Your genital herpes care—confident, informed decisions

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is passed on through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. While symptoms can clear up on their own, they often return in outbreaks. Treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Symptoms of genital herpes include small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores around your genitals, anus, thighs, or bottom. These sores may be less red on brown or black skin. Additional symptoms include tingling, burning, itching, pain when urinating, and unusual discharge.

To diagnose genital herpes, a doctor or nurse at a sexual health clinic will examine the symptoms and may take a fluid sample from one of the blisters using a swab. The test helps to confirm if the blisters are caused by herpes, but it cannot determine how long you’ve had the infection or where it came from.

Yes, treatment for genital herpes is available on the NHS, and you can also access it through licensed UK pharmacies such as My London Pharmacy. Sexual health clinics often provide faster test results, and you won’t need to pay a prescription fee for your treatment if you get it through the NHS.

Yes, you can order genital herpes treatment online from My London Pharmacy. After a confidential consultation with a UK-licensed clinician, antiviral medications will be prescribed and delivered discreetly to your home.

There is no cure for genital herpes, but antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and prevent outbreaks. Medications such as aciclovir or valaciclovir are often prescribed to stop symptoms from worsening and to shorten the duration of outbreaks.

If you experience symptoms such as blisters, sores, or unusual discomfort around your genitals, you should visit a sexual health clinic for diagnosis and treatment. If you have frequent outbreaks, antiviral treatment may be recommended for up to 6 to 12 months to prevent future recurrences.

Antiviral medications like aciclovir or valaciclovir are typically taken as tablets. It’s important to start taking them within five days of the onset of symptoms. For recurrent outbreaks, taking medication as soon as symptoms appear may help shorten the duration of the outbreak by 1 or 2 days.

Antiviral medications begin working quickly, but it may take a few days for symptoms to improve. Recurrent outbreaks are usually milder than the initial outbreak, and the frequency of outbreaks often decreases over time.

Common side effects of antiviral medications can include headaches, nausea, and abdominal pain. Most side effects are mild and temporary. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

Yes, genital herpes can be transmitted even if you do not have visible symptoms or blisters. The virus can be passed through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

To prevent spreading the virus, avoid sexual contact during an outbreak, use condoms during all sexual activity, and refrain from sharing sex toys. Even when symptoms aren’t present, using condoms can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Genital herpes treatment is available for free on the NHS at sexual health clinics. If you prefer to order privately, you can purchase antiviral medications from My London Pharmacy, where consultation services are often included in the price.

For those who experience frequent outbreaks, long-term antiviral treatment may be recommended to suppress symptoms. Alternatively, lifestyle adjustments such as stress reduction, avoiding triggers, and practising good hygiene can help manage outbreaks.

The best way to prevent genital herpes is by practising safe sex. Always use condoms during sexual activity, avoid sexual contact during outbreaks, and consider limiting the number of sexual partners. Discuss vaccination options and other protective measures with a healthcare provider at My London Pharmacy.

Ordering treatment from My London Pharmacy is simple and confidential. Complete an online consultation with one of our licensed clinicians, and once approved, your prescription will be issued, with medications delivered discreetly to your home.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Consult with My London Pharmacy for further guidance.

For more information about genital herpes, speak to a healthcare professional at My London Pharmacy or visit trusted resources such as the NHS website for further advice and support.