What are the stages of genital herpes, and how is it managed in Europe?

Genital herpes stages explained: herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), primary outbreak, recurrent episodes, viral shedding, and treatment criteria.

In this episode, we outline how genital herpes progresses and how doctors assess and manage it under EU medical guidance.

You’ll learn:

• Stage 1: Early symptoms (tingling, itching, burning sensation)

• Stage 2: Blister formation and painful fluid-filled lesions

• Stage 3: Ulceration as blisters rupture

• Stage 4: Crusting and healing

• The difference between primary infection and recurrent outbreaks

• How viral shedding can occur without visible sores

• When antiviral treatment (aciclovir, valaciclovir) may be prescribed

• Red flag symptoms such as severe pain, urinary retention, fever, or widespread lesions

• Situations where prescription requests may require laboratory confirmation

We explain how doctors assess lesion appearance, timing, sexual exposure history, recurrence pattern, pregnancy status, and immune function during an online consultation in the EU. Antiviral therapy can reduce symptom duration and transmission risk but does not eliminate the virus.

This episode reflects the clinical standards used by Mobi Doctor, where sexual health consultations are reviewed by a registered physician in line with EU prescribing guidance.

Read the full guide and transcript here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/genital-herpes-stages