Sexually transmitted diseases

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 characteristically recurs when triggered by fatigue or stress. There is no cure, but antiviral drugs can be expected to 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 key points to prevent transmission to partners.

  • ✓Once infected, the virus lies dormant in the nerve ganglia, and recurs repeatedly triggered by fatigue or stress.
  • ✓The initial onset often involves severe pain and fever, while recurrences are usually milder and affect a smaller area.
  • ✓There are two treatment options: episode-based treatment, where medication is taken only when symptoms appear, and recurrence-suppressing treatment, which aims to prevent recurrence itself.
  • ✓Even when symptoms are absent, the virus can be shed and transmitted, so condoms alone cannot completely prevent infection.
Available daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Available daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
5-minute walk from the station
5-minute walk from the station
A clean clinic with a white-based interior
A clean clinic with a white-based interior
Online consultations: same-day shipping at the earliest
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.

Medication for genital herpes is prescribed through online consultation.

Order Online

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1, HSV-2). It causes blisters and erosions on and around the genitals, accompanied by stinging pain and itching. It is transmitted through genital-to-genital contact, oral sex, and direct skin-to-mucosa contact. Mona offers medication for genital herpes. After purchasing your desired medication, you will undergo a medical questionnaire and a video consultation with a doctor. If deemed appropriate for prescription, the medication will be prescribed and shipped (private medical care).

Symptoms (Differences between First Episode and Recurrence)

Item First Episode Recurrence
Severity Often accompanied by severe pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes Mild and often localized
Duration 2-4 weeks (heals from blisters → erosions → scabs) Often a few days to about a week
Prodrome Few noticeable prodromal symptoms May be preceded by tingling or itching

You can get genital herpes even without sexual experience.

Genital herpes can occur even without sexual experience through self-inoculation from oral herpes (spreading via one's own hands, etc.), mother-to-child transmission during childbirth, or contact with an asymptomatic partner. Infection is not due to being "unclean."

Symptoms in Men and Women

Gender Main Symptoms
Men Blisters or erosions on the glans, penis, foreskin, or scrotum; pain during urination; swollen lymph nodes in the groin
Women Lesions on the labia, vaginal opening, or perineum; severe vulvar pain; difficulty urinating; increased vaginal discharge

About Testing

In many cases, a diagnosis can be made by visual inspection if there are typical symptoms. If necessary, a definitive diagnosis is made by testing blister fluid or blood tests.

Treatment

Treatment involves antiviral drugs (generic names: valacyclovir, acyclovir, etc.). There is currently no treatment that completely eliminates the virus latent in the body. The goals of treatment are to "shorten the duration of symptoms," "reduce the frequency of recurrence," and "lower the risk of transmission to others." The effectiveness and side effects vary from person to person.

Treatment Method Contents Target
Episodic Treatment Take medication for several days when symptoms appear. For those with infrequent recurrences
Suppressive Therapy Take medication daily and long-term to suppress recurrence. For those with frequent recurrences / those who want to reduce the risk of transmission to partners

Does Genital Herpes Heal Naturally? The Relationship Between Symptoms and Recurrence

Symptoms may resolve naturally within a few days to two weeks, but the virus itself remains in the body. Symptoms can reappear (recur) triggered by fatigue, stress, fever, menstruation, UV light, etc. Even if symptoms subside, the possibility of recurrence or transmission to others does not disappear.

Online Treatment Process

  • ① Provisional payment and pre-consultation: Select your desired medication and enter the course of your symptoms in the questionnaire you receive after purchase (photos of symptoms can expedite the process).
  • ② Online consultation: A doctor will conduct a video consultation to determine if a prescription is appropriate.
  • ③ Same-day shipping (fastest): Delivered in discreet packaging with privacy in mind.

Precautions for Treatment

  • This treatment is private medical care (out-of-pocket). Health insurance does not apply.
  • Refrain from sexual contact while you have blisters or erosions.
  • The virus can be shed and transmitted even when there are no symptoms (asymptomatic shedding). Condom use alone cannot completely prevent transmission.
  • If you have systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise during the first episode, rest and do not overexert yourself.
  • Pregnant individuals nearing childbirth should consult us in advance due to the risk of infection to newborns.

In these cases, in-person consultation is recommended.

  • If symptoms are severe or there is difficulty urinating.
  • If you are pregnant and nearing childbirth.
  • If your immune system is compromised.
  • If the diagnosis is unclear.

About Your Partner

Genital herpes can be transmitted even when there are no symptoms, so condom use alone cannot completely prevent transmission. Suppressive therapy can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to your partner. If your partner has any concerning symptoms, please consult us together.

Online consultation for genital herpes | Mona Aoyama Clinic

Medication for genital herpes is prescribed through online consultation.

Order Online

Related Pages

よくある質問

Frequently Asked Questions

Q Can genital herpes be completely cured?
A

Currently, there is no cure that completely eliminates dormant viruses from the body. Antiviral drugs can suppress symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences.

Q Is recurrence prevention therapy continued for life?
A

This is not necessarily a lifelong commitment. The duration of treatment will be determined based on factors such as the frequency of recurrence and symptoms.

Q Do I need to take medicine even when I have no symptoms?
A

It depends on the treatment method. In addition to treatment taken when symptoms appear, there is also suppressive therapy, which involves continuous medication even during symptom-free periods for those with recurrent outbreaks.

Q Are oral herpes and genital herpes different conditions?
A

Both are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2). Transmission can also occur from mouth to genitals or genitals to mouth through oral sex, etc.

Q Can you contract genital herpes without having had sexual intercourse?
A

Yes. The herpes simplex virus can be transmitted not only through sexual intercourse but also through oral sex, skin-to-skin contact, and contact with mucous membranes.

Q When can I resume sexual activity?
A

Avoid sexual activity, including oral sex, while symptoms such as blisters and sores are present, as the risk of transmission is high. Even after symptoms subside, the virus can still be shed, so it is important to practice infection prevention, such as using condoms.

Q Is hospitalization necessary?
A

Mona offers online consultations for genital herpes medication. After purchasing your desired medication, you will undergo a medical questionnaire and a video consultation with a doctor. If deemed suitable for prescription, the medication will be prescribed and shipped to you. If your symptoms or condition require an in-person examination, please visit a nearby medical institution.

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