Genital herpes treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

Yes, you can! A Maple doctor will ask for a description of your symptoms, and you can also securely upload an image of the affected area for confidential viewing. This will help the doctor conduct a visual assessment to inform a treatment plan. If the doctor suspects you’re at risk for other infections, they may send you to get in-person tests.

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and can affect people differently from one case to the next. Some experience repeated outbreaks of painful sores, while others experience no symptoms at all.

Genital warts are caused by an STI called HPV (human papillomavirus virus). Herpes is caused by a different sexually transmitted infection called herpes simplex virus. They’re both transmitted in similar ways, but aren’t the same thing.

Unlike herpes, genital warts primarily exist in the moist flesh of the genitals. They’re small bumps that resemble cauliflower, and are usually flesh-coloured. If left untreated, HPV can lead to cancer in the rectum and mouth in both men and women. Women are also at a higher risk of cervical cancer if they have HPV.

Genital herpes symptoms include:

• Sores on the genitals that are white or red
• Itching or burning sensation around the sores
• Ulcers, usually open and wet
• Crust or scabs on the sores as they start healing
• Pain while urinating

Genital herpes are small round bumps on the genitals and skin that are filled with fluid. They burst as they heal, leaving a yellow crust overtop that eventually clears as the skin returns to normal.

There are two common types of herpes simplex virus. HSV1, which typically causes oral cold sores, and HSV2, which typically causes genital herpes. Receiving oral sex from a person with a cold sore can lead to genital herpes, though HSV1 transmission that way is rare.

Herpes transmission is more common from an infected male to female partner. HSV1 transmission through kissing is also possible, especially if one partner is experiencing an outbreak.

Typically, no. A genital herpes diagnosis is difficult to reach conclusively while herpes is dormant. In rare cases, a doctor may order a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This uses a blood sample, or a sample of spinal fluid to determine the presence of HSV1 and HSV2.

No one is immune to genital herpes. Even if the person with herpes hasn’t had an outbreak for a long time, it is still possible for them to pass it along to someone else, because it’s still dormant in their body.

Genital herpes spreads through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal and oral sex. It can spread even if herpes is dormant (no visible sores), though that lowers the chances of transmission.

You can’t get herpes from towels or surfaces like toilet seats.

Preventing genital herpes can be difficult because it can affect areas that are not protected by condom use — like the labia, scrotum, upper thigh, and buttocks. Condoms and dental dams still can play a big part in preventing the spread, and are important in minimizing the spread. Getting tested regularly, and avoiding sex with partners who are currently experiencing an outbreak also lessens the chances of contracting herpes.

After initial exposure to herpes simplex virus, the timeline for a herpes outbreak is short. Most people experience symptoms within a week, though it can take as long as 12 days for symptoms to appear in some cases. The first outbreak is usually the most severe, and can last 2-3 weeks. As time goes by, the number of outbreaks and their severity lessens.

Maple is a virtual care platform that connects you with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors, nurse practitioners and specialists via secure text, audio or video call. Sign in to your Maple account to start a visit. Learn more about how Maple works here.

A visit works a lot like an in-person appointment. A doctor or nurse practitioner will ask about your symptoms, review your health history and recommend a treatment plan that's right for you. Not every visit leads to a prescription. Sometimes, you might need to see someone in person. When that happens, we'll help you figure out what comes next.

As a Maple member, you get 24/7 access to care online. Connect with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors and nurse practitioners in minutes via secure text, audio or video call.

Our membership costs $85/month. One membership. Care for your whole family. In eligible provinces, membership includes:

• Daily visits: one visit a day with a doctor or nurse practitioner for each family member in your household
• Pediatric care: covered pediatric primary care visits, available by appointment
• Second Medical Opinion: when you're unsure about a complex diagnosis, like cancer or MS, or want to understand all your options, you and your family can access an expert Second Medical Opinion
• Personal Health Check-Ins: personalized, evidence-based proactive care screenings to help you stay on top of your health
• iCBT courses: internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy self-assessments and courses
• Specialists: see a specialist in days, not months. No referral necessary.
• Specialist referrals: a referral to a physician specialist for in-person care, if needed

Membership can't be combined with other offerings, such as private insurance coverage and provincial programs, where available. A Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) may cover your membership fees. Check with your HSA provider for details.

Your Maple monthly membership covers virtual care for you, your spouse and your dependents under the age of 18 who share the same primary residence. Full disclaimer and refund policy here.

We accept all major credit cards, including AMEX, plus Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Privacy is at the core of how we deliver care. We follow Canadian privacy and healthcare laws, including PIPEDA and PHIPA, to protect your personal and health information.

Our policies and consent processes are simple and easy to understand, so you stay in control. Strong security infrastructure and strict data policies protect every session. You keep control of your personal health information, medical records and test results at all times. We also work with privacy and security experts and review our policies regularly.

All doctors and nurse practitioners who deliver care through Maple are licensed in Canada and governed by their regulatory colleges. They must follow the telemedicine policies set by the medical regulator in each province.

Regulators across Canada recognize the value of virtual care. It helps improve access to care for patients and makes care delivery more efficient for practitioners and Canada's healthcare system.