Genital herpes

What genital herpes is

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), a sexually transmitted infection that is common worldwide.

A virus that stays with the body

Once infected with HSV, the virus stays in the body permanently, hiding in the nerve ganglia, and may cause symptoms from time to time. Herpes does not yet have a cure, but it is well managed.

More common than you think

Many people have herpes without knowing, because they may have no symptoms or very mild ones. Understanding herpes helps reduce worry and look after yourself correctly. See the overview of STIs at sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

HSV-1 and HSV-2

The herpes virus has two main types, HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Comparing HSV-1 and HSV-2

Both types are manageable

Whether HSV-1 or HSV-2, the approach to care and antiviral medicine is similar, and knowing the type helps you understand the likely pattern of recurrences.

Transmission

Herpes spreads through direct contact with infected skin or mucous membranes.

Routes of transmission

• sex — vaginal, anal, and oral
• contact with a sore or blister of an infected person directly
• from mother to child during birth in some cases

It can spread even without sores

An important point is that herpes can spread even when no sores are present, because the virus can shed from the skin without symptoms, so some people pass it on without knowing.

You can lower the chance of spreading it

Although herpes can spread even without sores, avoiding contact during an outbreak, using condoms, and taking antiviral medicine continuously greatly lower the chance of passing it to a partner.

Symptoms

The symptoms of herpes vary, from none at all to painful sores.

Symptoms that appear

The most common symptom is blisters or sores around the genitals, anus, or mouth, which may be painful or itchy. The first episode is often more severe and may come with flu-like symptoms such as fever, aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

Many have few or no symptoms

Many infected people have very mild symptoms or none, so they may mistake it for something else or not know they are infected. Symptoms usually improve and clear on their own within a few weeks in the first episode.

When to see a doctor

If you have blisters or sores on the genitals for the first time, or have severe pain, fever, or sores that do not heal, see a doctor for diagnosis and antiviral medicine, which helps symptoms improve faster.

Recurrences and triggers

After the first infection, herpes may recur from time to time.

Recurrences

A recurrence usually has milder symptoms and clears faster than the first episode. Some people recur often, some rarely, and over time the frequency usually decreases.

Common triggers

Factors that may trigger a recurrence include stress, illness, not enough rest, menstruation, or strong sunlight, and looking after your general health helps reduce the chance of a recurrence.

Managing triggers

Knowing your own triggers and looking after your health, such as getting enough rest, reducing stress, and general self-care, helps reduce how often it recurs, and for those who get outbreaks often, continuous antiviral medicine is an option.

Diagnosis

Herpes is diagnosed by a doctor's examination.

How it is tested

A doctor may diagnose it from the appearance of the sore and confirm it by taking a sample from the sore to look for the virus. In some cases, a blood test may be used to look for antibodies to the virus.

Test when you have symptoms

If you have a suspicious blister or sore, it is best to see a doctor while the sore is still present, as this makes testing more accurate. Testing for STIs and HIV at the same time is also a good approach. Read about testing at STI testing.

Treatment and management

Although herpes does not yet have a cure, it is well managed with antiviral medicine.

Antiviral medicine helps

Antiviral medicine helps reduce the severity, duration, and frequency of herpes episodes. It can be used only when symptoms appear, or taken continuously to prevent recurrences in those who get them often.

Lowering the chance of transmission

Taking antiviral medicine continuously also helps lower the chance of passing herpes to a partner. Keeping sores clean and resting help symptoms improve faster, and if you have questions, consult a doctor about the approach that suits you.

Starting medicine early works better

Antiviral medicine usually works best when started early at the first sign of an outbreak, and those who recur often may ask a doctor about keeping medicine on hand to start right away, as early care makes each episode shorter and milder.

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine for herpes, so prevention focuses on reducing contact with the virus.

How to prevent it

• use condoms, which lower the risk, though they may not fully prevent it because the virus can be on skin outside the area a condom covers. Read more at condoms
• avoid sex during an outbreak or when you feel one starting
• take antiviral medicine continuously if you get outbreaks often, to reduce transmission
• talk with your partner openly

Combination prevention

Using several methods together gives the best protection, and talking with your partner helps you look after sexual health together.

Herpes and pregnancy

Herpes in pregnancy can be managed but needs planning.

Risk to the baby

If a mother has an active herpes outbreak at delivery, it can pass to the baby, which is something to watch for, but it is uncommon with proper care.

Planning with a doctor

A doctor may give antiviral medicine in late pregnancy and consider a suitable delivery method if there are sores near the time of birth. Telling your doctor about a history of herpes helps plan care for both mother and baby. Read about pregnancy at HIV and pregnancy and having children.

Herpes and HIV

Herpes and HIV are connected in ways worth knowing.

Herpes sores increase HIV risk

The sores and inflammation from herpes make it easier for HIV to enter the body, so a person with herpes has a higher risk of getting HIV.

Care for both together

Testing for herpes and HIV, along with other STIs, at the same time is a good approach, and using condoms lowers the risk. People at risk of HIV may also consider PrEP. See the overview at sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Living with herpes

Having herpes does not change your worth, and it does not stand in the way of a good life.

Herpes is common and manageable

Herpes is a very common infection and does not affect life expectancy, and people with it can have relationships, partners, and a family normally. Managing it with antiviral medicine helps control symptoms well.

Talking with a partner

Telling a partner about herpes can feel hard, but talking openly builds understanding and lets you plan prevention together. If you feel worried or stressed, talking with a health provider or someone you trust can help.

You are not alone

Herpes is something many people share, and knowing you are not facing it alone helps a great deal, as there is information and support to help you understand and live with herpes confidently, and herpes does not reduce your worth as a person.

In summary

Genital herpes is a very common sexually transmitted infection, caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2. The main symptom is blisters or sores, but many people have few or none, and herpes can spread even without sores, so testing helps you know your status.

Although there is no cure yet and no vaccine, herpes is well managed with antiviral medicine, which reduces symptoms and transmission. People with herpes can live, have relationships, and have a family normally. Prevention is possible through condoms, avoiding sex during an outbreak, and communicating with your partner.

If you want to test for herpes, other STIs, or HIV, find and book a clinic at Love2Test.