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Home / STI / Genital Herpes

What causes genital herpes?

Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is highly contagious. There are two types of this virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2, both of which can cause genital herpes, although HSV-2 is more common. It can be passed on through skin contact either through unprotected intercourse, sharing sex toys or through oral sex if one person has a cold sore, which would be caused by HSV-1.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are unlikely to appear immediately but once you have been infected you are almost certain to suffer an outbreak at one point or another, although it can take months or even years. If you do experience symptoms after you are initially infected, these will appear around a week after you were in contact with the virus and are likely to be more severe than subsequent outbreaks. The symptoms can include blisters or sores around the affected area, pain when urinating, a high temperature, general aches and pain when passing urine.

Recurrent infections may become less severe as your body learns to fight the virus. These are often characterised by a tingling, burning or itching sensation, accompanied by blisters around the genitals.

Can genital herpes be prevented?

There is no way of being 100% sure you will not be infected with the virus, as it can be spread through skin contact as well as intercourse. However, condoms do provide some protection against this STI and making sure you are regularly tested will allow you to use a treatment before the condition worsens.

Although the virus can lay dormant for long periods of time, outbreaks do occur. There is no clear way of preventing the outbreaks but medication can help. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding exposure of the genitals to sunlight or friction can also help to avoid outbreaks.

What treatments are available for genital herpes?

Although there is no medication which can completely cure the virus once it's been contracted, you can control the outbreaks. Aciclovir is the medication which is usually prescribed for the primary (first) infection, as it prevents HSV from multiplying during the outbreak. You will usually need to take it for seven to 10 days depending on the dosage and how long the symptoms take to clear up. For subsequent outbreaks there are other medications available, such as Famvir or Valtrex.

Can I buy the medication online?

You can buy Aciclovir, Famvir and Valtrex online at 121doc after filling out an online medical consultation. This will be completely free and confidential and serves as a way of helping us to assess whether it is the right medication for you. If you are issued a prescription, we will dispatch your order from the pharmacy and it will reach you within 24 hours.

View all treatments

  • Review by a qualified doctor
  • Including prescription
  • Next-day delivery included
Valtrex
Prices from
£69.99
Famvir
Prices from
£109.99

FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
What happens after I submit my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
Can I place more than one order at a time?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
How do I know which treatment is best for me?
Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our consultations include general questions about your health (e.g. blood pressure levels, current and past conditions), as well as specific questions related to your selected treatment. We will also request relevant personal information to complete payment and delivery.

All questions are necessary, and your answers and details will not be shared with any third-parties. Only our doctors have access to your medical information.

Will a doctor review my consultation?

It is a legal and medical requirement that a doctor first reviews all completed consultations. We have a team of in-house doctors and specialists who will ensure your selected treatment is safe for your use. All information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, we do not guarantee that our doctors will approve treatment.

What happens after I submit my order?

Your consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by one of our doctors.

If your chosen treatment is deemed suitable for your use, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription is then forwarded to our pharmacy, where your medication will be dispensed and dispatched for courier delivery.

Is the price all-inclusive?

Yes. All 121doc orders include a medical consultation, a prescription and next-day delivery. There are no additional costs. We believe in providing a safe and easy-to-use service.

Can I place more than one order at a time?

Yes. However, certain medications may negatively interact with each other. Our doctors may not approve your order on this basis.

You can place multiple items in one basket, and complete a consultation for all.

If you wish to place a second order for a different medication, you will have to complete a separate consultation.

What are my delivery options?

We offer several delivery options:

  • Next-day delivery
  • UPS Access Point - convenient parcel drop-off and collection near your home or work address
  • Nominated-day delivery - choose the most convenient day for delivery

All these options can be tracked and require a signature on delivery. If you are not available, a friend or relative can sign in your place.

None of these options will incur an additional charge.

Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

To ensure you are purchasing from a reputable company, you should look to see their country’s regulatory bodies verify them.

In the UK, this is the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).Certificates can be viewed here.

How do I know which treatment is best for me?

Some treatments also offer the 'Advise Me' function. You will be asked questions about your lifestyle and needs, plus medical questions. You will then be presented with the advice of our doctors.

Is this service discreet?

Our patients’ privacy is of utmost importance. All your medical information is securely stored and only viewed by our doctors. We do not share your details with third-parties. We are also regularly inspected by various UK regulatory agencies, such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

All orders will only show on invoices, bank statements, etc. as ‘HHC Ltd’.