Unfortunately there is no cure for genital herpes. Once you're infected with the herpes virus, it will remain in your body, even if you never have another episode.

Your doctor can prescribe antiviral tablets (for example acyclovir), which can help the outbreak clear up faster and reduce the severity of the symptoms. You will probably need this the first time you have the infection. These will be prescribed to you within five days of getting genital herpes or while new blisters are forming. You will need to take these tablets for five days, or longer if new blisters are still forming.

Recurrent episodes of genital herpes tend to be milder. Treatment may not be needed unless you have a serious outbreak.

If you have regular outbreaks of genital herpes, you may ask your doctor about suppressive treatment. This is a dose of antiviral medicine over a longer period of time to stop the infection recurring.

It is important that if you have genital herpes outbreak when you're pregnant, it's important to see your doctor or your obstetrician for treatment and advice.
Although it is rare in the UK, there is a risk that infection can be passed to a baby during the birth. This is known as neonatal herpes and can cause a baby to be seriously ill.
If you get genital herpes for the first time after you become pregnant, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine to reduce the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you have them. If you have repeat outbreaks of genital herpes during your pregnancy, you may be given treatment to stop an outbreak occurring when you're due to give birth.
If you get genital herpes for the first time in the last three months of your pregnancy you are more likely to pass the virus to your baby during a vaginal birth and you may need to have a planned caesarean section.

There is a certain amount that can be done to lower your risk of getting or passing on genital herpes.

As a rule it is not a good idea to have genital or anal skin-to-skin contact while you or your partner has symptoms of genital herpes. Don't kiss or have oral sex while either you or your partner has a cold sore around the mouth.
Use condoms when having vaginal, oral or anal sex and try not to share sex toys. If you do share them, wash them or cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them.

Now for some stuff that surprised me! Sunbathing, being run down, stress, having sex and drinking heavily can trigger recurrent episodes of genital herpes. Being aware of these and taking measures to prevent them can help reduce the risk of having an outbreak.