Genital Herpes

2 medicines

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus, managed with antiviral medicines that reduce outbreaks and lower transmission risk.

Famvir

Famciclovir

250/500mg

Famvir is a antivirals medication containing Famciclovir, available as 250/500mg tablets.

from $2.34 / tablet View

Valtrex

Valaciclovir

500/1000mg

Valtrex is a antivirals medication containing Valaciclovir, available as 500/1000mg tablets.

from $2.55 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), or less often HSV-1.
  • Symptoms vary widely: some people never notice an outbreak, while others have recurring episodes throughout life.
  • Antivirals such as valaciclovir and famciclovir don't clear the virus but reduce how often outbreaks happen and how severe they are.
  • Between outbreaks the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue; low-level viral shedding can still occur even without symptoms.

What an outbreak looks and feels like

The first episode is usually the worst. It typically brings tingling or burning in the genital area, followed by small blisters that break open and heal over one to three weeks. Later outbreaks are generally shorter and milder. Common triggers include stress, illness, sun exposure, and hormonal changes.

Antiviral treatment

Antivirals don't clear herpes simplex virus from the body, but they meaningfully cut how often outbreaks happen, how severe they get, and how long they last. Valaciclovir and famciclovir are both well-established options that work by blocking viral replication. Treatment can be taken at the first sign of an outbreak, known as episodic therapy, or daily to suppress recurrences and lower the chance of passing the virus to a partner, known as suppressive therapy.

Living with genital herpes

Because the virus stays dormant in nerve tissue between episodes, genital herpes is a long-term condition to manage rather than cure. Recognising early warning signs, tingling or burning before blisters appear, allows treatment to start sooner, when it works best. Condoms reduce, but don't eliminate, transmission risk, since the virus can shed from skin outside the area a condom covers.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you develop fever, difficulty urinating, or widespread sores during a first episode, as these may need closer attention. Anyone who is pregnant and has genital herpes should tell their doctor, since it affects delivery planning.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.