Genital Herpes: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Call your health professional if you have not been diagnosed with genital herpes and you have any of the following:

• Painful blisters or sores in the genital or pelvic area
• Burning or pain while urinating, or you are unable to urinate
• Abnormal vaginal or urethral discharge
• Reason to suspect you have been exposed to genital herpes infection. (This is especially important if you are pregnant.)

If you have been diagnosed with genital herpes and are having frequent recurrent outbreaks, discuss your symptoms with your health professional.

If you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with genital herpes or think you have genital herpes, tell your health professional.

Watchful Waiting

Any blisters, sores, or other symptoms that suggest genital herpes infection or another sexually transmitted disease (STD) should be evaluated by a health professional. To prevent transmitting an infection to another person, avoid sexual contact until you have been examined by your health professional.

If you have only occasional recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes and are comfortable with home treatment, watchful waiting may be appropriate for you.

Who To See

Health professionals who can diagnose genital herpes include:

• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.
• Family medicine physicians.
• Internists.
• Gynecologists.

Treatment may require a referral to a specialist, such as a:

• Gynecologist.
• Urologist.
• Dermatologist.
• Infectious disease specialist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	January 18, 2007
Author:	Ralph Poore
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC