Genital herpes treatment

2 basic treatment processes for herpes

Once you have been diagnosed with genital herpes, two basic treatment methods can be used separately or overlapped. 

Outbreak therapy

The first treatment method is called outbreak therapy, and as the name implies, is implemented when there is indication of an outbreak of genital herpes. Outbreak therapy may involve the use of oral or topical medications, and upon doctor recommendation, may include both.

Suppressive therapy

The second of these is called suppressive therapy. Suppressive therapy involves taking a form of medication on a regular basis to prevent the outbreak of genital herpes. Suppressive therapy will help prevent outbreaks of genital herpes and reduce the risk of spreading the disease, especially if your sexual partner is not infected with genital herpes.  While suppressive therapy sounds like the logical approach, the financial responsibility is greater for taking a prescription drug daily. Also, there are certain side effects that come from suppressive therapy, depending on the particular medication you are taking, your current health condition and other prescription drugs you may be taking.
 

Genital herpes medications

The following are some of the more popular medical treatment options for genital herpes and their known side effects. Be sure to discuss each option in detail with your doctor to find the medication that is right for you and your lifestyle.

• Acyclovir (Zovirax): Taken orally, Acyclovir has been established as an effective antiviral. The primary function of Acyclovir is to slow down the growth rate of the herpes simplex virus, allowing the body’s natural immune system to work more effectively. Acyclovir is also shown to help reduce the symptoms of genital herpes. Possible side effects from taking Acyclovir include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, joint pain, dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Valacyclovir Hydrochloride (Valtrex): Once Valacyclovir Hydrochloride is taken orally, it quickly converts to its root element of acyclovir. Acyclovir is a proven antiviral, which effectively slows the growth of the herpes simplex type-1 and herpes simplex type-2 virus, allowing the bodies own immune system to attack the virus more effectively. Possible side effects of taking Valacyclovir Hydrochloride include nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain, headache and vomiting.
• Famcyclovir (Famvir) : Another oral antiviral drug based on Acyclovir, Famcyclovir is traditionally administered for the treatment of shingles, which is the result of infection from a virus called varicella-zoster, a member of the herpes viral family. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and fatigue.
• Foscarnet (Foscavir): Taken orally, Foscarnet acts as an inhibitor to the reproduction of the herpes simplex virus. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, anemia, seizures, diarrhea and abnormal renal function.
• Penciclovir (Denavir): An antiviral agent that is available as a topical solution for the treatment of a genital herpes outbreak. Possible side effects include a site reaction (rash) although the likely hood of such an occurrence is extremely low.
 

Genital herpes prognosis

Currently there is no cure for herpes simplex type-1 or herpes simplex type-2. The available treatments focus on the prevention of outbreak frequency or eliminating the discomfort of symptoms from an outbreak.

 

Genital herpes: key points Overview of genital herpes Knowing the symptoms of herpes outbreaks Herpes transmission and how you can protect yourself Medical complications associated with the HSV II virus Treatment options available for genital herpes outbreaks Natural and herbal remedies that may offer relief