Genital herpes

Diagnosis

On the basis of a physical examination and a review of your sexual history, your doctor can typically determine whether you have genital herpes.

Your doctor will probably collect a sample from an active sore to verify a diagnosis. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and HSV–1 or HSV–2 infection are determined by one or more tests performed on these samples.

Your blood may be tested in a lab less frequently to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other infections.

You should probably get tested for other STIs, according to your healthcare provider. For genital herpes and other STIs, your partner should also be tested.

Treatment

Genital herpes does not have a treatment. The following conditions may benefit from antiviral medication prescribed by a doctor:

• Reduce the number of repeat outbreaks.
• Promote sore healing when a first outbreak occurs.
• Reduce recurring outbreaks’ symptom severity and duration.
• Lessen the likelihood that a spouse will contract the herpes virus

Medications frequently used for treating genital herpes include:

• Acyclovir 
• Famciclovir
• Valacyclovir 

The best course of treatment for you will be discussed with you by your healthcare professional. Treatment is based on a number of medical parameters, including the disease’s severity, the HSV strain, your sexual activity, and others. Depending on whether you are currently experiencing symptoms, the dose will change. The long–term usage of antiviral medications is regarded as safe.