Genital herpes treatment.
Manage outbreaks, privately.
There's no cure for genital herpes, but antiviral treatment manages it very effectively. A licensed physician reviews your case and confirms the right medication for you, often the same day.
- Genital herpes is a viral infection — there's currently no cure, but antiviral medication manages it effectively.
- Valacyclovir, acyclovir, and famciclovir are the antivirals used, either episodically (for outbreaks) or daily (suppressive therapy).
- Herpes can be transmitted even without visible sores, through asymptomatic viral shedding.
- Daily suppressive therapy can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to a partner by about half.
- A visit at Great Doctors USA costs a flat $39.99, with same-day physician review.
What Is Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2). Unlike chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis, it's viral rather than bacterial — so antibiotics don't treat it. Genital herpes medication is an antiviral that manages outbreaks and lowers transmission risk, but there is currently no cure. Millions of people have herpes and live full, normal lives with it managed.
Genital Herpes Symptoms
Many people with herpes have mild or no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
Painful blisters or sores in the genital, anal, or nearby area that break open and crust over
Tingling, itching, or burning in the area before sores appear
Flu-like symptoms during a first outbreak — fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes
Recurrent outbreaks are usually shorter and milder than the first one
Many people have no noticeable symptoms, or mistake them for something else
How Is Genital Herpes Spread?
Skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus
Can be transmitted even when no sores are visible (asymptomatic viral shedding)
Condoms reduce, but don't eliminate, transmission risk — they don't cover all affected skin
A newborn can be seriously affected if a mother has a first-time outbreak near delivery
Can Genital Herpes Be Cured?
No — there is currently no cure for genital herpes. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body. The good news is that antiviral medication manages it very effectively: it shortens outbreaks, reduces how often they happen, and can lower the risk of transmitting the virus to a partner by roughly half with daily suppressive use. Most people who manage it well go on to live completely normal lives, including sexually.
What Antiviral Treatment Actually Does
Since herpes can't be cured, treatment is about managing it well. Antiviral medication:
Shortens outbreaks and reduces how often they happen
Daily suppressive therapy can lower the risk of transmitting the virus to a partner by about half
Reduces the physical discomfort and stress of frequent outbreaks
Lowers the risk of a serious infection in a newborn if you become pregnant
Manage genital herpes — without the clinic visit
Same-Day Review
Most patients get their genital herpes treatment visit reviewed and, if appropriate, a prescription sent the same day.
100% Private
Your visit and diagnosis stay private. Nothing is shared with employers, insurers, or family without your consent.
No Insurance Needed
Flat-rate pricing at $39.99 — the price you see is the full cost of your visit, no hidden fees.
Suppressive or Episodic — Your Choice
Whether you want daily suppressive therapy or treatment just for outbreaks, your physician tailors the approach to you.
Genital Herpes Treatment & Medication
Your physician helps you choose between episodic treatment (for outbreaks as they happen) and suppressive therapy (a daily dose), based on how often you have outbreaks and your goals.
Genital Herpes Treatment
Antiviral prescription, reviewed and sent by a licensed physician.
- Valacyclovir — episodic (short course for an outbreak) or daily suppressive therapy
- Acyclovir — episodic or suppressive therapy — taken more frequently per day than valacyclovir
- Famciclovir — alternative antiviral option, similar dosing flexibility
- Episodic therapy — a short course taken at the first sign of an outbreak, to shorten and ease it
- Suppressive therapy — a lower daily dose taken continuously, to reduce outbreak frequency and lower transmission risk
- There is no cure — antivirals manage the virus, they don't eliminate it
- No over-the-counter medication cures genital herpes, though OTC pain relief can ease outbreak symptoms
Avoid sex during an active outbreak, tell your partner(s), and consider suppressive therapy — together, these meaningfully lower transmission risk.
Genital Herpes Testing: How It's Diagnosed
- A viral swab of an active sore is the most accurate way to confirm herpes during an outbreak
- A blood (antibody) test can detect prior exposure, even without current symptoms
- Routine herpes screening isn't generally recommended for people without symptoms, since results can be hard to interpret
- Testing while a sore is present gives the clearest, most reliable answer
Not sure if you need a test?
Order a herpes or full STI panel directly — results are reviewed by a physician, with treatment if you need it.
See Lab TestsGenital Herpes and Pregnancy
Genital herpes is most concerning during pregnancy when a first-time outbreak happens close to delivery, which can seriously affect a newborn. A prior, well-managed infection carries much lower risk. Let your physician know if you're pregnant or planning to be, so your antiviral treatment and delivery planning can be coordinated with your OB provider.
