Sexually transmitted infection

What Is Genital Herpes? Understanding Recurrent Symptoms and Suppressive Therapy


Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once infected, the virus remains dormant in the body, and a characteristic feature is that it recurs due to fatigue or stress. Although there is no cure, antiviral drugs can improve symptoms and suppress the frequency of recurrence. This page provides a detailed explanation of the differences between initial and recurrent outbreaks, how to choose a treatment method, and tips for preventing transmission to partners.

  • ✓Once infected, the virus lies dormant in the ganglia and recurs repeatedly triggered by fatigue or stress.
  • ✓Initial outbreaks are often accompanied by severe pain and fever, while recurrences are usually milder and more localized.
  • ✓There are two options: episodic treatment, which involves taking medication only when symptoms appear, and relapse prevention therapy, which aims to suppress the recurrence itself.
  • ✓Because the virus can be shed and transmitted even when there are no symptoms, condoms alone cannot completely prevent it.
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A clean clinic with a white-based interior
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Online consultations: same-day shipping at the earliest
Cosmetics and supplements sold exclusively at medical institutions are also available for purchase.
Cosmetics and supplements sold exclusively at medical institutions are also available for purchase.

Herpes medication can be prescribed online

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What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2). It leads to blisters and erosions on and around the genitals, accompanied by stinging pain and itching. Once infected, the virus lies dormant in the nerve ganglia, and it is characterized by recurrent outbreaks triggered by fatigue, stress, or a weakened immune system.

Main Routes of Transmission

  • Genital-to-genital contact

  • Oral sex (also frequently caused by HSV-1)

  • Direct skin-to-mucosa contact (infection can occur even when there are no symptoms)

Symptoms

First Episode (first infection)

Recurrence

Severity of Symptoms

Often accompanied by severe pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes

Often mild and localized

Course

Heals in the order of blisters → erosions → scabs (approx. 2-4 weeks)

Often resolves within a few days to a week

Prodrome

None in particular

May experience prodromal symptoms such as tingling or itching

About Testing

In most cases, typical symptoms allow for diagnosis through visual inspection. If necessary, a definitive diagnosis is made by testing blister fluid or blood. Having photos of your symptoms ready will make the online consultation smoother.

Treatment Methods

While there is no treatment for genital herpes that completely eliminates the virus from the body, antiviral drugs (such as valacyclovir) can help improve symptoms, shorten healing time, and suppress the frequency of recurrences.

Treatment Method

Content

Recommended for

Episodic Treatment

Take medication for several days each time symptoms appear

Those with infrequent recurrences

Suppressive Therapy

Take medication once daily long-term to suppress recurrences themselves

Those with multiple recurrences per year, or those who want to reduce the risk of transmission to a partner

Online Treatment Process

  • ① Provisional Payment & Pre-Medical Questionnaire: Having photos of your symptoms ready will facilitate diagnosis.

  • ② Online Consultation: A doctor will diagnose and determine the treatment plan via video call.

  • ③ Shipped as Early as the Same Day: Delivered in discreet packaging to protect your privacy.

  • ④ If suppressive therapy is desired, continued prescription is also possible.

Precautions During Treatment

  • Refrain from sexual intercourse while you have blisters or erosions.

  • The virus can be shed and transmitted even during asymptomatic periods (asymptomatic shedding).

  • During the first episode, fever and fatigue may occur, so managing your physical condition is important.

  • If you are pregnant, especially if your due date is near, please consult us in advance (due to the risk of infection to the newborn).

When In-Person Consultation is Recommended

  • In cases of severe symptoms or difficulty urinating.

  • If you are pregnant and your due date is near.

  • If you are immunocompromised.

  • If the diagnosis is unclear.

Regarding Your Partner

Since infection can occur even when there are no symptoms, condoms alone cannot completely prevent transmission. If you experience recurrent outbreaks, suppressive therapy may reduce the risk of transmission to your partner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q Can it be cured completely?
A

There is currently no cure to completely eliminate viruses dormant in the body, but they can be managed with medication.

Q Is recurrence prevention therapy continued for life?
A

It's not necessarily for life. The duration of treatment will be determined in consultation with your doctor, considering the frequency of recurrence and the impact on your daily life.

Q If I don't have any symptoms, do I still need to take my medication?
A

For episodic treatment, medication is only necessary when symptoms appear. For recurrence prevention therapy, medication is taken continuously regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms.

Q Are oral herpes and genital herpes different conditions?
A

The causative viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are the same, and oral sex can transmit the infection from the lips to the genitals, or from the genitals to the lips.

Q What can I do to avoid infecting my partner?
A

In addition to avoiding sexual intercourse while symptomatic, if recurrences are frequent, suppressive therapy may reduce the risk of transmission.