Genital Herpes Treatment

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is commonly passed on through sexual contact. It is one of the most common STIs with up to 23% of adults in the UK and the US having antibodies to HSV-2. 

Unlike Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea, it can’t be treated with antibiotics. This is because herpes is a viral infection, caused by the HSV virus. The HSV1 virus is what everyone knows as cold sores, passed through kissing and sharing objects like toothbrushes or razors. Although, it’s actually the HSV2 virus that causes genital herpes. 

It can cause small, red blisters or painful sores around your genital area, anus, thighs, and bottom. Although the infection itself is not deadly, it can cause individuals a lot of discomforts. However, a lot of people experience mild to no symptoms at all and live a perfectly normal life without even realising they have the infection.

The condition is passed from person to person through unprotected sexual intercourse (including oral sex) and so it’s advised to always use condoms to avoid contracting the infection.

Genital herpes is caused by the HSV2 virus and is passed on through sexual intercourse or other skin-to-skin contact. The infection can remain inactive for large amounts of time, however, it’s still highly infectious and so even people without visible sores and blisters could still have (and pass on) genital herpes. Because it’s the same virus, you can also catch genital herpes by receiving oral sex from someone with a cold sore (oral herpes).

If you have contracted the condition, you will notice that it’s generally cyclic, and sufferers can experience outbreaks that typically last for up to 3 weeks before the virus lies dormant again. The initial outbreak can often be more severe, with symptoms lessening on recurring occasions. You should be able to notice certain triggers such as a weakened immune system, a poor diet, and feeling stressed or anxious.

Unfortunately, genital herpes is contagious, and it can easily be passed on between individuals. Here are some of the most common causes related to this STI.

• Sharing Sex Toys: You can also catch them from sharing sex toys with someone who has herpes.
• Skin-To-Skin Contact:  You can most commonly catch genital herpes from skin-to-skin contact with the infected area. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
• Cold Sores: Genital Herpes can also infect you if a cold sore comes into contact with your genitals.
• From Others: If a person you are sexually active with has the infection, they can transfer it to you from their hands if they come into contact with your genitals. 

An individual can pass on the infection even when they are showing no symptoms or signs of visible sores. The virus itself can become active on your skin, thus becoming contagious.

Most people when they first come into contact with the herpes virus, do not experience any symptoms. If they do, they can be very mild. Signs of the infection may begin to show within around four to seven days after exposure. However, some individuals may not notice they have come into contact with the virus for months or even years. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with genital herpes:

• Pain When You Urinate: Some individuals can experience pain when they try to pee. In some cases, you may not be able to pee at all. 
• Small Blisters: Small red bumps or tiny white blisters may occur during the first few days of infection. These small blisters can burst to leave red, open sores around your genitals, anus, thighs, and bottom. 
• Itching: tingling, itching, and burning around your genitals is also another common symptom.
• Vaginal Discharge: Some women may experience vaginal discharge that is not usual to them. If this is the case, it could be a symptom of genital herpes, and you should consult your doctor immediately. 

Symptoms are similar in both men and women, and the main difference between the two is the location that sores can develop. For men, sores can develop in or on the penis and scrotum. For women, sores can develop in or on the vaginal area, cervix, and external genitals. 

It can be difficult to tell both genital warts and herpes apart. The easiest way to identify the two is through the appearance of the infection. Genital warts are small, flesh-coloured bumps. In contrast, herpes is more commonly red blisters or open wounds. Both can be transmitted through sexual contact.

Currently, there is no cure for genital herpes but symptoms can clear up by themselves. However, blisters can come back at any moment. In these instances, it is advised that you visit your local STI health clinic as they may be able to provide you with the correct advice and treatment to help you with your infection. If you can catch the recurring outbreak of herpes soon enough, then you may be able to treat it with medication and reduce the severity of the episode. 

In most cases, it can take anywhere between two to four weeks for your genital herpes to heal. Although the outbreak itself clears up, the virus will stay in your body. The first outbreak of the virus is typically the one that will last the longest, and any recurrences should last for a shorter amount of time. However, this is not always the case for some individuals. 

Living with herpes can be a complex topic to discuss. However, it is crucial that you tell your sexual partner that you have the infection to help prevent the spread. Try to remain calm about the issue and brush up on your facts surrounding the condition. There are many common misconceptions when it comes to STI’s and educating yourself on herpes and how you can treat it is vital. 

Try to remember that your infection does not define you as a person. Herpes is simply a health issue, and many people in the UK go through it, so you are not alone. 

There are several ways that you can help to prevent the spread of genital herpes. One of the most common is using condoms as it helps to prevent skin-to-skin contact. If you know your sexual partner has any blisters or sores on their genitals, then it could be the sign of an outbreak, so you should avoid vaginal, anal or oral sex. One final tip is to avoid sharing sex toys with others. If you do, then you should make sure you wash them and put a condom on them. 

The pain caused by genital herpes can differ between people. Some may experience intense itching and discomfort around their genitals. However, other people experience no symptoms at all. So, in answer to the question - yes, genital herpes can be painful for some people, but it truly depends on the severity of their symptoms. There are medications like Aciclovir tablets that can help reduce pain and speed up the healing process. 

There are few steps you can take to help relieve any pain that you may be experiencing as a result of the infection. Applying a cold compress several times a day to the infected area can help alleviate any itchiness and pain. If you want to help sores heal, then it is advised that you wash them gently with soap and water and pat dry. Try to let the air get to your sores and avoid bandaging them. It can be a wise idea to wear loose, breathable underwear and nothing that is too restrictive or tight-fitting. We also recommend taking Aciclovir tablets to help manage any outbreaks of genital herpes. 

To help with any pain you may be experiencing when you urinate, you can also pour water over your genitals whilst you urinate to help ease the pain. 

If you are infected with genital herpes during your pregnancy, then this can pose a threat 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. It can, however, be treated with antiviral drugs. 

It is important to note that if you had had genital herpes before you were pregnant, then your baby's chances of getting neonatal herpes are low. 

You may be surprised to know that 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, and you do not need to have sex to get it. It is a highly contagious infection, and it can be a sensible idea to ask your partner if they have recently been tested to ensure that you are both safe and also help prevent the risk of any STIs spreading. 

Currently, there is no known cure for herpes (genital or otherwise) and so if you catch the disease, it will be a case of managing it, rather than clearing it completely. 

Standard STI tests don’t look for herpes, so you will need to be specifically tested for it in order to be diagnosed. Once you know you have genital herpes, you will be able to keep an eye out for triggers and work to manage the condition. Unlike other STIs, herpes does not carry an increased risk of infertility or cervical cancer, so it’s just a case of controlling the symptoms.

Luckily, there are ways that you can treat genital herpes. This can be achieved through antiviral medicines like Aciclovir tablets that can help with any pain that you may be experiencing. 

As well as medication, you will need to consider your lifestyle and in particular, your sex life. While you have active sores, you should steer clear of sex completely until the outbreak has cleared again. After that, any sex you do have should be protected and your partner should be aware that herpes could still be passed on, whether or not you currently have sores or blisters. You also need to be extra careful if you are pregnant, as herpes can be passed on to your baby and make it seriously ill.

Cloud Pharmacy can offer treatments to help you keep your virus under control. Effective medication like Aciclovir is readily available through our online pharmacy. It is used as an antiviral medicine to treat the infections caused by genital herpes. Once an online consultation has been approved by one of our medical professionals, we will send the medication to you in a discreet package using our swift courier service.