Genital Herpes Treatment
Get a prescription for antiviral medications to clear an outbreak of new or recurring genital herpes.
-
Request antiviral medication for relief or suppression of herpes outbreaks.
-
Discreet delivery or collect from your local Superdrug Pharmacy in 2 to 3 hours.
-
At-home test kit available to confirm infection, so you can get the correct treatment.
Genital herpes is a viral, sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Usually it’s caused by HSV type 2 (HSV-2), but it can sometimes be caused by HSV type 1 (HSV-1). Genital herpes causes painful sores and blisters around the genitals or anus.
In the UK, 70% of people are infected with the herpes virus by the age of 25, but only 1 in 3 will develop symptoms. At Superdrug Online Doctor, we offer a range of antiviral treatments, including aciclovir, famciclovir, and valaciclovir.
You can request genital herpes treatment or an at-home test kit from Superdrug Online Doctor by completing a short medical questionnaire for one of our doctors to review. If your treatment request is approved, we can discreetly send it to your home address, or you can choose to collect it from your local Superdrug Pharmacy in as little as 2 to 3 hours, after a doctor’s approval.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. IkejiLast reviewed: 31 May 2025
Available Treatments And Test Kits
Please check your spelling or try another treatment name.
Delivery Options
How it Works
About Genital Herpes
What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. It can be passed on from person to person during sexual contact, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex and causes painful blisters and sores around the genitals and anus.
Many people who are infected with HSV do not experience any symptoms, but can still pass the infection on. However, others experience painful outbreaks and even recurrent infections. Although there is no cure for genital herpes, antiviral medications can help to manage the symptoms and lower the risk of passing the infection on to other people.
What is the difference between genital herpes and genital warts?
Genital herpes and genital warts are both examples of viral STIs, but they have distinct differences. Genital herpes is caused by HSV, whereas genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
This table shows some of the similarities and differences between genital warts and genital herpes:
| Genital herpes | Genital warts | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of infection | STI | STI |
| How it’s spread | Sexual contact | Sexual contact |
| Common symptoms | ||
| Treatments | Oral antiviral medications, including aciclovir, famciclovir, and valaciclovir | Topical solutions like Warticon or Aldara cream |
What causes genital herpes?
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and is usually spread during skin-to-skin contact during sex. There are 2 types of HSV infection, HSV-1 and HSV-2.
HSV-2 commonly causes genital herpes, but HSV-1, which is responsible for causing cold sores, can also cause it, especially through oral-to-genital contact.
Can a cold sore cause genital herpes?
Yes, a cold sore can cause genital herpes because they are both caused by the same virus, HSV. Although cold sores are commonly caused by HSV-1, they can cause genital herpes through oral sex.
How to test for genital herpes
If you get genital herpes symptoms, it’s important to get tested, so you can get effective treatments. A doctor or nurse at your GP surgery or a sexual health clinic can diagnose genital herpes by asking about your symptoms and sexual partners, and taking a small fluid sample from 1 of your blisters or sores using a cotton swab.
You can also use a genital herpes home test kit ordered online from Superdrug Online Doctor. You can perform the test yourself at home by using the cotton swab to collect a small sample of fluid from an open sore or blister in the anal or genital region. You can then send the sample back to our partner laboratory and receive your results within 2 to 3 days of them receiving your sample.
One of our doctors will then contact you with your results in your patient account, and advise you on what to do next or suggest appropriate treatment.
What if I do not have symptoms?
If you do not have symptoms or blisters, but think you may have had an outbreak or contracted HSV from a partner, speak to your GP or a sexual health clinic. They can collect a blood sample to check for the infection instead.
How to treat genital herpes
Several prescription-only medications are available to treat genital herpes. They work by stopping the genital herpes virus from growing and spreading. This helps control the virus and supports your immune system in clearing the infection from your body. The antiviral medications available from Superdrug Online Doctor are shown in this table:
Aciclovir |
Famciclovir |
Valaciclovir |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Oral tablet | Oral tablet | Oral tablet |
| Active ingredient | Aciclovir | Famciclovir | Valaciclovir |
| Effectiveness | Reduces viral shedding by 7 days | 79% to 86% had no recurrent outbreaks after 6 months | Reduces the spread of genital herpes by up to 75% |
| How it works | Prevents HSV growing and spreading and helps the immune system clear the symptoms | Stops the genital herpes virus from growing and spreading in the body | Interferes with the DNA in HSV stopping it from growing |
| Duration | 5 days | 5 days | 5 to 10 days |
| How quickly does it work? | 3 to 5 days | 3 to 10 days | 3 days |
These medications can also be prescribed as suppression treatment to stop future genital herpes outbreaks if you have recurrent outbreaks. The recommended dose to prevent further outbreaks for each treatment is:
- aciclovir – one 200mg tablet taken 4 times a day, spaced 6 hours apart
- famciclovir – 250mg twice a day
- valaciclovir – one 500mg tablet, once a day
How soon can I have sex after genital herpes treatment?
You should wait until all of your sores and blisters have completely healed before you have sex. It’s important to use a condom during sex, even after your symptoms have gone. You can still pass HSV onto your partner, though the risk is reduced if you do not have active sores.
