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Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can cause painful blisters and sores, but many people have mild symptoms or none at all. There’s no cure, but outbreaks usually become milder and less frequent over time, and treatment and simple self-care can make a big difference.
This guide explains the two types of herpes virus, what symptoms to look for, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and practical tips for living well with herpes. If you’ve heard worrying things about herpes, our article on genital herpes myths sets the record straight.
HSV-1 and HSV-2: the two types
| HSV-1 | HSV-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Usually linked with | Cold sores around the mouth | Genital herpes |
| Can it cause genital herpes? | Yes, often passed on through oral sex | Yes |
| Can it affect the mouth? | Yes | Less often |
| Recurrences in the genital area | Tend to be less frequent | Tend to be more frequent |
Both types are passed on through direct skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex, and genital-to-genital contact. According to healthdirect, around 1 in every 8 sexually active Australian adults has genital herpes.
Symptoms
The first episode
Symptoms of a first episode usually appear within a couple of weeks of contact, but some people don’t have a noticeable first episode until much later, or ever. When it happens, a first episode is often the most severe. Symptoms can include:
- tingling, itching or burning in the genital or anal area, buttocks or thighs
- small red bumps or blisters that break open into painful sores, then crust over and heal
- pain when weeing, especially if urine touches the sores
- flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, aches and tiredness
- swollen, tender glands in the groin
A first episode can take two to three weeks to heal fully.
Recurrent outbreaks
After the first episode, the virus rests in the nerves and can become active again. Recurrences are usually milder, shorter and less frequent over time. Many people notice warning signs before an outbreak, such as tingling, itching or a nerve-type pain in the area. Possible triggers include:
- illness or a weakened immune system
- tiredness and stress
- friction from sex or tight clothing
- for some women, around the time of their period
No symptoms at all
Many people with herpes never have obvious symptoms, or mistake mild ones for something else, such as an ingrown hair, thrush or a rash. Even without symptoms, the virus can occasionally be passed on. This is called asymptomatic shedding.
Getting diagnosed
If you notice blisters or sores, see a doctor as soon as you can. The most accurate test is a swab taken from a blister or sore, ideally within the first few days. The result can confirm herpes and tell you which type you have, which helps predict how often outbreaks may happen.
Herpes isn’t usually part of a routine STI check. Blood tests exist but have limits, so they’re generally not recommended unless your doctor thinks they’ll help. Because other STIs can also cause genital sores, your doctor may suggest a broader STI test at the same time.
Treatment
There’s no cure, but prescription antiviral treatment can help. Your doctor may suggest:
- Treatment for a first episode, to shorten it and ease symptoms.
- Episodic treatment, taken at the first sign of an outbreak. It works best when started early, ideally within a day or two.
- Suppressive treatment, taken every day to reduce how often outbreaks happen and lower the risk of passing herpes on. This can suit people with frequent or distressing outbreaks or a partner without herpes.
Your doctor will talk through which approach, if any, suits you.
Self-care during an outbreak
- Bathe in warm, salty water to soothe the area, then pat dry gently.
- Use simple pain relief, such as paracetamol, if needed. Your pharmacist can advise what suits you.
- If weeing stings, try weeing in a warm bath or pouring water over the area while you go.
- Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing.
- Wash your hands after touching sores, and avoid touching your eyes.
- Avoid sexual contact from the first tingle until sores have fully healed.
Living well with herpes
Telling partners
Talking to a partner about herpes can feel daunting, but it’s an important step and usually goes better than people expect. Choose a calm, private time before sex. Explain that herpes is common and manageable, and how you reduce the risk. Your doctor can help you prepare.
Reducing the risk of passing it on
- avoid sex during outbreaks and when you feel warning signs
- use condoms or dental dams, which lower but don’t eliminate the risk
- consider suppressive treatment, if your doctor recommends it
- avoid oral sex if you have a cold sore
Pregnancy
Most women with herpes have healthy pregnancies and babies. If you or your partner has herpes and you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, tell your doctor or midwife. The greatest risk to a baby is when a first episode happens late in pregnancy, so it’s important to get advice early.
Looking after your wellbeing
A herpes diagnosis can bring up feelings of shock, shame or worry. These usually ease with time and good information. If you’re struggling, talk to your GP. Our mental health page explains the support available.
When to get urgent help
Go to your nearest emergency department or call 000 if you:
- can’t pass urine
- have a severe headache with a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion or drowsiness
- have a painful red eye or sores near the eye
- feel very unwell
If you’re pregnant and develop genital sores, contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day. People with a weakened immune system should also seek prompt medical advice.
How Teldoc can help
Our AHPRA-registered GPs can assess herpes symptoms by phone or video, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time). Most patients are seen within 15 minutes. Your doctor can arrange swab and STI testing through our pathology referrals, prescribe antiviral treatment if clinically appropriate with an eScript sent to your phone, and help you plan for future outbreaks.
Herpes consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Without Medicare, private fees apply. See our fees page or read more about herpes treatment online and our sexual health services.
Our sister service STI Doctor focuses on discreet, bulk-billed STI care, including genital herpes testing and treatment and online STI testing.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2?
HSV-1 usually causes cold sores but can cause genital herpes through oral sex. HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. Genital HSV-1 tends to recur less often than genital HSV-2.
What does a herpes outbreak look like?
It often starts with tingling or itching, followed by small blisters that break into painful sores, then crust over and heal. A first episode may also cause fever, aches and swollen glands.
How is genital herpes tested?
The most accurate test is a swab from a blister or sore, ideally within the first few days. Herpes isn’t usually included in a routine STI check.
Do herpes outbreaks get better over time?
For most people, yes. Recurrent outbreaks are usually milder and shorter than the first episode and tend to become less frequent over time.
Can I have a baby if I have herpes?
Yes. Most women with herpes have healthy pregnancies. Tell your doctor or midwife early so they can plan your care, especially if a first episode happens during pregnancy.
This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.
Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026
