How an Online Doctor Can Help With Genital Herpes
Assessment, treatment considerations and follow-up.
Assessment
Discuss new sores, previous diagnoses and outbreak timing. A fresh blister or sore may need an examination and swab to help identify the cause.
Care Options
Antiviral treatment may help with an outbreak or reduce recurrences. A physician can discuss which approach fits your symptoms and how to manage transmission risk.
When to Act
Seek prompt care for severe pain, inability to urinate or new genital sores during pregnancy. Eye pain or vision changes need urgent assessment. Do not wait for sores to heal before seeking advice.
Discuss Genital Herpes With a Physician
Walk In connects eligible patients in its service areas with BC-licensed physicians for phone or video appointments. The physicians provide the medical care.
MSP-covered visits are free for eligible patients.
Understanding Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus. It can produce blisters or sores, although many people have mild or unrecognized symptoms. The virus remains in the body and can pass through sexual skin contact even without visible sores.
Care and Treatment
Treatment manages outbreaks rather than removing the virus. Options include medicine taken for episodes or ongoing suppression when appropriate. Avoid sexual contact with the affected area during sores or warning symptoms; barriers reduce but do not eliminate transmission risk.
Your Appointment in Three Steps
Step 1 Book Your Visit
Choose a service and review the eligible location and care requirements before selecting an available appointment.
Step 2 Speak With a Doctor
Connect by phone or video. Your doctor may need video or an in-person assessment to understand your concern.
Step 3 Plan Your Next Steps
Your doctor will discuss a care plan. Prescriptions, notes, tests and referrals depend on the assessment and clinical need.
Before Your Appointment
What to Have Ready
- When sores appeared and any previous swab result
- Outbreak frequency and medicines tried
- Pregnancy, immune conditions and current medicines
Learn about the physicians on Walk In and their backgrounds before your appointment.
Questions About Genital Herpes
What Is the Best Way to Test a Suspected Genital Herpes Sore?
A swab from a fresh visible sore is often the most useful test, so seek advice while the lesion is present rather than waiting until it heals. A physician can review the appearance, symptoms and timing and help arrange appropriate assessment or sampling.
Herpes is not automatically included in every STI screen. Blood tests have limitations and do not reliably explain every new genital symptom, so they are not a substitute for assessing a sore. Painful lesions can also have other causes that need different treatment.
Should I Treat Each Herpes Outbreak or Take Preventive Medication?
Some people use antiviral treatment when an outbreak begins; others benefit from daily suppressive treatment. The decision depends on outbreak frequency, severity, how much symptoms affect you and considerations around transmission. A physician can explain the likely benefits and review suitability with your other medicines and health history.
Keeping a record of episodes helps make the decision concrete. A first episode, unusually severe pain or difficulty passing urine deserves prompt assessment rather than assuming it can be managed like a familiar mild recurrence.
How Can I Reduce the Chance of Passing Genital Herpes to a Partner?
Avoid sexual contact involving the affected area during an outbreak or warning symptoms such as tingling. Condoms and other barriers reduce risk but do not cover all skin that may shed the virus. Transmission can occur without visible sores, so an absence of symptoms does not mean zero risk.
A physician can discuss suppressive antiviral treatment and help you plan a practical conversation with a partner. Pregnancy or a partner's pregnancy is important to mention because herpes-related precautions may need specific obstetric advice.
Who Can Book, and What Does It Cost?
Booking is available to eligible patients in Walk In’s service areas. MSP-covered physician visits are free for eligible patients. Check the booking portal for current eligibility and appointment availability. See pricing for private visits and other services.
Health Information Sources
This page provides general information. Your physician will assess your individual symptoms and medical history.
Speak With a Doctor About Genital Herpes
Connect with a physician through Walk In. Check your eligibility and choose an available appointment.