What is the treatment for genital herpes?

There is no cure for genital herpes infection, but certain antiviral medications (valacyclovir, famciclovir, or acyclovir) are very effective in speeding healing and in helping prevent recurrent outbreaks.

Initial genital herpes

The first episode of genital herpes is almost always treated with an antiviral drug, which markedly speeds healing. Treatment for first episode herpes usually is taken for 7-10 days.

Episodic therapy for recurrent genital herpes

Some people with recurrent genital herpes take antiviral medication during each recurrent outbreak to speed healing. Treatment must be started at the very first sign of an outbreak, preferably during the prodrome (if one is present). The medicine is continued for 3-5 days. Although episodic treatment speeds healing, for most persons outbreaks are shortened only by one or two days. If you and your health care provider choose episodic therapy, fill your prescription ahead of time and have it ready before an outbreak so you can begin treatment immediately.

Suppressive therapy for recurrent genital herpes

Some people with recurrent herpes take antiviral medication daily to prevent outbreaks. Suppressive therapy can lower the number of outbreaks and, for many persons, prevent them altogether. Suppressive therapy also reduces (but does not eliminate) subclinical shedding, and recent research shows that one antiviral drug helps reduce sexual transmission of herpes. However, prevention is not complete; even if you are taking suppressive therapy, you must inform your partner that you have herpes and continue to take precautions to protect your uninfected sex partner(s).

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