Genital herpes treatment

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection (STI), which is spread through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. It's caused by a common virus called the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which often appears through outbreaks and causes symptoms like a red blistered rash. In many cases, genital herpes is symptomless.

How does genital herpes spread?

Genital herpes can be spread by:

• unprotected sex
• skin contact with infected areas
• skin contact with areas where herpes blisters or sores are not visible
• touching someone else’s genitals, then yours
• using sex toys used by someone who has herpes
• a cold sore coming into contact with your genitals

While the genital herpes virus is contagious and easily transmitted from person to person, there is no risk of contracting it from surfaces such as tables, door knobs, and toilet seats.

How common is genital herpes?

HSV, the virus which causes herpes, is very common. HSV is split into HSV-1 and HSV-2 types. HSV-2 causes genital herpes, and a recent study from 2022 estimated that around 12.4% of the European general population has been exposed to this virus. Once exposed to the virus, most people will have at least 1 outbreak, though it's common to have more. Research shows that nearly all people who have a first, symptomatic outbreak of genital herpes have another outbreak within a year of being exposed to the virus.

However, not everyone with HSV-2 shows symptoms – it's estimated that around 20% of infected people get no symptoms at all, or only have sores in locations that cannot be seen, such as the cervix. So it's important to get tested not only if you have symptoms but also if you think you may be infected.

The main symptoms of genital herpes are blisters which burst open and leave you with sores. They are usually red but can appear differently on different skin tones and occur around the genitals, thighs, bottom, or anus.

Other genital symptoms may include:

• pain when taking a pee
• tingling sensation
• itching or burning around the genital areas
• unusual discharge

When you first contract HSV-2 in your genital area, it is called the primary infection. The first outbreak symptoms after exposure to the virus are usually the worst, and any further outbreaks are usually milder.

How often does genital herpes flare up?

Clinical studies have found that patients usually have 6 to 10 recurrences of genital herpes within a year after first exposure to the virus. However, this can vary from person to person – some people may have fewer, and it also depends on how regularly you are exposed to triggers.

For example, if you get an outbreak of genital herpes blisters and sores, these symptoms may come back because the virus lies dormant in your body until it is ‘activated’ by triggers which cause symptoms to appear.

Triggers may include:

• friction on and around your genitals, for example from tight clothing or sex
• alcohol
• smoking
• ultra-violet light, such as sunbeds or sunbathing
• being ill
• being stressed
• genital surgery
• hormone changes during your menstrual cycle
• having a weakened immune system

Triggers will vary from person to person, and it's important to understand what triggers your outbreaks so you can try to avoid them where possible. However, some triggers are unavoidable, and there are medications available to help manage outbreaks.

Genital herpes is most commonly diagnosed by taking a swab of a sore or blister using a cotton swab, then sending it to a lab for testing. You can do this at home, using a genital herpes home test kit, or you can visit your local sexual health clinic. This does mean you need to have symptoms at the time of testing.

To take our at-home test, you just need to:

• swab one of your genital blisters or sores for around 10 seconds, making sure there is some fluid on the cotton swab to be tested – you may have to break a blister to get a good sample
• put the swab carefully into the test tube, then pack the kit up in the packaging provided
• send the test kit to the lab for testing

You will not need to see a doctor. If you get a positive diagnosis, you can then get prescription treatment from ZAVA to manage your symptoms or to prevent further outbreaks. Our swab test kits are just as accurate as those used by doctors at a sexual health clinic, and you can order the kit to be delivered straight to your door in discreet packaging, or for collection at your local Post Office.

You can also get a blood test to check for HSV-2, which can be taken even if you do not have symptoms at the time of testing.

When should you get tested for genital herpes?

If you have suspected genital herpes symptoms, you can get tested straight away, either with a swab test or a blood test. You cannot use a swab test if you do not have any blisters or sores.

If you think you might have been exposed to genital herpes but have no symptoms, wait for up to 12 days to see if symptoms appear. The incubation period (time it takes for the virus to develop in the body) of genital herpes is between 2 to 12 days, but some people exposed to the virus may not experience symptoms for months after.

If you develop no symptoms, you can visit a clinic to get a blood test instead, which can check for the virus even if you have not had an outbreak. You should check with the clinic to see how long you need to wait after you think you've been exposed for their blood test to detect HSV, as this may differ depending on the type of test they use. Usually, waiting 14 days after exposure is long enough.

It is important to get tested if you think you may have been exposed to the virus. If genital herpes is left untreated, it can cause long-term complications.

