How is genital herpes treated?
Although there's no cure for genital herpes, treatment can help.
Treatment includes:
- Medicines. Antiviral medicines are the recommended treatment. They can be taken during an outbreak to relieve pain and discomfort and help sores heal faster. They work best if you start them as soon as possible after an outbreak begins. If you have a lot of outbreaks, medicines can also be taken every day. This helps reduce spreading the virus to others and helps limit the number of outbreaks.
- Home treatment. Examples include taking warm sitz baths and wearing cotton underwear. These may help relieve discomfort from sores.
Finding out that you have herpes may cause you to feel a range of emotions. Talking to your partner, a counselor, or a support group may help.