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Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus, usually HSV-2 or HSV-1. It may cause painful blisters or ulcers, but infection can also be mild or unnoticed.

Valtrex

Valaciclovir

500 · 1000mg

Indicated to manage herpes zoster and herpes simplex virus infection to alleviate painful outbreaks and speed recovery.

From$2.55/ tabletView

Famvir

Famciclovir

250 · 500mg

Developed to alleviate symptoms of viral outbreaks, indicated to target viral replication and support immune recovery.

From$2.34/ tabletView

Key takeaways

  • A swab from a fresh lesion is more useful for confirming herpes than appearance alone.
  • Antivirals shorten or suppress outbreaks but do not remove the virus from the body.
  • Transmission can occur without visible sores; avoiding sexual contact during symptoms reduces risk but does not eliminate it.

An antiviral listing does not confirm that genital sores are herpes; testing, timing, pregnancy and kidney function affect treatment decisions.

What can an outbreak look like?

Tingling, burning or pain may precede grouped blisters that open into shallow ulcers. A first recognised episode can include fever, tender groin nodes or painful urination. Syphilis and other skin conditions can look different or similar enough to require testing.

What can antiviral treatment do?

Valaciclovir and famciclovir can be used for an episode or as suppressive treatment when recurrences or transmission concerns justify it. Earlier treatment of an outbreak is generally more effective. See antivirals for medicine-group context.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent assessment for inability to urinate, severe headache with neck stiffness or light sensitivity, eye pain or vision change, widespread sores with marked illness, or symptoms during pregnancy near delivery. Newborn exposure requires immediate medical advice.