Genital Herpes Treatment

Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Once you have it, the virus stays in your body and can cause outbreaks of sore blisters from time to time. There's no cure, but antiviral tablets make outbreaks shorter and milder, and taken daily they can stop them coming back so often. MedsRus can prescribe aciclovir online for people who have already been diagnosed with genital herpes, after a confidential consultation with a UK prescriber. It's sent in plain packaging.

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Genital herpes symptoms

Many people carry the virus without ever noticing symptoms. When an outbreak does happen, you might get:

• small, painful blisters or sores on or around the genitals, bottom or thighs;
• tingling, itching or burning before the blisters appear;
• pain when you pee;
• with a first outbreak, flu-like symptoms such as a temperature, aches and swollen glands.

The first outbreak is usually the worst. Later ones tend to be milder and shorter, and for many people they become less frequent over time.

How is genital herpes passed on?

Herpes spreads through skin-to-skin contact with the affected area, usually during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Oral sex with someone who has a cold sore can pass the virus to the genitals. It can also spread when there are no visible sores, although that's less likely.

Having herpes doesn't necessarily mean a partner has been unfaithful. The virus can lie dormant for months or years before the first outbreak.

Getting diagnosed

If you think you have herpes for the first time, go to a sexual health clinic. They can swab a sore to confirm it, check for other STIs and start treatment straight away. Testing is free and confidential. Our online service is for people who already have a diagnosis and want treatment for repeat outbreaks.

Genital herpes treatment

Aciclovir is an antiviral tablet that stops the virus multiplying. It doesn't get rid of the virus, but it helps sores heal faster and eases symptoms. There are two ways to use it.

Treating an outbreak (episodic treatment)

Start aciclovir as soon as you feel the tingling or see the first sores. The earlier you start, the better it works. A short course usually lasts a few days.

Preventing outbreaks (suppressive treatment)

If you get outbreaks often, typically 6 or more a year, taking aciclovir every day can prevent most of them and lower the chance of passing herpes on to a partner. Suppressive treatment is usually reviewed after 6 to 12 months.

Your prescriber will recommend the right option and dose for you.

Easing symptoms during an outbreak

• Bathe the area in salt water to help it heal.
• Apply petroleum jelly or a numbing cream to sores.
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain.
• If peeing stings, try doing it in the bath or shower, and drink plenty of water.
• Wear loose cotton underwear.
• Avoid sex, including oral sex, until the sores have fully healed.

Side effects and safety

Aciclovir is usually well tolerated. Some people get a headache, feel sick or have an upset stomach. Drink plenty of fluids while taking it. Tell the prescriber if you have kidney problems, as you may need a lower dose.

Herpes and pregnancy

If you're pregnant, or planning to be, and have genital herpes, tell your midwife or GP. A first outbreak late in pregnancy needs specialist care. With repeat outbreaks, the risk to the baby is low, and you may be offered aciclovir in the last weeks of pregnancy. Don't use our online service if you're pregnant. Speak to your maternity team instead.

When to see a GP or clinic

• You think you have herpes for the first time.
• You're pregnant.
• Sores haven't healed after 2 weeks, or keep coming back despite treatment.
• You have a weakened immune system.
• You have severe pain, can't pee, or have a headache with a stiff neck. Get urgent help.

How to order herpes treatment from MedsRus

1. Complete a short consultation about your diagnosis, your symptoms and any medicines you take.
2. A UK prescriber reviews it and, if it's suitable, approves aciclovir and explains how to take it.
3. We send it in plain, unmarked packaging.

Start your consultation →

Genital herpes FAQs

Can genital herpes be cured?

No, but antiviral tablets control outbreaks well, and for many people outbreaks become rarer over time.

How quickly does aciclovir work?

Start it at the first sign of an outbreak. Sores usually heal faster than they would without treatment, often within a few days.

Can I pass herpes on when I don't have sores?

It's possible, but much less likely. Daily suppressive treatment and condoms both lower the risk.

Are cold sores the same as genital herpes?

They're caused by the same family of viruses. Cold sores are usually HSV-1, which can also cause genital herpes through oral sex.

Do I need to tell my partner?

It's a good idea to tell current and new partners so you can decide together how to reduce the risk. A sexual health clinic can help with this conversation.

Can I have children if I have herpes?

Yes. Most people with herpes have healthy pregnancies and babies. Just make sure your midwife knows.

Further reading

• Genital herpes vs thrush: how to tell
• Living with genital herpes: telling a partner
• Cold sores and oral sex
• Chlamydia treatment
• All sexual health treatments

Sources:

• NHS: Genital herpes
• NHS: Sexual health services
• BASHH: Clinical guidelines
• Herpes Viruses Association