Get Genital Herpes Medication and Treatment Online

Get genital herpes medication and treatment online

Consult with an online provider for personalized guidance on treating genital herpes. Get discreet, affordable, and hassle-free care without leaving the comfort of your home and discuss your symptoms with an expert. Arrange lab testing if needed and get a same-day prescription for antiviral medications such as valacyclovir, if appropriate.

About genital herpes

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a chronic sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is one of the most common STIs worldwide. If you have been exposed, the virus remains dormant in your nerve cells, where it can occasionally reactivate and cause outbreaks. There are two main strains of the herpes simplex virus:

HSV-1: Most people know this as the virus that causes cold sores around the mouth. However, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes through oral-to-genital contact.
HSV-2: This version is primarily transmitted through vaginal or anal sex and is the most common cause of genital herpes.

Regardless of which strain causes the virus, there is no permanent cure for genital herpes, but it is very manageable. Through treatment, patients can live comfortably and remain sexually active.

Genital herpes symptoms

For many people with genital herpes, symptoms are so mild that they remain unaware of their infection. If an outbreak does occur, the symptoms can be uncomfortable. In most cases, the first outbreak is the most severe. Later outbreaks tend to be shorter and milder. Symptoms typically include:

Warning signs: Itching, tingling, or nerve pain in the pelvic area, buttocks, lower back, or thighs a few days before sores appear.
Blisters and sores: Small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or thighs. They may eventually burst, ulcerate, and scab over.
Urination issues: Pain or burning sensations when urinating if the urine touches the open sores.
Systemic symptoms: Flu-like signs such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, or body aches. They are most common during the first outbreak.

How to treat genital herpes

When you see a provider on Sesame, they may discuss your symptoms, sexual history, and treatment goals. All video visits are 100% judgment-free and confidential. Your care plan may include:

Testing: If you have active sores, your provider may recommend a swab test. In some situations, a blood test may be used when sores aren't present.
Occasional herpes outbreaks: If you have occasional outbreaks, your provider may prescribe antiviral medication to take when the symptoms start. Early treatment can help shorten the outbreak and reduce symptoms.
Daily herpes treatment: If you have frequent outbreaks, your provider may recommend taking antiviral medication every day. Daily treatment can reduce how often outbreaks occur and may also lower the risk of spreading HSV-2 to others.

How to get herpes treatment and medication online through Sesame

Choose a provider

Browse real patient reviews to find a provider for a convenient online appointment.

Meet with your provider

During your video visit, you can discuss your symptoms and concerns in a discreet environment. Your provider will guide you in your next steps.

Get a prescription

If appropriate, your provider can prescribe medication for a first or recurrent outbreak, or recommend daily treatment to reduce future outbreaks.

Choose a provider

Browse real patient reviews to find a provider for a convenient online appointment.

Meet with your provider

During your video visit, you can discuss your symptoms and concerns in a discreet environment. Your provider will guide you in your next steps.

Get a prescription

If appropriate, your provider can prescribe medication for a first or recurrent outbreak, or recommend daily treatment to reduce future outbreaks.

Let's get started

Can genital herpes be treated online?

Yes. An online healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and medical history, recommend testing when appropriate, and discuss treatment options. If medication is appropriate, they may prescribe an oral antiviral to treat an outbreak or help reduce future outbreaks.

How can I obtain medication for herpes?

Herpes medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. You can book an online visit with a provider on Sesame, who can evaluate your symptoms and medical history and prescribe antiviral medication if appropriate.

What is the best over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for herpes?

There are no OTC antiviral medications that treat genital herpes. OTC pain relievers (like ibuprofen) or numbing products may help ease discomfort but prescription oral antivirals are used to treat outbreaks and help you manage genital herpes. OTC cold sore treatments such as Abreva are intended for oral herpes, not genital outbreaks.

What are the topical treatments for genital herpes?

Topical treatments generally aren't used to treat genital herpes. Prescription oral antiviral medications such as valacyclovir, acyclovir, or famciclovir are typically used instead. Over-the-counter products may help relieve discomfort, but they do not treat the herpes infection itself.

How long do herpes outbreaks last when treated with medication?

A first genital herpes outbreak can last roughly 2 to 4 weeks. Starting antiviral medication early can help shorten symptoms, while recurrent outbreaks are usually shorter and less severe.

How do doctors test for genital herpes?

Providers may take a swab from an active sore to test for the herpes virus. If sores aren't present, a blood test may sometimes be used to look for HSV antibodies, although blood testing has limitations. Your provider can recommend the appropriate test based on your symptoms and history.

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