Genital herpes can be treated with several different antiviral medications, which work to stop the herpes virus from multiplying and manage outbreaks by controlling the infection and allowing your immune system to deal with it.

The most common antiviral treatments for genital herpes are:

• aciclovir
• valaciclovir
• famciclovir

How effective is genital herpes treatment?

Studies have found that suppressive treatment for genital herpes with antiviral medications like aciclovir, valaciclovir, and famciclovir minimise recurrent outbreaks by 70 to 80% in a year. These treatments tend to stop outbreaks within a few days if taken promptly when symptoms begin, and must be taken as prescribed and advised by your doctor.

How to take genital herpes treatment

Your genital herpes medication is in the form of an oral tablet and should be taken whole with water. The dosage you’ll need to take will depend on exactly which medication you are prescribed and what stage of your infection you take it. Genital herpes medication can be prescribed to suppress outbreaks if you get them often.

Check carefully with your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided to ensure you are using the medication correctly. Here’s a quick summary of how often you’ll typically take each treatment during an outbreak:

• aciclovir – usually taken 5 times daily for 5 to 10 days
• valaciclovir – usually taken twice daily for 5 to 10 days
• famciclovir – usually taken twice daily for 5 to 10 days

For long-term suppression of frequent outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe a lower daily dose for an extended period. Always follow your doctor’s advice for the exact dosage and duration.

Is there a cure for genital herpes?

There is currently no cure for genital herpes. The virus will remain in your body, and outbreaks might occur again, but how often this happens is different from person to person. However, the symptoms can be managed if you take prescribed antiviral medications.

Yes, you can order genital herpes treatment online from reputable, safe, and regulated online doctor services, like ZAVA. We provide a fast home delivery service with discreet packaging, and our services include both test kits and antiviral medication to treat genital herpes.

Getting genital herpes treatment or testing from ZAVA is quick and convenient, with no need for a face-to-face appointment. Simply:

1. Complete a short online medical questionnaire – share details about your health so our doctors can ensure the treatment or testing is right for you.
2. Order and pay online – sign in or create your ZAVA account, select ‘Genital Herpes Treatment’, and securely make your payment.
3. Doctor review and approval – a UK-licensed doctor will check your health information and approve your prescription if the treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
4. Fast and discreet delivery – if approved, your selected treatment will be delivered discreetly to your home or a local post office for collection.

Can I get genital herpes treatment over the counter?

No, antiviral medications suitable for treating genital herpes are not available over the counter. They are prescription-only.

Can I get genital herpes treatment on the NHS?

Yes, you can get NHS treatment for genital herpes from sexual health clinics and your local GP. Accessing treatment will require you to have a consultation in person, and you may have to pay for your prescription.

Below is a list of common side effects for the three main treatments for genital herpes. The side effects you may experience depend on the medication and dosage prescribed.

Aciclovir

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• headache
• feeling dizzy
• feeling or being sick
• diarrhoea
• stomach pains
• rash
• skin reaction after exposure to light
• itching
• feeling tired
• a fever (high temperature) which is unexplained
• feeling faint, especially when standing up

For a full list of side effects, including those which are uncommon or rare please refer to the aciclovir patient information leaflet.

Valaciclovir

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• headache

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• feeling sick
• dizziness
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• skin reaction after exposure to sunlight
• rash
• itching

For a full list of side effects, including those which are uncommon or rare please refer to the valaciclovir patient information leaflet.

Famciclovir

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• headache

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• feeling sick (nausea)
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• stomach pain
• feeling dizzy
• skin reaction, such as rash or itching
• abnormal liver function test results

For a full list of side effects, including those which are uncommon or rare, please refer to the famciclovir patient information leaflet.

There are many potential side effects with genital herpes treatments, although not everyone gets them. The side effects that you may get will depend on the specific medication and dose you are prescribed. It is important to read the list of potential side effects in the patient information leaflet provided before taking genital herpes medication.

What to do if you get genital herpes treatment side effects

If you get any side effects from genital herpes treatment, you must talk to your doctor as soon as possible. There are often simple ways to manage side effects, such as taking over-the-counter painkillers or eating food with your dose if it makes you feel nauseous.

In the event of serious side effects, such as an allergic reaction, you may get symptoms such as:

• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

If you get serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention by calling 999 or going to your nearest A&E.

For less urgent concerns or advice, you can call 111 to speak to a healthcare professional.

If you notice any side effects not listed in the patient information leaflet, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.