Many people around the world are affected by genital herpes, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of genital herpes and the two types of viruses that cause it: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2.
Causes of Genital Herpes Genital herpes is spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. You can get herpes if you have contact with:
A herpes sore;
Saliva from a partner with an oral herpes infection;
Genital fluids from a partner with a genital herpes infection;
Skin in the oral area of a partner with oral herpes; or
Skin in the genital area of a partner with genital herpes.
You can also get genital herpes from a sex partner who doesn't have a visible sore or is unaware of their infection. If you receive oral sex from someone with oral herpes, you may contract the disease. It cannot be contracted through toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools, nor from touching silverware, soap, or towels.
The most common symptom of genital herpes is no symptoms or very mild symptoms. Mild symptoms may go unnoticed or be mistaken for other skin conditions like a pimple or ingrown hair.
There are usually one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth of herpes sores. This is called an “outbreak”. When the blisters break, they leave painful sores that can take up to a week to heal. During the first outbreak, you may also experience flu-like symptoms (fever, bodyaches, or swollen glands).
Symptoms vary depending on where the infection enters the body. Sores can develop on or in the:
Buttocks
Thighs
Rectum
Anus
Mouth
Urethra
Vulva
Vagina
Cervix
Penis
Scrotum
You can spread the infection by touching a sore and then rubbing or scratching another area of your body. That includes your fingers or eyes.
A recurrent outbreak or recurrent episode happens when symptoms of genital herpes return after the first outbreak. The frequency of these outbreaks varies widely. You will usually have the most outbreaks in the first year after infection. Over time, they may appear less frequently.
You may have warning signs a few hours or days before a new outbreak starts. These are called prodromal symptoms. They include:
Genital pain
Tingling or shooting pain in the legs, hips or buttocks
Diagnosis of Genital Herpes If you suspect you have genital herpes, or any other STI, see your health care provider. Your provider can diagnose genital herpes by:
Examining your sores and taking a sample of fluid from them for testing.
Taking a blood test to check for antibodies to the virus.
Genital herpes has no cure. However, there are medicines that can ease symptoms and reduce the risk of infecting others. These medicines are called antiviral drugs. They include:
Acyclovir
Valacyclovir
Famciclovir
They can reduce the duration and severity of outbreaks and reduce the chance of infecting your partner with the virus.
Some people may also benefit from home remedies such as:
Applying ice packs or cold compresses to the sores.
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Keeping the affected area clean and dry.
Wearing loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear.
The best way to prevent genital herpes is to avoid sexual contact with people who have the infection. However, this is not always possible or realistic. Therefore, you can also reduce your risk by taking the following steps:
Use condoms correctly and consistently every time you have sex.
Limit your number of sex partners and avoid having sex with someone who has multiple partners.
Ask your partner if they have ever had an STI test and what the results were.
Get tested for STIs regularly and share your results with your partner.
If you have genital herpes, tell your partner before you have sex.
Avoid having sex during an outbreak or when you have prodromal symptoms.
Take antiviral drugs as prescribed by your provider.
Your sexual health and happiness don't have to be impacted by genital herpes because it is a common and manageable condition. It is important to know the facts about genital herpes so that you and your partner can be protected. Contact your doctor if you have questions or concerns about genital herpes.