Every visit is reviewed by a licensed physician
Not a script, not an algorithm — a real doctor reads your case, decides what's safe, and puts their license behind it.
Our medical review process
Every treatment plan is written and approved by a physician licensed in your state before it's sent to your pharmacy. If a case falls outside what's safe to treat online, we say so and refer you to in-person care.
Licensing & accountability
Our physicians hold active state medical licenses and are credentialed before seeing patients. We're a telemedicine platform, not an emergency service — for anything urgent, call 911. Prescriptions are sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice; we never dispense medication directly.
Real patients. Real results.
"I needed treatment fast and didn't want to deal with a $200 urgent care visit. Great Doctors got me a prescription sent to my CVS in under 3 hours. Incredible."
"Nervous about getting tested but the whole process was so discreet and judgment-free. The doctor was thorough, explained everything, and I had my prescription by evening."
"No insurance and was dreading the cost. $39.99 total for a real doctor consultation and treatment plan? I'm never going to a walk-in clinic again."
"Fast, professional, and affordable. The doctor actually reviewed my symptoms carefully before prescribing. Felt genuinely cared for, not just processed."
"I was anxious about discussing my condition but the questionnaire was private and easy. Had my treatment plan in two hours. 10/10 would recommend."
"Used it for a dental infection on a Sunday night. My regular dentist couldn't see me. Got antibiotics prescribed within 90 minutes. Life-saver."
How it works
Answer a Few Questions
Complete a short, private questionnaire about your symptoms, history, and treatment preference.
Physician Review
A licensed physician reviews your case personally — often the same day — and confirms the right antiviral and approach.
Prescription Sent
If approved, your prescription is sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice.
Ongoing Refills
Genital herpes is a long-term condition. Refill your prescription easily whenever you need it, without starting over.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cure for genital herpes?
No. Genital herpes is a viral infection with no current cure. Antiviral medication manages it very effectively — shortening outbreaks, reducing how often they happen, and lowering the risk of transmission — but it doesn't eliminate the virus from your body.
How is genital herpes treated?
With antiviral medication — most commonly valacyclovir, acyclovir, or famciclovir. You can take it episodically, only when an outbreak starts, or daily as suppressive therapy to reduce outbreaks and transmission risk.
What's the difference between suppressive and episodic therapy?
Episodic therapy is a short course taken at the first sign of an outbreak, to shorten and ease it. Suppressive therapy is a lower dose taken every day, which reduces how often outbreaks happen and lowers the risk of passing the virus to a partner.
Can genital herpes be transmitted without symptoms?
Yes. The virus can shed from the skin even when no sores are visible — this is called asymptomatic shedding, and it's one of the main reasons herpes spreads even between outbreaks.
Can I still have sex if I have genital herpes?
Yes, many people with herpes have normal sex lives. It's important to tell partners, avoid sex during an active outbreak, use condoms, and consider daily suppressive therapy, which meaningfully lowers transmission risk.
Does my partner need to know I have herpes?
Yes — being upfront with sexual partners is important, both ethically and so they can make an informed decision about their own risk. Your physician can also help you understand how to talk about it.
Is there an over-the-counter treatment for genital herpes?
No cure exists over the counter. OTC pain relievers or topical anesthetics can ease discomfort during an outbreak, but only a prescription antiviral shortens outbreaks and reduces transmission risk.
How is genital herpes diagnosed?
A swab of an active sore is the most accurate test and can be done during an outbreak. A blood test can detect prior exposure even without symptoms, though it can't always tell you when or from whom you were infected.
Can genital herpes affect pregnancy?
Yes — it can be serious for a newborn if a first-time (new) outbreak occurs near delivery. Let your physician know if you're pregnant or planning to be, so your care can be coordinated appropriately.
How often will I have outbreaks?
It varies a lot by person. Outbreaks are usually most frequent in the first year and tend to become less frequent and milder over time. Suppressive therapy can reduce them further.
Is this private?
Yes. Your visit is private and HIPAA-compliant. Nothing is shared with employers, insurers, or family without your consent.
Will my insurance be billed?
No. Every visit is flat-rate, paid up front, at $39.99 — no insurance billing, no surprise costs after the visit.
Can I get treatment if I'm not officially diagnosed yet?
Often, yes. If you're having a classic outbreak, a physician may treat you based on your symptoms. If your case needs testing first, you'll be told directly and can order a test through our lab services.
Manage it privately, starting today.
Licensed physicians nationwide. No insurance required. Genital herpes treatment — $39.99.