• Only a health professional can tell for sure whether you have herpes. It is easier to diagnose genital herpes early on in an outbreak.
• Not all outbreaks of genital herpes are the same. There are many different symptoms, some of which you may not have. Your outbreak could be severe, or may be very mild. If you are unsure, ask your doctor.
• You might have a different problem that needs treatment.
• Only a doctor can prescribe effective treatment.
• Antiviral medication can be used in a number of different ways, depending on the nature of your condition. Discuss with your doctor which treatment options are best for you.

You may feel embarrassed but remember, one in five people have been infected with the herpes virus, and your doctor has probably seen it before.

See Also - Gential herpes: the facts
     How common is genital herpes?

Once you've taken action you will probably feel relieved. You can ask your doctor or nurse for emotional support and advice about relationships, as well as the treatment that is available for genital herpes.

See Also - Living with genital herpes
     Telling your partner

See Also - Treatment
     Treatment

What will happen?
You'll feel less nervous if you know what to expect:

A medical history: The doctor will need to ask questions about your symptoms and your general health. If you are worried about how you caught herpes, or whether you have passed the virus on to your partner, don't be afraid to ask questions.

See Also - Gential herpes: the facts
     What are the symptoms of gential herpes?

A physical examination: Your doctor has been trained to recognise herpes infections. He or she will need to look at the sores. The sores are easier to recognise when they first appear. You will usually be given a general physical examination.

Laboratory tests: Doctors should confirm the diagnosis with a laboratory test. Your doctor may use a swab to collect a sample of the virus from the affected area. This test can determine whether you have herpes, and which type it is. It must be done in the early stages of the outbreak, before the sores crust over. A blood test can also indicate whether you have the genital herpes virus, even if you are not having an outbreak at the time.

A prescription: If your doctor thinks that your symptoms are caused by genital herpes, then prescribed medication can shorten the outbreak and help reduce your symptoms. If you are prescribed medication, then it is important to take the medicine as soon as you notice symptoms. Your doctor will explain what to do if you feel another outbreak coming on in the future. Or you may be given medicine to take every day ('suppressive' treatment), to help prevent more outbreaks.

Support and advice: The emotional impact of herpes is often harder to bear than the physical symptoms. If you are worried about the effect that herpes might have on your relationships, your sex life, or your plans to have children, ask your doctor or nurse to help you find answers. You can also do a lot to help yourself, and the doctor will offer advice on hygiene, pain relief and safer sex.

See Also - Living with genital herpes
     Living with genital herpes
     How to avoid spreading the disease

    
More information. Knowing more about genital herpes is important - so learning as much as you can will help you cope with the condition. Try some of the following sources:

• other Internet sites that discuss genital herpes
• patient associations in your country
• use toll-free numbers if these are available in your country
• literature - ask your doctor or nurse if they have any leaflets or booklets they could give you
• your local library

See Also - For more information
     For more information