Herpes-Genital Care for Men
Herpes genital care for men
Understanding genital herpes
Cause: Genital herpes is most commonly caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2); HSV-1 can also cause genital infection through oral-genital contact.
Symptoms: Recurrent painful blisters or ulcers on the penis, scrotum, groin, buttocks, or inner thighs. Initial outbreaks are often more severe and may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches. Some men have mild or no symptoms but can still transmit the virus.
Transmission: Spread primarily through skin-to-skin sexual contact when virus is active (during symptoms) but can also be transmitted during asymptomatic viral shedding.
Medical management
Antiviral medications: Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir reduce severity and duration of outbreaks.
Episodic therapy: Take antivirals at the first sign of an outbreak to shorten it.
Suppressive therapy: Daily antiviral medication can reduce outbreak frequency and lower transmission risk to partners. Discuss long-term suppressive therapy if outbreaks are frequent or if you want to reduce transmission risk.
Pain control: Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), topical analgesics (as directed), warm sitz baths to soothe lesions.
When to seek urgent care: High fever, difficulty urinating, severe or spreading infection, signs of bacterial superinfection, or if you’re immunocompromised.
Self-care and symptom management
Keep lesions clean and dry; gently wash with mild soap and water.
Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing that can irritate lesions.
Avoid sexual activity from first symptom until lesions are fully healed. Use condoms between outbreaks to reduce transmission risk; note condoms lower but do not eliminate risk because they don’t cover all affected skin.
Avoid touching lesions; if you do, wash hands thoroughly to prevent autoinoculation (spreading to other body parts) or passing the virus to others.
Use barrier protection (condoms, dental dams) and consider informing sexual partners so they can make informed choices and consider testing or prophylaxis.
Prevention and risk reduction
Abstain from sexual contact during symptomatic periods.
Use condoms consistently; they reduce transmission risk but are not 100% protective.
Daily suppressive antiviral therapy lowers transmission risk to susceptible partners.
Avoid oral-genital contact during oral cold sores to prevent HSV-1 genital transmission.
Consider partner testing and vaccination for other STIs as part of comprehensive sexual health care.
Follow-up and care planning
Establish care with a primary care provider or sexual health clinic for testing, treatment, and follow-up.
If outbreaks are frequent or severe, discuss suppressive therapy and lifestyle triggers (stress, illness, fatigue).
Reassess treatment and prevention strategies periodically, especially if sexual partners change or if you have new health concerns.
Practical tips
Keep a small supply of prescribed antivirals available for quick-start episodic treatment when prodrome (tingling, itching) begins.
Track outbreaks and potential triggers (stress, sleep, alcohol, illness) to help reduce frequency.
Carry condoms and relevant information to support informed conversations with partners.
If you are newly diagnosed or unsure of your status, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and create a plan that protects your health and relationships. One of One Voice supports informed, compassionate care and encourages men to take proactive, educated steps for sexual health.
