Treating Genital Herpes with Valtrex

By ,  Valtrex

Genital herpes is a common and extremely infectious condition spread via sex and one of the sexually transmitted infections. Genital herpes is caused by sexual contacts by herpes simplex viruses - HSV. There are 2 types of HSV viruses - simplex virus-2, mainly responsible for genital herpes, and the herpes simplex virus-1, HSV-1. Genital herpes can be affected by either of the two viruses. In this condition, the patient develops sores, itching, and pain in the genital area. Once a patient is infected, the virus lies dormant and can get active after months or years. 

There is no permanent cure for genital herpes, however, through medications, the sore, itching, and pain can be reduced. With proper medication, the infection can be less contagious. Most of the genital herpes treatment carries remedies to treat the sores and prevent infection outbreaks. Antiviral drugs are the most common ways to herpes treatment. There are 3 major antiviral drugs: Acyclovir, Famciclovir, and Valacyclovir. Valtrex is the brand name for Valacyclovir, which is one of the antiviral drugs used to treat the sore. This helps in symptom-free genitals for a long time along with prevention from outbreaks. It is important to understand, there is no cure for herpes, and these antiviral drugs are not a cure for genital herpes viruses. 

Treating Genital Herpes Occurrences with Valtrex

Once genital herpes infection occurs, the virus stays in the body. The symptoms of the infection may vary from itching sores to painful blisters. Antiviral drugs like Valtrex doesn't cure the virus but decreases the symptoms and keeps the infection from outbreaking. Valtrex may be used differently for the various occurrences of genital herpes. Valtrex works effectively when the drug is given to patients with initial symptoms of herpes. Here are the 3 ways Valtrex may be used to treat genital herpes:

  1. Treating the first time Genital Herpes Infection: When the patient is diagnosed with genital herpes for the first time, the doctor gives Valtrex for a brief course of 7-10 days. This way, the initial symptoms like sores don't turn worse. At this stage, the doctor may extend the medication if the sores aren't healed within 10 days. 
  2. Intermittent Treatment:  Herpes infection may go away, but the virus stays dormant. After the first treatment, the chances of infection recurring is high. The doctor may prescribe Valtrex for situations when the next flare-up. Taking Valtrex for 2-5 days on the first glance of sores during the next genital herpes infection outbreak will help the symptoms go away without severe damage. This is the intermittent phase, where Valtrex is advised to be taken whenever sores re-appear before turning into blisters. 
  3. Suppressive Treatment: If the immune system is weak, the virus may lead to frequent outbreaks. In such cases, when a patient gets frequent infections, such as more than 5 outbreaks in a year, the doctor may suggest Valtrex daily. This is the suppressive treatment. This way, the infection reduces and the chances of frequent outbreaks reduce to 1 a year or less. 


Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease; hence one must use a latex condom to stay away from herpes infection. Though condom doesn't guarantee complete protection. The regular intake on Valtrex suggests protection from infected partners, though this also doesn't give complete assurance. Valtrex is a powerful drug and should be taken only after consulting with doctors. Genital herpes can be very disturbing as it affects personal and sex life. Getting the right treatment is important to be safe.