General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
After genital herpes is diagnosed, discuss recurrences with your doctor. Antivirals can limit the duration and severity of outbreaks, but do not eliminate the virus remaining in the body.
Learn your warning signs, such as burning or tingling. A prescription arranged in advance may let you start treatment promptly according to the doctor’s instructions, without improvising a medicine or dose.
If outbreaks are frequent, very painful or affect your life, preventive treatment can be discussed. Its benefit and duration are reviewed; it does not guarantee that recurrences disappear permanently.
During an outbreak, avoid sexual contact until lesions heal, even with a condom. It does not cover every area of skin that may transmit the virus.
Between outbreaks the virus may be present without visible signs: inform your partner and discuss protection. If pregnant, tell your doctor or midwife immediately about any history of genital herpes.
At the next appointment, bring a record of outbreak frequency and its impact. Ask for a written plan covering warning signs, the prescribed treatment to start and whom to contact if pain persists or circumstances change.
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Your health review
Review your health
Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.