Genital herpes affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Two types of genital herpes have been identified by scientists. The simplex virus-2 is the more common of the two, although the simplex virus-1 responsible for cold sores will occasionally cause genital herpes. Although there is no cure for this condition, many individuals benefit from antiviral medications that can lessen the severity and frequency of outbreaks.Diagnosis Before TreatmentHerpes is usually transmitted from one person to another during sexual activity. The virus can cause sores or blisters on the skin or the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, mouth, vagina or rectum. The sores can be quite painful, becoming further irritated if scratched. Outbreaks of these sores are difficult to predict. Some individuals have only minor symptoms on a very infrequent basis while others have outbreaks of sores every several weeks.Doctors examining patients with these sores will take samples to find out if a viral infection is the cause of the outbreak. Both the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses are rather easy to identify. Tests may involve samples of blood, urine or cells taken directly from one of the sores. The presence of antibodies produced by the body to fight the herpes virus can also be confirmed through blood tests. Doctors will often take a tissue sample and grow a culture, testing it at intervals for the presence of the herpes virus.Treatment Options For Herpes PatientsOnce infected, a person will have the herpes virus for the rest of his or her life. The virus actually "hides" in nerve cells and may spread once more through the body, causing subsequent outbreaks. There are no pharmaceutical cures for the condition, but a number of antiviral medications are available for those suffering outbreaks from both types of genital herpes.The most commonly prescribed medications for herpes are acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. Each of these medications is in pill form and is taken orally. In some rare cases patients have been given an intravenous treatment involving acyclovir. Several topical treatments are also available but have shown little to no effect in lessening the severity or frequency of outbreaks.After the initial treatment period of about 7-10 days the physician will perform an examination to see the effectiveness of the chosen medication. If the sores are gone and the patient is feeling no discomfort the doctor may recommend an intermittent treatment program. If the outbreaks persist a suppressive treatment regimen may be recommended, involving an antiviral drug being taken on a daily basis.