Think you might have genital warts or genital herpes?

We can offer online diagnosis and treatment by post, without going to a clinic.

This service is delivered in partnership with the NHS.

  • we will ask you about your symptoms and health history
  • we will ask you to upload 3 or 4 photos of your symptoms in order to confirm diagnosisand to use as a comparison during treatment follow up (find out more about the kinds of photos we need)
  • before prescribing home treatment, a clinician may call you to check some details
  • we will send treatment by first class Royal Mail, you will not need to sign for it
  • if treatment at home is not suitable for you, we will refer you to a local clinic or offer you advice on how to manage your symptoms
  • follow up support is available via text and phone.
Continue

Find out more about genital warts and genital herpes.

If you have visible symptoms then it is a good idea to talk to your current partner about the infection. Avoid any skin to skin contact with the infected area, until you have completed treatment and symptoms have cleared.

Questions?

What treatments are available from SH:24?

Our clinicians are able to prescribe treatments that are suitable for home use.

For genital warts, this will either be Podophyllotoxin cream or Imiquimod cream.

For genital herpes, this will be Aciclovir tablets.

Will you help me find a clinic if home treatment is not suitable for me?

Yes. We will text you with details of a sexual health clinic near to you.

Why do I need to upload photos?

Our clinicians need to review your symptoms in order to confirm a diagnosis and make a decision on whether home treatment is suitable for you.

Who will see my photos?

Your photos will be reviewed by one of our GMC registered doctors or a sexual health nurse. Access to photos will be limited to the SH:24 clinicians who need to see them in order to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Where is my data stored?

Your photos will be fully encrypted and securely stored. Only our clinicians will have access to these photos. We advise you not to include any identifiable information within your photos and that you delete the photos from your device.

Are details of my orders shared with my GP?

No, SH:24 will not share information about your order with your GP without your consent.

Can I order treatment for my partner too?

If your partner also has symptoms, they will have to create a separate order with their own mobile number. This is to ensure that the right treatment is prescribed and sent to the right person.

What will happen if the clinician cannot make a decision or diagnosis?

Our clinician will send you a text message or call you to discuss your symptoms. They will also be able to give you details of a local clinic where you can access further testing, treatment or examination.

Do I need to be in to receive my treatment, and will it fit through my letter box?

We will send your treatment in discreet packaging by first class Royal Mail. You will not have to be in or sign for the package - it will fit through your letterbox.

What does the packaging look like?
Discreet, tamper proof, unmarked envelope - genital treatment package
Can I track my treatment order?

We will track your order and will text you when your order has been dispatched.

What do I do if my treatment doesn't arrive?

If you have any issues with your order, text us on (07860 041 233).

Who will sign my prescription?

A GMC registered doctor or nurse prescriber will review your order and sign your prescription.

Can I request a record of my previous orders, messages and treatment from SH:24?

Yes. Once you have ordered treatment from SH:24, you can text (07860 041 233) to request details of your orders.

I've recently had unprotected sex - what should I do?

If you have had unprotected sex, you may have been exposed to STIs, and you may be at risk of pregnancy. If one or more of the following applies to you, we would strongly recommend that you visit a local clinic or speak to a clinician as soon as you can:

  • if you have been sexually assaulted
  • if you have any symptoms of infection
  • if you have had unprotected sex in the last five days and think you are at risk of being pregnant (you can receive emergency contraception if you do not wish to become pregnant, up to 5 days after having sex)
  • if you have had unprotected sex in the last three days and think you may have been exposed to HIV (you can receive post exposure medication at clinics up to 72 hours after having sex)
  • if you are under the age of 16.

You can also order a free STI test from SH:24 to complete at home.

I don't have symptoms, but I want an STI test - can I order one?

Yes, SH:24 provides free STI test kits in many parts of the UK. You can order a free STI test from us to complete at home.

What photos do I need to take?

It can be difficult to take these photos so take your time, make sure you are in a well lit area, maybe use a lamp with the light directed at your skin.

To show us how big the lesions are, place your finger (a ruler, or a coin) on your skin in one of the photos.

Having your phone on timer may help you be more comfortable whilst taking these photos.

We will ask you to upload 3 or 4 photos:

  1. From a distance, show the whole genital area, so we can tell where your symptoms are appearing.
  2. Close up and in focus, place your finger so we can tell how big the lesions are.
  3. From a different angle, focus on the texture of the effected skin.
  4. An additional photo if you wish.