Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV type 1 causes sores around the mouth called "cold sores" and it can also cause painful sores on the genitals. HSV type 2 usually causes genital herpes. 

Many people who have herpes won't have symptoms and may not know they have it. When you first have an outbreak of herpes, there may be itchiness along with very painful sores and blisters. The sores usually go away on their own, but you will still have the virus. You may also have painful swollen glands in the groin and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms may last several weeks. Those with symptoms may experience a tingling sensation or itching in the genital area within a few days of having sex with an infected person. A cluster of blisters may appear and burst, leaving painful sores often lasting two to three weeks. A fever, headache and muscular pain may occur.  

After the sores initially heal, the virus goes into a dormant stage, but recurrent outbreaks or recurrences can occur. Some people have only one or two recurrences in a lifetime, while others have them frequently. Recurrences are typically shorter in duration and less severe than the first episode. Stress, menstrual cycle, illness, fever, surgery, exposure to sun, having sex, pregnancy and the use of some medications can play a role in the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Herpes can continue to be transmitted to others, even between recurrences when the infected person has no symptoms. 

Genital herpes is generally passed on through condomless oral, vaginal and/or anal sex with a partner who has the infection, whether the person has sores or not. You can spread herpes to other parts of your or your partner's body by touching the sores or fluids from the sores and then touching elsewhere, for example, your eyes, mouth or genitals. If you're pregnant, you can pass the virus on to your baby during pregnancy or childbirth. Tell your health-care provider if you have herpes. They can give you medications to reduce the risk of your baby getting herpes. 

Your health-care provider will ask questions about your symptoms, do a physical examination and may take a swab from the ulcer or itchy skin and send it to the laboratory. If you don't have sores when you visit your health-care provider, you may have to delay testing. If you're tested for genital herpes, have a discussion with your health-care provider about testing for other STI’s, as you may be co-infected. 

Genital herpes can't be cured but it can be managed. There are medications that may help to prevent outbreaks or reduce how long the outbreak lasts. Your health-care provider may also prescribe medication for pain if your outbreaks are severe and cause discomfort. 

You are more likely to have a genital herpes infection if you have unprotected sex or intimate skin to skin contact with someone diagnosed with genital herpes or who has symptoms of HSV. 

Learn about safer sex methods and practice them. Make informed decisions about your sexual health. Talk to your partner(s) about their STI status and the use of protection.  

Avoid having sex when skin sores are present. This includes not having oral sex when cold sores on or around the mouth are present. Get tested as soon as possible to find out whether you have an STI.  

Correctly and consistently using a condom during sex reduces the risk of genital herpes and other STIs. However, when using a condom, remember that the exposed areas of skin are still unprotected. To prevent spread of the virus during oral sex, use a condom on the penis and a condom cut lengthwise or a dental dam over the female genital area. See your doctor as soon as possible if you think you have an STI. If you've had multiple sexual partners, talk with your health-care professional about getting tested for genital herpes and other STIs. 

Partner notification is not required as a public health measure for genital herpes, in part because most clinically evident first episodes are recurrences and also because it is difficult to assess whether a sexual partner already has HSV. People experiencing a first episode of genital herpes and those with recurrent disease should be encouraged to inform their partners so that the partners are aware of the risk of infection and can consult their health-care provider as needed for diagnosis and treatment.