple medication and lifestyle advice. Bacterial STIs are typically treated with a short, effective course of antibiotics. For viral concerns like herpes, we provide antiviral management to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. We also focus heavily on prevention, offering the HPV vaccine to protect against cervical cancer and genital warts. Our GPs provide guidance on safe sex practices and how to discuss sexual health with your partners, which is a vital part of long-term prevention and peace of mind.

Surgical Options

For more complex sexual health issues, we provide a bridge to specialist care. If we identify symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease or complex erectile dysfunction that does not respond to initial medication, we can facilitate fast-track referrals to expert gynaecologists or urologists. We also provide support for managing long-term conditions like HIV, working in tandem with specialist clinics to ensure your overall health is monitored by a GP who understands your full medical history. Our role is to ensure that no matter the diagnosis, you are never left without a clear and effective route to recovery.

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