If you haven't been diagnosed with genital herpes, call your doctor if 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 discharge from the vagina or penis.
• Reason to think you've been exposed to genital herpes.

If you have been diagnosed with genital herpes, call your doctor if you are having frequent outbreaks.

If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, or if you think you have genital herpes, tell your doctor.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. If you have only occasional outbreaks of genital herpes and are comfortable with home treatment, watchful waiting may be all you need.

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.
• A urologist.
• A dermatologist.
• An infectious disease specialist.

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