Sexual health
Medicines for Genital herpes
A common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, causing recurring blisters and sores — manageable with antiviral treatment, though the virus stays in the body.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (the same family of virus that causes cold sores). It is passed on through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex, including when the person has no visible sores.
- How it is treated: Genital herpes cannot be cured, but it is very manageable.
- Self-care: Managing triggers (stress, being run down), using condoms, avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks, and self-care (salt-water bathing, keeping the area clean and dry, pain relief) all help.
- When to seek help: Visit a sexual health clinic for diagnosis if you have genital blisters or sores.
What it is
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (the same family of virus that causes cold sores). It is passed on through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex, including when the person has no visible sores. The first episode can be the most severe, with painful blisters and sores around the genitals or anus, flu-like symptoms, and pain passing urine; later recurrences are usually milder and shorter. After the first infection the virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate from time to time, often triggered by illness, stress or being run down. Many people have few or no symptoms, and it is very common — carrying no reflection on someone's hygiene or character.
How it is treated
Genital herpes cannot be cured, but it is very manageable. Antiviral medicines shorten and ease outbreaks, and are most effective when started early; for people with frequent recurrences, taking antiviral treatment regularly can reduce how often they occur. Self-care during an outbreak — pain relief, keeping the area clean and dry, and salt-water bathing — helps comfort. Recurrences tend to become less frequent over time. Because it can be passed on even without symptoms, condoms reduce (but do not eliminate) the risk, and it is important to tell partners and to seek advice in pregnancy, as there are specific considerations for the baby. Support and accurate information help reduce the stigma many people feel.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Genital herpes
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Managing triggers (stress, being run down), using condoms, avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks, and self-care (salt-water bathing, keeping the area clean and dry, pain relief) all help. Recurrences usually lessen over time.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Visit a sexual health clinic for diagnosis if you have genital blisters or sores. Seek advice if pregnant and you or a partner have genital herpes, and see a doctor for a severe first episode or frequent recurrences.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Genital herpes: frequently asked questions
Can genital herpes be cured?
No — the virus stays in the body after the first infection, but it is very manageable. Antiviral medicines shorten outbreaks, and regular treatment can reduce frequent recurrences, which usually lessen over time.
Can you pass on herpes without symptoms?
Yes, it can be passed on through skin contact even when there are no visible sores, which is why condoms and telling partners are important, though condoms reduce rather than remove the risk.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Genital herpes
- BASHH — Genital herpes guidance
Related conditions
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