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Sexual health
Take charge of your sexual health. Get answers to your questions, plus expert advice, in-store services and recommended solutions.
What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and HSV type 2 that may cause open sores or blisters in the genital area in some people. Genital herpes cannot be cured, but medications may ease symptoms and lower the risk of infecting others.
What are symptoms of genital herpes?
Many people who have genital herpes don’t notice signs or symptoms. It can be mistaken for a pimple or an ingrown hair. If you do experience symptoms, they start about 2 to 12 days after exposure to the virus and may include itching or small blisters around the genitals, anus or mouth, painful ulcers or scabs, painful urination among others. Some people experience flu-like symptoms during their first outbreak, such as fever, headaches and body aches.
What types of medications are available for genital herpes treatments?
Genital herpes cannot be cured, but medications may ease symptoms and lower the risk of infecting others. Your healthcare provider can prescribe antiviral medications.
What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the recurring inability to get or maintain an erection long enough to have satisfactory sexual intercourse. There are various causes and treatment options.
What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
Symptoms of ED may include not being able to get an erection before sexual intercourse, not being able to maintain an erection during sexual intercourse, or being able to get an erection but not every time you have sex.
What medications can be prescribed for ED?
Some people with ED may benefit from a prescription medication. A healthcare provider can help you decide if medication is right for you. Medications commonly used to treat ED include tadalafil (Cialis), sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the recurring inability to get or maintain an erection long enough to have satisfactory sexual intercourse. There are various causes and treatment options.
- What causes Erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Both physical and psychological issues can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Aging is a factor that can make ED more likely. Some factors that can cause erectile dysfunction may include heart disease, clogged blood vessels, hormonal imbalances, obesity, smoking and stress. Certain medications such as those used to treat depression or heart disease can also cause ED.
- What are symptoms of Erectile dysfunction?
Symptoms of ED may include not being able to get an erection before sexual intercourse, not being able to maintain an erection during sexual intercourse or being able to get an erection but not every time you have sex.
- What medications are prescribed for ED?
Some people with ED may benefit from a prescription medication. A healthcare provider can help you decide if medication is right for you. Medications commonly used to treat ED include tadalafil (Cialis), sildenafil (Viagra), and vardenafil (Levitra).
- What side effects may I experience after taking ED medication?
Side effects may include headache, flushing, upset stomach, stuffy or runny nose, back pain or dizziness. More rarely, you can experience vision loss or hearing loss. You can also have an erection lasting more than 4 hours. Please seek emergency care immediately if you have an erection lasting more than 4 hours, vision loss or hearing loss.
- Is ED medication effective?
ED medications are designed to produce an erection sufficient for intercourse for men, though results vary by individual. Medications available for ED usually work well for most people with minimal side effects.
- Viagra vs. sildenafil (generic Viagra)
Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra. They have the same active ingredient. Generic medications can be a more affordable alternative to name brand medication.
- Cialis vs. tadalafil (generic Cialis)
Tadalafil is the generic version of Cialis. They have the same active ingredient. Generic medications can be a more affordable alternative to name brand medication.
- Can I take ED medication more than once per day?
No, ED medication must not be taken more than once daily.
Genital Herpes
- What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and HSV type 2 that may cause open sores or blisters in the genital area in some people. Genital herpes cannot be cured, but medications may ease symptoms and lower the risk of infecting others.
- What are symptoms of genital herpes?
Many people who have genital herpes don’t notice signs or symptoms. It can be mistaken for a pimple or an ingrown hair. If you do experience symptoms, they start about 2 to 12 days after exposure to the virus and may include itching or small blisters around the genitals, anus or mouth, painful ulcers or scabs and painful urination, among others. Some people experience flu-like symptoms during their first outbreak, such as fever, headaches and body aches.
- What triggers genital herpes outbreaks?
Some of the common triggers for genital herpes include stress, fatigue, illness, sex and surgery. For some women, getting their period may also be a trigger.
- Is genital herpes contagious?
Yes, genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can be passed onto you even if the person doesn’t have sores or symptoms.
- Can you get genital herpes without having sex?
Yes, it can be spread during sexual intercourse or other related sexual activities.
- What types of medications are available for genital herpes treatments?
Genital herpes cannot be cured, but medications may ease symptoms and lower the risk of infecting others. Your healthcare provider can prescribe antiviral medications.
- How can I reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes?
Genital herpes can be spread even when people are asymptomatic, so it is recommended to use condoms 100% of the time to prevent the spread.