Genital herpes treatment, confidential and fast

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is one of the most common STIs worldwide. After a first infection, the virus stays dormant in the body — most people then experience outbreaks from time to time, though some have very few or none. Outbreaks typically involve small blisters or sores in the genital area that heal within one to two weeks.

Many people with genital herpes never know they have it because their outbreaks are very mild or mistaken for something else. The virus can be passed on even when there are no visible sores, though transmission risk is highest during an active outbreak.

How is genital herpes treated?

Antiviral tablets are the mainstay of treatment. Taken at the start of an outbreak (episode treatment), they reduce how long the episode lasts and how severe the sores are. Taken every day (suppressive therapy), they significantly reduce how often outbreaks happen and lower — though do not eliminate — the chance of passing the virus to a partner.

Your prescriber will discuss which approach is most appropriate for you based on the frequency and severity of your outbreaks and your individual circumstances.

Living with genital herpes

A diagnosis of genital herpes understandably feels significant, but most people with the condition live entirely normal lives. Outbreaks often become less frequent over time, and many people find that stress, illness, or fatigue are common triggers they can learn to manage. Honest, well-timed conversations with partners — supported by the right treatment — are possible, and many people in relationships with herpes navigate this without difficulty.

If you would like additional support, organisations such as the Herpes Viruses Association offer confidential advice from people with lived experience.

Treating genital herpes with NewGen

Complete a short confidential consultation explaining your diagnosis and outbreak pattern. A UK prescriber reviews your answers, and if antiviral treatment is appropriate your prescription is dispensed and dispatched in plain packaging. You can order episode treatment to use at the start of an outbreak, or discuss an ongoing suppressive prescription.

How the consultation works

You will be asked whether you have had your diagnosis confirmed (ideally by a clinician or swab test), how often your outbreaks occur, any medicines you take, and relevant health information. First episodes with severe symptoms should be assessed in clinic rather than online. For known, recurring genital herpes, an online consultation is generally appropriate.

When to attend a sexual health clinic instead

Please attend a sexual health clinic or call NHS 111 if this is a first outbreak with significant pain or fever, if you are pregnant, if the outbreak is severe or spreading, or if you have significant difficulty passing urine. Your local clinic can confirm the diagnosis by swab, offer same-day antiviral treatment, and provide ongoing support.