Genital herpes is usually treated with antiviral medications in pill form, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir, typically taken for 7 to 10 days. In some cases, topical medications may also be used, depending on medical guidance.
Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus that can lead to symptoms like small blisters, painful sores, and itching in the genital area, as well as discomfort when urinating.
Although treatment does not cure genital herpes, it can speed up the healing process and relieve symptoms. Anyone with suspected genital herpes should see a gynecologist, urologist, or general practitioner to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Oral medications for genital herpes
Antiviral medications like acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are available in tablet form and are usually prescribed for 7 to 10 days, especially when genital herpes appears for the first time.
If genital herpes recurs, treatment with antiviral medications may be recommended for a shorter duration, usually between 1 to 5 days. In these cases, it is ideal to begin treatment before skin lesions appear.
When outbreaks occur more than 6 times a year, continuous antiviral treatment may be recommended for up to 2 years. In more severe cases, hospitalization may be required, and antivirals may need to be administered intravenously.
Ointments for genital herpes
Topical creams or ointments containing antivirals like acyclovir or penciclovir are generally not sufficient to treat genital herpes on their own and may increase the risk of the virus developing resistance. Therefore, they should not be the first treatment option.
Treatment should always begin with oral antiviral medications. If recommended by a doctor, a topical cream may be added later to help speed up healing. Acyclovir cream is typically applied to the affected area 5 times per day.
Doctors may also prescribe anesthetic creams, such as those containing lidocaine, to help relieve pain and discomfort caused by the sores.
Care during treatment
While treating genital herpes, the following care measures are recommended:
-
Avoid sexual contact while sores are present, even with condom use, as condoms may not fully protect against fluid transmission
-
Wash the genital area only with saline solution and, if needed, use a mild, intimate-specific soap
-
Wear cotton underwear to help the skin breathe and prevent moisture buildup
-
Drink plenty of fluids such as water, herbal tea, or coconut water
For those experiencing pain when urinating, one strategy that may help is to urinate while the genitals are submerged in warm water. Women may also benefit from gently separating the labia while urinating to avoid contact between the urine and lesions.
Natural treatment options
Natural treatments for genital herpes can be used as a complement to medical care. Sitz baths with marjoram or witch hazel may be recommended, as these medicinal plants have pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.
Treatment during pregnancy
Genital herpes during pregnancy is typically treated with oral acyclovir for 5 to 10 days, as directed by an obstetrician. If recurrent outbreaks occur, longer-term treatment may be prescribed starting at 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Without proper treatment, the herpes virus can be transmitted to the baby, causing neonatal herpes, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Signs of improvement and worsening
Signs of improvement may appear as early as day 5 of treatment and include reduced pain and healing of the sores in the genital area.
Signs that the infection is getting worse may occur when treatment is not followed correctly and can include increased swelling, pain, and redness in the area, as well as symptoms like drowsiness, confusion, and pus-filled sores. In such cases, emergency medical evaluation is recommended.
Complications of genital herpes
The main complication of genital herpes is secondary infection of the sores by other microorganisms. Additionally, having unprotected sex before the lesions have fully healed increases the risk of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections, if the partner is infected.