Genital Herpes

Overview

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), leading to painful blisters, sores, itching, and discomfort in the genital area. For many, it’s not just the physical symptoms that cause distress — the stigma and anxiety around herpes can take a toll on confidence, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

But you are far from alone. Millions of people live with genital herpes, and with the right treatment, flare-ups can be managed effectively. Antiviral medicines can shorten the duration of outbreaks, reduce pain, and lower the risk of passing the virus to a partner. Suppressive treatments can also help prevent frequent recurrences, giving you back control and peace of mind.

At SwiftMedi, our UK-registered prescribers offer discreet, judgement-free consultations and prescribe clinically proven treatments delivered quickly and confidentially to your door.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person, and some people may not experience obvious signs until a flare-up occurs.

Common symptoms include:

• Painful red blisters or sores around the genitals, anus, or thighs
• Tingling, itching, or burning sensations before an outbreak
• Pain while urinating
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, aches) during the first outbreak

Recurring outbreaks are usually less severe than the first but can still cause discomfort.

Diagnosis

Genital herpes is usually diagnosed by:

• A physical examination of symptoms by a clinician
• A swab test of the sores (if needed)
• In some cases, a blood test may be used to confirm HSV infection

At SwiftMedi, if you have already been diagnosed with herpes, we can provide treatment for managing outbreaks through our secure online consultation.

Treatments

While there is no permanent cure for herpes, effective treatments are available to control symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Antiviral tablets (e.g., aciclovir, valaciclovir, famciclovir) can:

• Shorten the duration of an outbreak
• Ease pain and discomfort
• Help blisters heal faster
• Reduce the chance of passing herpes to a partner

Suppressive therapy (daily low-dose antivirals) may be recommended for people with frequent outbreaks.

Self-care tips:

• Keep the area clean and dry
• Wear loose clothing to reduce irritation
• Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks
• Use condoms between outbreaks to reduce transmission risk

Prevention

You can reduce the risk of transmission or future outbreaks by:

• Using condoms or dental dams during sex
• Avoiding sex during outbreaks
• Taking prescribed suppressive therapy if you have frequent flare-ups
• Managing stress, getting enough rest, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle (as stress and illness can trigger recurrences)

Misconceptions

“Only people with lots of sexual partners get herpes.”
False — anyone who is sexually active can contract herpes.

“Herpes only flares up if you’re unwell.”
Not true — while stress or illness can trigger outbreaks, they can also occur without warning.

“You can’t have a normal sex life with herpes.”
Incorrect — with the right treatment and precautions, people with herpes can have safe, healthy relationships.

FAQ

Is genital herpes curable?
No, but antiviral medicines can effectively control symptoms and reduce outbreaks.

How long does a herpes outbreak last?
The first outbreak may last 2–4 weeks. Recurrences are usually shorter, often 5–10 days.

Can herpes be transmitted without symptoms?
Yes — the virus can still be passed on through asymptomatic shedding.

What’s the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2?
Both can cause genital herpes, though HSV-2 is more likely to cause recurrent outbreaks.

Will treatment stop me from spreading herpes?
Antivirals can reduce the risk but won’t eliminate it completely. Using condoms also helps lower the chance of transmission.