Genital Herpes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Genital Herpes?
A primary care doctor can often diagnose and treat genital herpes. An infectious disease doctor, who treats infections, a gynecologist, a doctor for the female reproductive system, or a urologist, a doctor for the urinary system and male reproductive system, may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by two types of viruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). It is a common infection. It is a lifelong infection, but it can be treated.
Symptoms
Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms or very mild ones. Mild symptoms can be mistaken for a pimple or an ingrown hair. Because of this, most people do not know they have herpes.
Herpes sores usually look like one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. This is called an outbreak. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches or swollen glands may also happen during the first outbreak.
Repeat outbreaks are common, especially during the first year. They are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak. Over time, the number of outbreaks may decrease.
Causes and who gets it
Anyone who is sexually active can get genital herpes. You can get it by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. You can catch it from contact with a herpes sore, saliva from a partner with oral herpes, or genital fluids or skin from a partner with genital herpes.
The virus can spread even when no sore can be seen. Oral herpes caused by HSV-1 can spread from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex. You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor may diagnose genital herpes by looking at the sores. The doctor can also take a sample from a sore and test it. If there are no sores, a blood test may look for HSV antibodies, which are proteins the body makes to fight the virus. A blood test cannot tell you who gave you the infection or when you got it.
Treatment
There is no cure for genital herpes. Medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks. Antiviral medicine is the main treatment. Three antivirals have been shown to help: acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. Allergic and other bad reactions to these medicines are rare.
These medicines can be used to treat the first episode, to treat later outbreaks, or as a daily pill to prevent outbreaks. They do not remove the virus from the body. A daily medicine can make it less likely that you pass the infection to a sex partner. Talk with your doctor about which medicine is right for you.
When to see a doctor
See a healthcare provider if you notice a sore, a smelly genital discharge, burning when peeing, or bleeding between periods. Also see a provider if your partner has an STI or symptoms of one. Herpes can be severe in people with weak immune systems.
If you are pregnant, tell your provider if you have ever had genital herpes. Herpes can pass to a baby, usually during delivery, and can cause a deadly infection in the baby called neonatal herpes.
Rarely, genital herpes caused by HSV-2 can cause meningitis. Meningitis is swelling of the tissue around the brain and spinal cord. Signs include headache, sensitivity to light, fever, and a stiff neck. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have these signs.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine sores, order tests, prescribe antiviral medicine and talk with you about protecting partners. They can also refer you to a specialist if needed.
Common questions
Is there a cure for genital herpes?
No. There is no cure for genital herpes. Medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks. Herpes is manageable with medicine.
Can I still have sex if I have genital herpes?
Yes, but talk with your partner first about their risk. Avoid vaginal, anal, or oral sex during an outbreak. Condoms may help lower the risk, but they do not remove it. Even without symptoms, you can still infect a sex partner.
Can I get genital herpes from a toilet seat?
No. You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools. You also will not get it from touching silverware, soap, or towels.
How can I lower my chance of getting genital herpes?
You can lower your chance of getting genital herpes in several ways.
The only way to completely avoid STIs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can also lower your chances by being in a long-term relationship with only one partner who does not have herpes. Using condoms the right way every time you have sex also helps. Condoms may not fully protect you.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
