Genital Herpes

With no known cure for gential herpes, aciclovir is an effective means of managing the infection. it can be used to treat individual outbreaks or as a suppression to reduce their frequency.

Average consultation time just 3 minutes!

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes are a sexually transmitted infection which is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person via contact with infected oral, genital or anal mucosal surfaces.

As symptoms do not always occur when people are first infected, it is reported that at least 80% of people with the Herpes Simplex Virus are unaware that they have it.

Young people under 25 experience the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections. As it’s possible to have herpes without visible signs the only way to be sure is to undertake a herpes test.

Genital herpes causes and symptoms

Genital herpes are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) – of which there is HSV type 1 and HSV type 2, with both contributing equally to primary prevalence.

If you suspect you have genital herpes or any sexual health please visit your local GP who will offer you the best advice. Symptoms normally develop 4-7 days after acquiring HSV. Symptoms usually include:

• painful blisters leading to erosions and ulcers on external genitalia, cervix, rectum, thighs and buttocks, mouth or genitals.
• general feeling of illness (aches, pains), fever, swollen glands
• vaginal discharge and pain on urination.

Genital herpes treatment

There is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medicines can help you manage outbreaks and relieve the symptoms.

Doctor Matt has two antiviral treatments (Aciclovir, and Famcyclovir) available as a five day course and they work by stopping the virus from multiplying and spreading thus enabling the body to fight the virus. These medicines can be used to treat or suppress outbreaks. All prescriptions are subject to a consultation

Treatment of outbreaks: Antiviral medicine can shorten the duration and severity of herpes symptoms.

Suppressive therapy can decrease the likelihood of herpes outbreaks. Suppressive therapy may reduce the likelihood of developing asymptomatic outbreaks and can reduce the risk of transmitting HSV to your sexual partner.

Important information

Please inform any recent sexual partners of your condition and advise them to get tested and treated. It is important to have yourself tested to ensure you are clear of the condition before resuming sexual relations.