Genital Herpes Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It’s passed between people through unprotected sexual contact.

It causes painful blisters and sores on your genitals and while it’s possible to treat the symptoms whenever they appear, HPV stays in your system for life, so it can’t be cured.

However, flare-ups will likely become less frequent over time.

Our doctors can diagnose and treat genital herpes quickly and discreetly, so that it doesn’t impact your day-to-day life. They can write you a prescription that you can collect from a local pharmacy.

80% of people with genital herpes don’t realise they have it.

Not everyone with genital herpes has symptoms. Others may experience some mild signs of HPV, but not so much that it’s noticeable.

When the virus first enters your system, symptoms to look out for include:

Blisters on your genitals, upper thighs and backside - these will eventually burst and the sores will heal over, but don’t usually leave a scar
Pain when urinating
Symptoms normally associated with flu, such as aching muscles
Women may notice some vaginal discharge

These symptoms can last around three weeks.

The virus will remain in your system and can be reactivated at any time. You may experience a tingling sensation around your genitals when a new outbreak is about to happen.

Genital herpes is a symptom of the contagious Herpes Simplex Virus (HPV), which can get into your system through moist areas of skin, such as the genitals, anus and mouth.

For this reason, it’s commonly passed on through unprotected sexual contact.

It’s more likely to spread if you or your partner has blisters or sores, but once the virus is in your system, it’s possible to pass genital herpes on even if no symptoms are present.

HPV can’t be cured, so it will stay in your system even after the first round of symptoms has been successfully managed.

While it’s not possible to predict exactly when symptoms will flare up again, there are a number of potential triggers to be aware of:

Alcohol
Stress
Sunlight
Feeling unwell
A weakened immune system
Friction during sex

If it’s the first time you’ve had genital herpes, you’ll likely be given a course of antiviral tablets to stop the virus from multiplying. You’ll need to take these up to five times a day, for as long as the doctor tells you to.

If your genital herpes return, your treatment will depend on how often the symptoms are coming back.

If you’re experiencing regular outbreaks, you may be asked to take antiviral medication more frequently and in stronger doses.

It’s important that you take your medication exactly as the doctor instructs you to, even if it appears that your symptoms have gone away.

In all cases, our doctors can recommend the best genital herpes medicine for the job and talk to you about possible side effects before your treatment starts.

Genital herpes is a virus passed on through unprotected sex. Its most obvious symptom is blisters or sores on your genitals.

Our doctors provide a confidential, caring service that will help you effectively manage STIs discreetly, without any interruption to your day-to-day routine.

Having your appointment online means you can get the advice and treatment you need without leaving the house.

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