Can telemedicine treat Genital Herpes (HSV)?

Audience: adult

Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It often leads to painful sores or blisters in the genital area. Telemedicine can help by allowing you to talk with a healthcare provider remotely about your symptoms. Providers can offer advice, prescribe antiviral medications, and help manage outbreaks. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or lab tests needed for a definite diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or complications, you may need in-person care. Telemedicine is a useful tool for education, initial evaluation, and ongoing management of genital herpes, especially when visiting a clinic is difficult. Always seek emergency care if you experience serious signs like difficulty urinating, severe pain, or spreading infection.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain or large, spreading sores requiring immediate medical attention.
• Difficulty urinating or inability to empty the bladder, which may indicate complications.
• High fever, chills, or signs of systemic infection needing urgent evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial consultation to discuss symptoms and medical history.
• Prescribing antiviral medications for known or suspected genital herpes.
• Providing education on managing outbreaks and preventing transmission.
• Follow-up visits to monitor treatment response and symptom control.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examination or visual inspection of sores.
• Collecting samples for laboratory testing to confirm diagnosis.
• Managing severe symptoms or complications requiring emergency care.
• Diagnosing other conditions that may mimic genital herpes symptoms.

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), usually HSV type 2, but sometimes type 1. It causes painful blisters or sores around the genitals, anus, or thighs. The virus stays in the body and can reactivate, causing outbreaks over time. It spreads mainly through sexual contact, even when no sores are visible.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to consult a healthcare provider by phone or video. They can discuss your symptoms, medical history, and offer guidance. Providers can prescribe antiviral medications to reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks. Telemedicine is convenient for follow-ups and managing ongoing symptoms without needing to visit a clinic.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Genital Herpes

Telemedicine cannot replace physical exams or lab tests needed to confirm genital herpes. Providers cannot visually inspect sores or collect samples remotely. If your symptoms are unclear, severe, or if you have other health concerns, an in-person visit may be necessary. Emergency situations require immediate physical care.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

These signs may require physical examination, testing, or hospital care.

Managing Genital Herpes at Home

You can help manage outbreaks by:

Protecting Yourself and Others

To reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a private, quiet place for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and their severity.
• Prepare a list of any medications you are currently taking.
• Be ready to discuss your sexual history and any previous herpes diagnoses.
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone if using video.
• Have a pen and paper ready to take notes during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the prescribed medication instructions carefully.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or side effects.
• Maintain good hygiene and avoid touching sores to prevent spread.
• Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks to reduce transmission risk.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine visits as recommended by your provider.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or red flag signs develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose genital herpes?

Telemedicine providers can assess your symptoms and medical history but cannot perform the physical exam or lab tests needed to confirm genital herpes. Diagnosis often requires sample collection and lab testing, which need in-person visits.

Can I get antiviral medication through telemedicine?

Yes, if a healthcare provider determines that antiviral treatment is appropriate, they can prescribe medication during a telemedicine visit. These medicines help reduce symptoms and outbreaks.

Is genital herpes curable?

Currently, there is no cure for genital herpes. The virus stays in the body permanently. However, antiviral medications can help control outbreaks and reduce symptoms.

How can I prevent spreading genital herpes to my partner?

Use condoms consistently, avoid sexual contact during outbreaks, inform partners about your condition, and consider daily suppressive antiviral therapy if recommended by your provider.

When should I seek emergency care for genital herpes?

Seek immediate care if you have severe pain, large or spreading sores, difficulty urinating, fever, chills, or other signs of serious infection.

Sources

1. Genital Herpes — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Genital Herpes - Mayo Clinic — Mayo Clinic.
4. Herpes Simplex Virus Infections — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. Telemedicine cannot replace physical examinations, laboratory tests, or emergency treatment. Always seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs.