Talking to your doctor

As with any other medical condition, if you notice any unexplained or recurrent symptoms in your genital region you should see your doctor and get it checked.

Because genital herpes symptoms are so similar to other STI Glossary: STI
A sexually transmitted infection. s it can often be misdiagnosed or dismissed as common health conditions such as thrush Glossary: Thrush
A common infection that is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. Symptoms include vaginal discomfort – including itching or burning, a thick white discharge with a ‘cottage cheese’ appearance, redness or swelling of the vagina or vulva and stinging or burning while urinating and during sex. . Your doctor may recommend a STI test Glossary: STI Test
A test that checks for specific sexually transmitted infection. The infections that a STI Test checks for can vary depending on your symptoms and doctor. Speak to your doctor for more information. to help diagnose your symptoms. If you do have a STI test remember to ask to be specifically tested for genital herpes as it isn’t part of a standard test.

Speaking to your doctor about STI s may not be something you are comfortable doing. If this is the case, don’t worry, simply look up your local sexual health clinic Glossary: Sexual Health Clinic
Sexual health clinics specialise in sexual issues including STIs, contraception and pregnancy testing. and make an appointment to see one of their doctors instead.

Sexual health clinics deal with a wide range of issues such as STI s, contraception and pregnancy testing. They also provide diagnosis, treatment, education and counselling services and are a safe and non-judgmental environment in which to discuss your concerns.

To locate your local sexual health clinic download the Royal Australasian College of Physicians’ Register of Public Sexual Health Clinics* brochure.

*Please be aware that when you click on the Register of Public Sexual Health Clinics a new window will open and you will be directed to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians’ website. This is a different website from thefacts.com.au and is governed by different policies.