About Genital Herpes
Key Highlights
-
Accurate diagnosis and differentiation from other skin conditions.Effective management to reduce outbreak frequency, severity, and duration.Prescription of antiviral medications for episodic treatment or daily suppression.Reduction in the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners.Expert guidance on long-term skin care and outbreak trigger management.Confidential and supportive counseling on living with a chronic STI./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- First appearance of painful blisters, ulcers, or sores in the genital or anal region.
- Recurrent episodes of genital lesions suggestive of herpes reactivation.
- Unexplained genital itching, tingling, or pain (prodromal symptoms).
- Diagnostic confirmation when visual examination is inconclusive.
- Desire for suppressive therapy to prevent frequent outbreaks.
- Management of complications like severe pain, secondary bacterial infection, or psychological distress.
- Counseling for sexual partners or during pregnancy to prevent neonatal herpes.
How to prepare
- Note the history of symptoms, including first onset, frequency, and triggers of outbreaks.
- Avoid applying creams or ointments to the lesions before the appointment, as they can interfere with diagnostic tests.
- Be prepared to discuss sexual history openly and honestly for accurate risk assessment.
- List all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- For a viral culture or PCR test, schedule the appointment when active lesions or fresh blisters are present.
- Mentally prepare for a discussion about long-term management and lifestyle adjustments.
Risks & possible complications
- Medication side effects like headache, nausea, or rash from antiviral drugs.
- Potential for recurrent outbreaks despite treatment, as the virus remains dormant in the body.
- Risk of transmitting the virus to a partner even when no symptoms are present (asymptomatic shedding).
- Rare complications include severe, persistent ulcers in immunocompromised individuals, meningitis, or urinary retention.
- Psychological impact, including stress, anxiety, or depression related to the chronic nature of the infection.
- Very rarely, neonatal herpes if the virus is transmitted to a newborn during childbirth.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Outbreaks typically heal on their own within 2-4 weeks; medications can shorten this period.
- Keep the affected area clean and dry. Gently wash with mild soap and water, then pat dry.
- Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear to minimize irritation and promote airflow.
- Take prescribed antiviral medications exactly as directed, either at the first sign of an outbreak or daily for suppression.
- Manage pain with over-the-counter pain relievers (as advised by your doctor), cool compresses, or sitz baths.
- Avoid sexual contact from the first sign of symptoms until all sores have completely healed.
- Identify and manage personal outbreak triggers, such as stress, illness, or fatigue.
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment plan.
-
Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
-
Expected recovery time: 7-14 days for an individual outbreak to heal
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering genital herpes in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for genital herpes in India include Manipal Hospital Jaipur, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform genital herpes. MediFyr helps you compare dermatologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for genital herpes compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 500 – 3 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient procedure) | ~ 7-14 days for an individual outbreak to heal | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.75 Thousand – 10.5 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient procedure) | ~ 7-14 days for an individual outbreak to heal | Know More |
Top hospitals for Genital Herpes in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated dermatology teams and experience managing patients undergoing genital herpes.
Ananya Malhotra, 28, is a software...
Ananya Malhotra, 28, is a software engineer who recently moved to a new city for work. She is in a new, committed relationship. About three weeks ago, she noticed a cluster of small, painful blisters in her genital area, accompanied by flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes. Initially terrified and ashamed, she delayed seeking help, fearing judgment. The symptoms subsided but returned a month later, prompting her to see a dermatologist. The dermatologist, Dr. Kapoor, listened empathetically and performed a visual examination and a PCR swab test from a fresh blister, confirming a diagnosis of genital herpes (HSV-2). Dr. Kapoor explained the chronic nature of the virus, emphasizing that it is manageable and extremely common. She prescribed a course of antiviral medication (valacyclovir) to suppress the outbreak and recommended a daily suppressive therapy to reduce future recurrences and transmission risk. Ananya felt a wave of relief during the consultation as the stigma was dismantled by facts and compassion. The oral medication was easy to take with minimal side effects. After starting suppressive therapy, she has had no further outbreaks for six months. Emotionally, she moved from initial panic and self-blame to educated acceptance. With her doctor's guidance, she had an open conversation with her partner, who was supportive. Ananya now views it as a manageable health condition, not a defining part of her identity, and feels empowered and in control.
Dermatologists for Genital Herpes
Explore experienced dermatologists who regularly perform genital herpes and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 32 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 6 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 3 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 5 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 40 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 26 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata