Sexual Health

Effective genital herpes treatment

Valacyclovir for genital herpes treatment. Outbreaks and preventative treatments available, if prescribed.

Start now
100% online with no in-person visit
Medical provider will get back to you within 24 hours
Free online visit

About genital herpes and ways to treat it

What causes genital herpes?

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types: HSV-1, which typically causes oral herpes (cold sores) but can also cause genital herpes through oral-to-genital contact, and HSV-2, which is the most common cause of genital herpes. The virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity. Many people who carry the virus may not know they have it, as symptoms can be mild or absent.

What are common genital herpes symptoms?

Genital herpes symptoms can include painful blisters or open sores (ulcers) in the genital or rectal area, itching or tingling around the genitals, flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Outbreaks tend to be most severe when they first occur and may become less frequent and milder over time. Some individuals experience no symptoms at all but can still transmit the virus to partners.

How do I treat genital herpes?

Genital herpes is managed with prescription antiviral medications such as valacyclovir. There are two primary approaches: episodic therapy, where you take medication at the first sign of an outbreak to shorten its duration, and suppressive therapy, where you take medication daily to reduce outbreak frequency and lower the risk of transmitting the virus to partners by approximately 50%. A licensed provider can help determine the best treatment approach for your situation.

Clinically proven treatment for genital herpes

Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that helps manage genital herpes outbreaks.

Suppressive therapy

Frequent outbreaks Rx

Valacyclovir

Taken daily

If you experience frequent genital herpes outbreaks, daily valacyclovir can help reduce how often outbreaks occur and reduce the risk of giving herpes to a partner by about 50%.

Get started
Episodic treatment

Occasional outbreaks Rx

Valacyclovir

Taken at first signs

When taken at the first signs of an outbreak, valacyclovir can shorten the duration of a genital herpes outbreak and help it heal faster.

Get started

Your first herpes outbreak should be diagnosed by an in-person medical provider.

If you have never been diagnosed with herpes before, we recommend visiting an in-person healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis before starting treatment through saluviaMx.

What is valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir is a prescription antiviral medication used to treat and manage genital herpes outbreaks. It works by stopping the herpes virus from multiplying, which helps reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks.

Who should not take valacyclovir?

Tell your provider if you have kidney disease, a weakened immune system, or are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir. This medication may not be right for everyone.

Warnings and precautions

Valacyclovir may cause kidney problems, especially in older adults or those with existing kidney issues. Stay well-hydrated while taking this medication. In rare cases, it can cause thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Contact your provider immediately if you experience unusual bruising, bleeding, fatigue, or dark urine.

Drug interactions

Tell your provider about all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Valacyclovir may interact with certain medications, particularly those that affect the kidneys.

Over 1,000,000+ saluviaMx members

These saluviaMx members received their treatment at no cost in exchange for their testimonials.

I was nervous about getting treated for herpes online, but the whole process was private and easy. My outbreaks have decreased significantly.
M

Member 1

saluviaMx member

Having my medication delivered to my door without having to go to a pharmacy or explain myself is such a relief.
M

Member 2

saluviaMx member

The daily treatment has been a game changer. I used to have outbreaks every month and now they're rare. Wish I'd started sooner.
M

Member 3

saluviaMx member

FAQs about treating genital herpes

Genital herpes symptoms can include painful blisters or open sores in the genital or rectal area, itching or tingling around the genitals, flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Some people may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 12 days after exposure.

Genital herpes can be treated with prescription antiviral medication such as valacyclovir. Treatment options include episodic therapy (taken at the first signs of an outbreak to shorten its duration) or suppressive therapy (taken daily to reduce the frequency of outbreaks and lower the risk of transmission to partners). A licensed provider can determine the best treatment plan for you.

Common side effects of valacyclovir include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and abdominal pain. Serious side effects are rare but may include kidney problems and changes in blood cell counts. Tell your provider about any other medications you take before starting valacyclovir.

There is currently no cure for genital herpes. However, antiviral medications like valacyclovir can effectively manage symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, and lower the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners.

Your first herpes outbreak should be diagnosed by an in-person medical provider. They may perform a physical exam, take a sample from a sore for laboratory testing (PCR or viral culture), or order a blood test to detect herpes antibodies.

How Ro works

1

Complete an online visit

Answer a few questions about your symptoms and medical history. This takes just a few minutes.

2

Get evaluated by a provider

A licensed medical provider will review your information and determine if valacyclovir is right for you.

3

Get your medication

If prescribed, your medication is delivered discreetly to your door with free shipping.

Learn more in the Health Guide

Explore articles, resources, and expert insights about herpes treatment and sexual health.

Visit the Health Guide →

Healthcare, without the hassle

Get access to genital herpes treatment online. 100% online, free shipping.