Medically reviewed by Sivakumar Raman, MD — Infectious Disease · Reviewed August 2026
Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States — and one of the most misunderstood. If you have just been diagnosed, or think you may have been exposed, the most important things to know are: it is very common, it is manageable, and effective treatment is available right here in Southwest Florida. At Florida Infectious Disease Care, our board-certified infectious disease specialists provide confidential, nonjudgmental herpes testing and treatment in Fort Myers and by telehealth anywhere in Florida. Call or text (239) 245-8223.
What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types — HSV-1 and HSV-2 — and both can cause genital herpes. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body for life, but that does not mean constant symptoms: many people have no symptoms or such mild ones that they never realize they are infected.
How does it spread?
The virus spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area — even when no sores are visible. Herpes is most contagious when sores are present, but it can be passed at any time through what is called “asymptomatic shedding.”
What are the symptoms?
Many people have no symptoms at all. When symptoms occur:
- First outbreak: painful blisters or open sores in the genital area, sometimes with fever, body aches, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. The first outbreak is usually the most severe and can last 2–3 weeks.
- Recurrent outbreaks: shorter and milder. Some people feel tingling, burning, or itching before sores appear (a “prodrome”). These outbreaks typically heal within 5–10 days.
Over time, outbreaks usually become less frequent.
How is it diagnosed?
If you have sores, we test fluid from a blister with a PCR or viral culture test. Blood tests can detect HSV antibodies but are not recommended as routine screening for people without symptoms. If you are unsure what a sore is, don’t guess — a quick, confidential visit gives you a definitive answer.
How is genital herpes treated?
There is no cure, but antiviral medications — acyclovir, valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir) — manage the condition well. They can:
- Shorten outbreaks and reduce their severity when taken at the first sign of symptoms
- Reduce how often outbreaks occur when taken daily (suppressive therapy)
- Lower the risk of passing herpes to a partner
Your specialist will help you decide between episodic and daily therapy based on how often you have recurrences. One caution: over-the-counter topical antiviral creams are not effective for genital herpes — skip them.
Reducing the risk of spreading herpes
Avoid sexual contact when sores or prodromal tingling are present, use condoms consistently (they reduce but don’t eliminate risk), talk openly with your partner, and consider daily antiviral therapy — combined with condoms, it significantly reduces transmission. It’s also smart to get tested for other STIs, including HIV — ask us about PrEP and doxy PEP for ongoing prevention.
Herpes and pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning to be, tell your provider about your herpes history. Antiviral medication started at 36 weeks reduces the chance of an outbreak at delivery, and if active sores are present when labor begins, a C-section may be recommended to protect the baby.
Living with genital herpes
Genital herpes is extremely common and it does not define you. With treatment and a few precautions, people with herpes lead healthy lives and maintain fulfilling relationships.
Confidential herpes care in Fort Myers or anywhere in Florida. Same-week appointments in person or by secure video. All insurance accepted; self-pay welcome. Call or text (239) 245-8223 or book an appointment.
