Genital Herpes

Genital herpes (say: her-pees) is a very contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are many types of HSV. One type of HSV also causes cold sores on the mouth.

Many people who are infected with HSV do not show any signs or symptoms. For example, women infected on the cervix will have little or no symptoms of any kind. But when symptoms do occur (called an outbreak), genital herpes causes painful blisters on the thighs, genitals, or rectum that break open and turn into sores.

Anyone who is sexually active can get genital herpes. You may get genital herpes if you have sex with an infected person. You can also get genital herpes if you have oral sex with someone who has cold sores. You can still be infected even if your partner doesn’t have an open sore, or any signs or symptoms of genital herpes.

Herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact. It can be spread from one part of the body to another, such as from the genitals to the fingers, to the eyes or other parts of the body. Herpes can also be spread from a mother to her baby when she gives birth.

If you are sexually active, be sure to use a condom every time you have sex, even if your partner doesn’t show symptoms of genital herpes. Condoms that cover the infected area can help reduce the risk of transmission. However, condoms may not cover all of the affected area. Do not have oral sex with someone who has cold sores.

Communication is very important in preventing the spread of herpes. Ask your partner if he or she has ever had a herpes infection or been tested.

During the first outbreak (called primary herpes), some people experience flu-like symptoms such as body aches, fever and headache. Most people who have herpes infection will have outbreaks of sores and symptoms from time to time.

A few days after you are exposed to the virus, herpes sores usually form around the genital area. The sores usually start as one or more groups of tiny, clear blisters with a red base. When they break open, they form pink or red sores that usually crust over and heal within 2 to 12 days. The blisters are typically in clusters, but you might just have one blister. Other symptoms of genital herpes may include:

Sometimes, people who are infected with HSV do not show any signs or symptoms after their first outbreak heals. Some people may not be aware they have herpes because they show no symptoms or believe their symptoms to be caused by some other problem. Yet, they still carry the virus and can transmit it to other people.

Your doctor can do tests to determine if you are infected. Some of the tests may include:

Your doctor can also test your blood to see if you have had previous exposure to a herpes virus. He or she might also want to test you for other sexually transmitted infections.

There is no cure for genital herpes. Once you are infected, the virus remains in the body for the rest of your life even if you never experience another outbreak. But your doctor can give you medicine to prevent outbreaks and to help outbreaks clear up more quickly. You can also do certain things to relieve your symptoms and reduce the chances of infecting your partner:

Most people who have herpes will experience some outbreaks. But over time, outbreaks tend to become milder and sores may heal faster.

If you have genital herpes, you may experience a range of emotions. You may feel embarrassed or guilty. You may feel like your sex life has been ruined forever. But remember that you are one of millions of people who have herpes. Genital herpes symptoms get better with time and treatments can help alleviate your condition.