What you should know
Possible symptoms
Herpes may cause painful sores, tingling, itching, blisters, or recurrent outbreaks.
Testing
A fresh sore may be swabbed for testing. Blood tests are useful only in selected situations and have limitations; your clinician can advise.
Treatment
Herpes is usually managed with antiviral medication. Treatment can help ease symptoms.
Follow-up care
A clinician can help you understand your result, treatment, and ways to manage future outbreaks.
Living with herpes
Antiviral treatment can ease outbreaks; some people benefit from longer-term treatment. Avoid sex during sores or warning symptoms such as tingling. Condoms reduce risk but cannot cover every affected skin area. A diagnosis cannot reliably establish when infection happened.
How testing is chosen
If you have a fresh blister or sore, a clinician may recommend a swab from it. Blood tests have limitations and are not a routine answer for every genital symptom. Seek assessment while the lesion is still present rather than waiting for it to heal.
How herpes support works
Get private guidance from your phone.
Start private chat
Tell us about your symptoms, exposure, or questions about testing.
Get guidance
Learn what the symptoms may mean and what test may be appropriate.
Test or manage
Get guided to testing or treatment support when needed.
Common questions
Can herpes come and go?
Yes. Some people have outbreaks that return from time to time.
How is genital herpes treated?
Herpes is usually managed with prescription medication.
Can I have herpes without symptoms?
Yes. Some people may not notice symptoms at first.