Genital Herpes Medication & Treatment
Control and suppress the symptoms of genital herpes
Genital herpes is a contagious infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), often presenting as painful blisters around the genital region.
Symptoms of a herpes outbreak can persist for up to 20 days, making it important to use antiviral medications that are clinically proven to be effective.
Our Aciclovir and Valaciclovir treatments are highly effective at quickly alleviating and managing herpes outbreaks.
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Aciclovir Tablets
Effective Anti-Viral Herpes Treatment Antiviral Genital Herpes Treatment Aciclovir is a medicine used to treat herpes infections, such as genital herpes. While i
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Famciclovir (Generic Famvir)
Genital Herpes Treatment Famciclovir is a medication used to treat genital herpes in adults. It helps manage outbreaks and can also reduce the frequency of futur
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Valaciclovir 500mg
Effective Anti-Viral Herpes Treatment Fast and Effective Anti-Viral Treatment for Herpes Valaciclovir is a fast-acting anti-viral treatment for current and fu
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Valtrex 500mg
Genital Herpes Treatment Valtrex is a medication used to treat both current outbreaks and prevent future ones of genital herpes caused by Herpes Simplex Virus 1
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How can you treat Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), cannot be completely cured, but its symptoms can be managed and minimized with the right treatment.
There are several options to treat and control genital herpes outbreaks:
- Aciclovir (Acyclovir): This antiviral medication can both clear up genital herpes outbreaks and suppress the herpes virus. It works by stopping the virus from multiplying, which shortens the duration of outbreaks and reduces symptoms. Aciclovir can prevent up to 80% of recurring outbreaks.
- Valtrex (Valaciclovir): Valtrex is a branded version of Valaciclovir and is highly effective in treating genital herpes outbreaks and suppressing the virus. Valaciclovir is equally effective but is the unbranded version, which is usually less expensive.
- Famciclovir: Famciclovir is another antiviral medication that prevents the virus from reproducing, reducing the severity and duration of genital herpes outbreaks.
While all these medications are effective, Aciclovir is often the most cost-effective choice for treating genital herpes.
What is Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes is a common, highly contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects about 25% of sexually active adults in the UK. It’s caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) and spreads through unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex. The symptoms are often mild and can include blisters and sores around the genital area, which may cause discomfort during urination. HSV-1, another type of herpes virus, typically causes oral herpes or cold sores around the mouth and face.
Once you have genital herpes, the virus remains in your body permanently. While recurring outbreaks are common, they tend to be milder than the initial one. In some cases, the virus can stay dormant for a long time, and some people may never experience symptoms despite having the virus.
Genital herpes cannot be treated with antibiotics, which are used for other STIs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. It requires antiviral medication to manage and alleviate symptoms.
What Causes Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes is primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), but it can also be caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the virus responsible for oral herpes (cold sores). Genital herpes is a viral infection, so antibiotics are not effective against it.
Outbreaks of genital herpes can last from a few days to up to 4 weeks. Initial outbreaks often take the longest to resolve, while subsequent outbreaks are usually quicker and less severe. The frequency of outbreaks varies, with some people experiencing multiple outbreaks in a year and others going years without symptoms.
Certain factors can trigger genital herpes outbreaks, including illness, a weakened immune system, poor diet, stress, exposure to ultraviolet light (like from sunbeds), and friction around the genital area.
What are the symptoms of Genital Herpes?
Around 80% of people with genital herpes don’t have any symptoms. But for those who do, the symptoms may include:
- Small blisters that break open and leave red sores around your genitals, rectum, thighs, and buttocks.
- In women, blisters and sores around the cervix and vaginal discharge.
- Pain when you pee.
- Feeling unwell with general aches and pains.
Symptoms can last up to 20 days in some cases. Later outbreaks usually have milder symptoms because your body builds up antibodies to fight the virus. Before an outbreak, you might feel tingling, burning, or itching in the genital area or down your leg. If you notice these warning signs, it’s important to seek treatment to prevent or treat genital herpes symptoms.
How do you get Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes spreads through unprotected sexual intercourse involving close skin-to-skin contact. Even with contraception, there’s still a risk of transmission because it may not cover all areas affected by the herpes virus. HSV-2, the virus type that causes genital herpes, is highly contagious, often with no noticeable symptoms, so you can have the infection without realizing it.
You can also get genital herpes from HSV-1 infection, although it’s less common. Oral sex with someone who has HSV-1 can lead to genital herpes.
How long does Genital Herpes Last?
Genital herpes doesn’t go away; the virus stays in your body permanently. However, symptoms are relatively rare, with up to 80% of those infected not experiencing symptoms. Outbreaks can occur multiple times a year, lasting up to 20 days in some cases. Prescription medication is highly recommended to reduce the frequency and duration of genital herpes outbreaks.
How do you treat the first outbreak of Genital Herpes?
The first outbreak of genital herpes often has the most severe symptoms and can last up to 20 days in some cases. To clear the first outbreak quickly, it’s highly recommended to take antiviral medication like Aciclovir for 5 days. This treatment can be repeated for another 5 days if needed to help clear the outbreak. Early treatment is key to speeding up recovery.
What should I do if I get another Genital Herpes outbreak?
There’s a chance that genital herpes outbreaks can recur, sometimes multiple times a year. When outbreaks happen, you can treat them with antiviral medication taken for 5 days to clear the infection. If genital herpes outbreaks keep coming back regularly, suppression treatment is a practical option. Different medications can be used for suppression, with Famciclovir being one option. Each medication has a longer, suppression dose available.
Warning signs like tingling, itching, or burning sensations around the genital area or down the leg often signal an impending outbreak. Seeking antiviral treatment when you notice these warning signs can help treat the outbreak as soon as possible.
How does suppression treatment work?
Suppression treatment for genital herpes helps reduce the chances of outbreaks. It involves taking a daily dose of antiviral medication like Aciclovir, Valtrex, or Valaciclovir for three months. This treatment prevents the virus from reproducing in the body, significantly lowering the risk of outbreaks. For example, when taken correctly, Aciclovir can suppress genital herpes outbreaks up to 80% of the time.