Visual examination by a clinician will generally provide the diagnosis for genital herpes. The blisters and sores are typical for this disease. A positive diagnosis can be established with a culture of the virus taken from the sores, but culture specimens must be obtained while the sores are still moist. There is no cure for genital herpes, but it can be effectively treated. Zovirax is the medication currently being used to treat genital herpes.
Treatment is enhanced by keeping the affected area clean and dry.
Care should be taken to avoid touching the sores, and sexual activity should be avoided until any sores are completely healed. Insist on the use of condoms and spermicidal preparations, or better yet abstain from sex until your relationship has become well established and there is a commitment to each other. Abstain from sexual activity until the sores have healed and completely disappeared. Herpes may be transmitted even when no symptoms are present. Condoms and spermicidal creams, jellies or foams offer some protection.