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Genital herpes videos

Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPAuthored by Lawrence HigginsOriginally published 26 Jun 2025

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

In this series:STI videosContraception videosChlamydia videosGonorrhoea videos

Our genital herpes hub features expert-led videos that explain what genital herpes is, how it's spread, the typical symptoms to look out for, and the treatment options available. Whether you’ve been diagnosed or just want to learn more, these videos offer trusted, up-to-date advice to help you understand and take control of your sexual health.

Overview

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is usually spread through skin-to-skin contact during sex.

Genital herpes

Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGP

What is genital herpes?

Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGP

What is herpes?

Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE, MRCGP

Is herpes contagious?

Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE, MRCGP

Symptoms

Symptoms of genital herpes can include painful blisters or sores around the genitals, itching or tingling before the sores appear, and sometimes flu-like symptoms. Some people may experience no symptoms at all.

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE, MRCGP

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGP

Tests

Genital herpes is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical exam, but if sores are present, a swab can be taken from them to test for the virus.

How to test for genital herpes

Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGP

Treatment

Genital herpes is treated with antiviral medications. However there is no cure, meaning the virus stays in your body and can become active from time to time.

How can genital herpes be treated?

Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGP

How do you treat genital herpes?

Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE, MRCGP

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by Lawrence Higgins

About the authorView full bio

Author image

Lawrence Higgins

Managing editor

BSc, Post Graduate Diploma

As managing editor of Patient.info Lawrence looks after all of our features and is a member of the Guild of Health Writers.

About the reviewerView full bio

Author image

Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

General Practitioner, Medical Author

MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH

Dr Colin Tidy is an NHS Doctor, based in Oxfordshire.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Article also available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, and Swedish.

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