Request an online visit for Genital herpes (HSV). A licensed provider reviews your case and prescribes treatment when appropriate.
Board-Certified · Internal Medicine · Medical Director
All 50 states + DC·Video visit
In-network: Aetna, BCBS, UnitedHealthcare +18 more plans
Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 and increasingly by type 1. After primary infection, the virus remains latent in sacral ganglia and reactivates periodically as clusters of painful vesicles or ulcers, often with prodromal tingling. Many infections are subclinical, and shedding can occur without visible lesions. Diagnosis is confirmed by PCR or culture of a lesion. Antiviral therapy (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) shortens episodes and, when taken daily as suppression, markedly reduces recurrences and transmission to partners.