You should also avoid kissing or oral sex if you or your partner has cold sores, until they have healed. These steps will help to lower the risk of passing the infection on to your partner.
Do I need to get tested for genital herpes after I have completed treatment?
No, there is no need for a retest if you have a positive result and have received treatment. If you test positive for HSV-1 or HSV-2, it will be a lifelong condition that you will need to manage as and when you experience outbreaks.
Can you cure genital herpes?
No, there is no cure for genital herpes. Once you have been infected, the virus will remain in your body for life and can cause recurrent outbreaks. Antiviral treatments will help to manage the symptoms, speed up the time it takes for the sores and blisters to heal, and reduce the frequency of outbreaks.
Can genital herpes clear up on their own?
Yes, genital herpes may clear up on its own, but the symptoms are usually more severe the first time you get an outbreak. So, treatment can help to manage them effectively and reduce the length of the outbreak.
Side effects of genital herpes medication
Like all medications, genital herpes treatments can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them. Depending on which medication you are prescribed, you may experience the following common side effects:
| Aciclovir | Famciclovir | Valaciclovir | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared common side effects | |||
| Other common side effects |
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should stop taking the medication and call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E because they could be signs of an allergic reaction:
- rash, itching, or hives on your skin
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or other parts of your body
- shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- collapse
Most mild genital herpes medication side effects can be managed at home by:
- taking over-the-counter painkillers to manage symptoms, such as headaches and stomach pain
- drinking plenty of clear fluids to manage headaches and prevent dehydration if you have symptoms like being sick or diarrhoea
- getting some rest until your symptoms pass
- eating, smaller more frequent meals and avoiding spicy foods if you feel sick
Warnings
Genital herpes treatment may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or have developed an extended rash with fever, enlarged lymph nodes, increased levels of liver enzymes, and/or eosinophilia after taking genital herpes medication.
Before taking genital herpes medication, you should also let your doctor know if you have:
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- a weakened immune system
Genital herpes and pregnancy
The severity of genital herpes during pregnancy will depend on whether you have had genital herpes before. Most women who have had genital herpes before pregnancy can usually have a healthy baby and a vaginal delivery. That’s because they will have already developed antibodies to help fight the virus.
However, if you have your first genital herpes outbreak during pregnancy or you have an outbreak when you give birth, there is a risk that your baby could develop neonatal herpes, a serious condition. You must tell your doctor or midwife straight away if you have symptoms of genital herpes before or during labour.
Genital herpes and HIV positivity
Genital herpes is more serious in people with HIV, resulting in them experiencing more severe and frequent outbreaks. Additionally, people who get genital herpes sores are at a higher risk of getting HIV. Research shows that HIV can grow 3 to 5 times quicker in tissue from healed HSV-2 sores, creating the perfect environment for HIV to spread.
If you get genital herpes and are HIV positive, you will be referred to a genitourinary clinic. You’ll also be prescribed higher doses of genital herpes medications or a longer treatment plan.
FAQs
Is genital herpes itchy?
Yes, genital herpes can be itchy. Some people will experience itching or burning sensations in the genital area before sores or blisters appear, signalling that an outbreak may be coming.
Can I order genital herpes treatment for my sexual partner?
No, you cannot order genital herpes treatment for your sexual partner. Medications like aciclovir, famciclovir, and valaciclovir are prescription-only medications that will be prescribed to you by a doctor. Your partner will need to be assessed by a doctor to obtain genital herpes treatment.
Can you use cold sore cream on genital herpes?
No, it is not recommended that you use cold sore cream on genital herpes sores, because it will not be effective. This may also increase the risk of the genital herpes becoming resistant to medication. So, oral medications are preferable.
Can you get genital herpes without being sexually active?
Yes, it’s possible to get genital herpes without being sexually active. HSV-1, which is responsible for causing cold sores, can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact, including touching an infected area and then touching your genitals. Sharing personal items like towels and razors can also spread genital herpes. Rarely, genital herpes can also be passed on during childbirth.
How can I heal herpes sores quickly?
The best way to heal genital herpes sores quickly is to request genital herpes treatment as soon as you notice an outbreak, to help shorten the outbreak. Recurrent outbreaks are usually milder than your first outbreak and will not last as long.
Sources
- Aciclovir 400 mg Tablets, emc [accessed 06 May 2025]
- Double-blind placebo-controlled trial of oral acyclovir in first-episode genital herpes simplex virus infection, PubMed [accessed 06 May 2025]
- Famciclovir 500mg film-coated tablets, emc [accessed 06 May 2025]
- Genital herpes, NHS [accessed 06 May 2025]
- Genital herpes: Learn More – What are the treatment options for genital herpes? PubMed [accessed 06 May 2025]
- Oral Famciclovir for the Suppression of Recurrent Genital Herpes: A Randomized Controlled Trial, JAMA [accessed 06 May 2025]
- Valaciclovir 500 mg film-coated tablets, emc [accessed 06 May 2025]
- What is Herpes? NHS [accessed 06 May 2025]
- Why Genital Herpes Boosts the Risk of HIV Infection, NIH [accessed 06 May 2025]
