Genital Herpes Treatment

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) most commonly passed through sexual contact.

It is one of the most common STIs with up to 23% of adults in the UK and the US living with genital herpes.

Unlike other STIs, such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea, genital herpes can't be treated with antibiotics.

This is because herpes is a viral infection, caused by the HSV virus.

The HSV1 virus causes cold sores, passed through kissing and sharing objects like toothbrushes or razors. The related HSV2 virus causes genital herpes.

It can cause small, red blisters or painful sores around your genital area, anus, thighs, and bottom.

This can cause pain and discomfort, although many people experience mild symptoms or even no symptoms at all.

Genital herpes is passed through unprotected sex (including oral sex).

Condom use is one of the most effective ways to avoid contracting the infection.

Genital herpes is caused by the HSV2 virus.

The infection can remain inactive for large amounts of time, even years.

However, it's still highly infectious and people without visible sores and blisters could still have (and pass on) genital herpes.

You can also catch genital herpes by receiving oral sex from someone with a cold sore (oral herpes).

Genital herpes is generally cyclic. You may experience outbreaks that typically last for up to 3 weeks before the virus lies dormant again.

The initial outbreak can often be more severe.

Symptoms generally lessen on recurring occasions.

Other infections, poor diet, and feeling stressed or anxious can trigger outbreaks.

Genital herpes is easily passed on between people. The most common methods of transmission are:

• Sharing Sex Toys.
• Skin-To-Skin Contact.
• Cold Sores.

Genital herpes can be passed on even if there are no signs of visible sores. The virus itself can become active on your skin.

Initial symptoms are generally very mild.

However, more obvious signs may begin to show around four to seven days after exposure.

Some individuals may not display symptoms for months or even years.

The most common symptoms of genital herpes are:

• Pain When You Urinate.
• Difficulty Urinating.
• Small Blisters.
• Itching.

Herpes sores can develop in or on the penis and scrotum.

It can be difficult to tell both genital warts and herpes apart.

While they tend to appear in the same areas, the appearance of the infection is usually very different.

Genital warts are small, flesh-coloured bumps. Genital herpes shows as red blisters or open wounds.

Both conditions are transmitted through sexual contact.

Currently, there is no cure for genital herpes.

Often, symptoms can clear up by themselves.

However, blisters can come back at any time.

When this happens, you should visit your local STI health clinic to get the correct advice and treatment to help you with your infection.

If you can catch the outbreak of herpes soon enough, you can treat it with medication, which will reduce the severity of the episode.

In most cases, genital herpes blisters should heal within two to four weeks. Although the outbreak itself clears up, the virus will stay in your body.

The first outbreak of the virus is usually the most severe, and future outbreaks typically last for a shorter amount of time.

This is not the case for some people.

It can be difficult to admit that you are living with herpes.

However, it is crucial that you tell your sexual partner that you have the infection. This can help prevent the spread of genital herpes.

When discussing herpes, try to remain calm and ensure you are up-to-date on the facts of the condition.

There are many common misconceptions about genital herpes and other STIs. Educating yourself on herpes and how it is treated is very important.

Many people in the UK live with genital herpes, so you are not alone.

There are many ways to help prevent the spread of genital herpes.

Using condoms is one of the most common and effective methods, as it helps to prevent skin-to-skin contact.

If you or your sexual partner has any blisters or sores on their genitals, you should avoid vaginal, anal or oral sex.

You should also avoid sharing sex toys with others.

If you do, then you should make sure you wash after use and put a condom on them when in use.

The severity of genital herpes varies from person to person.

Some people experience intense itching and discomfort around their genitals.

Other people experience no symptoms at all.

There are medications like Aciclovir tablets that can help reduce the pain of genital herpes and speed up the healing process.

If the infection is causing severe pain, there is a lot you can do to reduce this:

• Apply a cold compress several times a day to the infected area
• Wash affected areas gently with soap and water and pat dry.
• Try to let the air get to your sores and avoid bandaging them.
• Wear loose, breathable underwear.
• Take Aciclovir tablets to help manage outbreaks.

If you are experiencing pain when urinating, try to pour water over your genitals whilst you urinate. This should help to ease pain.

Becoming infected with genital herpes during your pregnancy can pose a significant risk to your unborn child.

Your baby could develop a severe illness called neonatal herpes.

Rashes and sores can occur on your baby's skin, and they can experience a high fever.

Without the correct treatment, this illness can be fatal.

Neonatal herpes can be treated with antiviral drugs.

If you genital herpes before becoming pregnant, then the chance of getting neonatal herpes is low.

Herpes can be transmitted through body contact only.

Cold sores can be passed through kissing, and someone can give you the virus if they have it on their fingers and touch you.

Genital herpes can be passed on through both foreplay and oral sex.

You do not need to have penetrative sex to get it.

It is a good idea to ask your partner if they have recently been tested to ensure that you are both safe.

Currently, there is no cure for herpes. If you catch it, you will need to learn how to manage it, rather than curing it.

Standard STI tests don't look for herpes.

This means you will need to be specifically tested for it in order to be diagnosed.

Once you know you have genital herpes, you should be able to identify triggers and work to manage the condition.

Unlike other STIs, herpes does not increase the risk of infertility or cancer, so it's just a case of controlling the symptoms.

Fortunately, while there is no cure, genital herpes can be treated.

Antiviral medicines like Aciclovir tablets can help reduce pain and speed up the healing process.

You should also consider lifestyle changes - especially relating to your sex life.

You should avoid of sex completely if you have any sores.

After that, you should make sure you use protection and your partner should be made aware that herpes could still be passed on.

You will need to be extra careful if you are pregnant. Herpes can be passed on to your baby and cause serious illness.

Online Mens Clinic can offer treatments to help control the virus.

We offer medication like Aciclovir through our online pharmacy.

It is used as an antiviral medicine to treat the infections caused by genital herpes.

Simply complete an online consultation. Once this is reviewed and approved by one of our medical professionals, we will send your medication quickly and securely in a discreet package.