Genital Herpes Treatment

Genital Herpes is a common STI caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

It spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact, kissing, sexual activities like vaginal and anal sex, oral sex, and sharing sex toys.

Genital Herpes is caused by two types of HSV: HSV type 1 and HSV type 2, which can also lead to cold sores. HSV type 1 has become the primary cause of Genital Herpes due to transmission from cold sores and oral sex, while HSV type 2 is less frequent but more linked to recurring infections.

Even without visible sores, if you’ve had the infection before, you can still spread it. The virus can be present in shedding skin and infect others.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes can differ widely among individuals. Many might not show any signs at all. Some might feel pain, itching, or develop sores around the genital area, with the severity ranging from mild to severe.

During the initial infection, symptoms are generally more intense compared to later occurrences.

If you experience the first symptoms of HSV infection, it’s important to see your local GP or visit a sexual health clinic for a proper evaluation, confirmation of diagnosis, and appropriate care.

Additionally, it’s advisable to undergo screening for other STIs during this visit. A swab will be taken to diagnose the virus, and this doesn’t need to be repeated in subsequent outbreaks.

After the initial infection, the herpes virus goes quiet in the nerve cells of your skin. But it can wake up again anytime.

When it wakes up and moves to your skin, you can spread it. This might lead to painful skin blisters (if you have symptoms) or no blisters at all (if you don’t have symptoms). How it happens varies from person to person.

For most people, these outbreaks happen less often and aren’t as bad over time. Your immune system gets better at handling the virus. This can take a few years.

In some cases, treatment is necessary for frequent or really painful infections that come back, especially if they’re in sensitive areas like where you pee. When it comes back, the blisters or discomfort usually show up in the same spot.

You should visit a doctor in person (your local GP or sexual health clinic) in these situations:

• If you’re pregnant (talk to your antenatal team about this)
• If you feel generally sick (like having a fever, headache, or just feeling unwell)
• If your immune system is weak
• If your sores have lasted more than 10 days
• If you’re worried that your sores are getting worse, with or without treatment

These cases require a more thorough medical evaluation.