References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Genital herpes in men is caused by herpes simplex virus (usually HSV-2, increasingly HSV-1). It causes painful blisters or ulcers on the penis, scrotum, thighs or anus. Many men have mild or no symptoms and don’t realise they have it. When outbreaks do occur, antiviral treatment can shorten them and reduce transmission risk.
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Symptoms
| First Outbreak | Recurrence |
|---|---|
| Usually the worst | Usually milder |
| Multiple painful blisters | Fewer blisters |
| Flu-like symptoms possible | Rarely flu-like symptoms |
| Lasts up to 3 weeks | 5-10 days |
| Swollen lymph nodes | Sometimes |
Where Blisters Appear
- Shaft or head of the penis
- Foreskin
- Scrotum
- Inner thighs
- Buttocks
- Around or inside the anus
Diagnosis
- Swab from active blister (PCR — gold standard)
- Identifies HSV-1 or HSV-2
- Blood antibody tests less reliable
- Test early while lesions are fresh
Treatment
- Aciclovir, valaciclovir or famciclovir
- Episodic — taken during outbreaks
- Suppressive — daily to reduce recurrences and transmission
- Painkillers and salt water baths for comfort
Transmission
- Direct skin contact with infected area
- Most infectious during outbreaks
- Can transmit without visible symptoms (shedding)
- Condoms reduce but don’t eliminate risk
- Daily antivirals reduce transmission
Living With Genital Herpes
- Outbreaks become less frequent over time
- Most men lead normal sex lives
- Disclosure to partners is important but manageable
- Support available through sexual health services
Read more: What is herpes? | HSV-1 vs HSV-2 | Do I have herpes?
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have outbreaks forever?
Most men have fewer and milder outbreaks over time.
Can I still have sex?
Yes — with care, communication and sometimes treatment.
Is herpes a big deal?
Medically, it’s manageable. The stigma is often worse than the condition.
Related reading
- Can You Get Herpes From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Herpes From Kissing?
- Comprehensive Test: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Herpes
- Cold Sores vs Syphilis Sores: How to Tell the Difference
- Genital Warts vs Herpes: What's the Difference?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
