Treatment of Frequent Genital Herpes 2 Outbreak Recurrence.

Top Specialists in NYC for Men and Women

by Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4125.


Genital Herpes Outbreak Prevention: What You Need to Know 

Why Do Genital Herpes Outbreaks Occur?

Everyone reacts differently to infection with HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus), the most common virus that causes genital herpes.  Many people develop no symptoms at all.

Some men and women develop mild symptoms that go unnoticed for the most part. Others develop extremely painful outbreaks with numerous herpetic sores. There are some known triggers for genital herpes symptoms:

  • Friction during sexual intercourse irritates the skin and exacerbates symptoms. Using water-based lubricants can help reduce skin irritation.
  • Although it is known that sunlight and the common cold trigger oral herpes outbreaks, there is no evidence that they trigger outbreaks of genital herpes.
  • Hormonal changes in women during the menstrual cycle can trigger an outbreak of genital herpes.
  • People with weak immune systems (following chemotherapy or due to HIV, for example) and are more likely to suffer frequent herpes outbreaks.
  • Herpes outbreaks are more common following illness, trauma, or surgery.

Remember, not everyone has the same triggers.

Where to Get Tested for Herpes in NYC?

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer same-day Herpes testing and treatment for men and women.

We also perform comprehensive STD testing for other infections. We offer confidential appointments. Our prices are affordable with or without insurance.  Call/text today: 1-646-663-4125 or make an appointment online.  

Schedule an appointment with our specialists at New York Urology Specialists today about managing genital herpes and preventing its spread to sexual partners. Our offices are located no more than 20 minutes by train or car from any location in the Bronx, and we are easily accessible from all other New York City boroughs.

How Can You Prevent Herpes Breakouts?

Staying in good general health can help prevent recurrent herpes outbreaks. If you have genital herpes, it is a good idea to boost your immune system with a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Antiviral medications such as valacyclovir are very effective in the prevention of herpes outbreaks. Antiviral medications can decrease the number of outbreaks, lessen the severity of symptoms, and reduce healing time.  

Recurrent herpes outbreaks tend to occur when the immune system is weakened, such as during stress or illness. Both physical stress (fatigue) and mental stress can trigger an outbreak. Everyone has different triggers for genital herpes.  

How Can I Protect Sexual Partners Against Herpes Infection?

If you have genital herpes, there are several steps you can take to avoid passing the herpes virus to your sexual partners:

Tell your partner you have genital herpes. Even if your partner does not have any visible herpetic sores, they may already be infected. The blood test for herpes can detect the infection even when no blisters are present. It is only fair to tell future partners about a diagnosis of genital herpes before initiating sexual contact. Taking antiviral medications can suppress viral loads and decrease the risk of infecting your partner.  Taking antiviral medications by sex partners is another option to decrease the chances of sexual partners getting herpes infection.

Remember, you can transmit HSV infection to a sexual partner even when you are not having an outbreak, and there are no visible or symptomatic sores. The skin looks normal right before an outbreak, but contact during this time can spread the infection. The use of male latex condoms can reduce the chances of genital herpes transmission. However, condoms do not provide complete protection. The virus can still spread through areas not covered by the condom or through contact with semen or vaginal secretions.

Remain alert for prodromal symptoms that indicate an outbreak is coming on. Do not have oral, vaginal, or anal sex during a herpes outbreak. Continue to avoid sex until the sores have scabbed and gone away.  Treatment with antiviral medications such as valacyclovir can shorten symptomatic infections.

Avoid touching the sores. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water following any contact with sores. This prevents transmission of the genital herpes infection to others as well as the re-infection of the infected person.

Take your antiviral medication as prescribed. Drugs such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir) can help people with genital herpes remain symptom-free. They can reduce the severity of symptoms during an outbreak and prevent the spread of the infection to sex partners. It is worth noting that these medications do not cure genital herpes, they only make it easier to live with this sexually transmitted infection.

If you are having frequent herpes outbreaks, schedule an appointment at New York Urology Specialists today. Our board-certified urologists have expertise in the management of genital herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases. We are a full-service urology office, and we offer confidential same-day STD testing for you and your partner. Our offices are easily accessible from all five boroughs of New York City.

What does Genital Herpes Look Like?

You can find pictures of genital herpes as well as before and after treatment images in our genital herpes image gallery.

Did You Know?

  • Frequent outbreaks of herpetic sores may be triggered by hormonal changes, weak immunity, illness, or mental stress.
  • A healthy diet and foods that are rich in amino acid lysine may reduce the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks in some people.
  • People who have genital herpes can pass on the infection to sexual partners even when there are no visible sores and no outbreak.
  • Transmission of the virus to sex partners can be controlled by using condoms, avoiding sex during outbreaks, and taking anti-herpes medications.

Scheduling Appointments for Herpes Treatment and Genital Herpes HSV-2 Testing at New York Urology Specialists


If you have any questions about testing or treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI), to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4125.  

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. 

We offer affordable, highest-quality urology care with or without insurance.   Find out our office hours or directions to our office. We offer weekday, weekend, and evening office hours.


STDs are Treatable in Nearly Every Man and Woman

Excellence-Urology_Care-banner2At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI).  We understand the challenges that STDs such as chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, and ureaplasma create for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem.  We help you find an effective treatment for your symptoms that may be caused by STD, UTI or another cause. 

Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of infections in men and women caused by sexually transmitted diseases as well as bladder infections (UTI). By the virtue of our experience and skill, we are able to offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man and woman with urinary problems and bladder control problems.   

We treat some of the most complex STD problems including:

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shteynshlyuger:

Call/text today: 1-646-663-4125 or make an appointment online

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a fellowship-trained board-certified urologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of urological problems in men and women using modern effective and proven treatment methods.  He is highly recommended by top primary care physicians in the New York area. If you or someone you know has been experiencing urological symptoms, make an appointment to take advantage of Dr. Shteynshlyuger’s expert advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

 

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