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STD Information » Genital Herpes

Option 1  Genital Herpes

Quick Snapshot

  • Can it be cured?

    No
    Viruses don't have cures, but symptoms can be controlled with proper treatment

  • Type of Infection

    Viral
    Caused by the herpes simplex virus

  • How is it treated?

    Antiviral Medicine
    Symptoms are treated with antiviral medications (Zovirax, Famvir, or Valtrex), however there is no cure

 
  • Recovery Time

    1 month or longer
    The symptoms from the initial outbreak can take over 20 days to disappear

  • Can I have sex?

    Yes
    During your initial outbreak, you should refrain from sex until all symptoms are gone

  • Can I get re-infected?

    Yes
    Once you get infected, you will have the virus for life

 

Overview

Genital herpes is an incurable sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. Generally, HSV-1 affects the mouth, and HSV-2 is the one that causes genital herpes. However, both types can be transmitted from one area to the other during oral sex.

How is Genital Herpes diagnosed?

Genital herpes can be difficult to diagnose, though there are a few different methods:

  • Physical Exam
    Your doctor may be able to tell by looking at your sores
  • Swab
    If possible, the doctor will swab your sore to study the fluid
  • Blood Test
    This is the most certain method of diagnosis - blood is drawn and tested for HSV-1 and HSV-2

How is Genital Herpes treated?

While in the midst of an outbreak, avoid contact with the affected area as much as possible and be sure to wash your hands after touching it. Do not have sex until you are completely clear of symptoms. Additionally, your doctor may recommend an antiviral medication:

  • Zovirax
  • Famvir
  • Valtrex

These medications help to control your symptoms and prevent recurrences. Additionally, they provide some measure of protection for your sexual partners.

Important note

Be sure to take all the medication your doctor prescribes, even if your symptoms go away!

 

Recovery Time

The initial outbreak of genital herpes can last over 20 days. However, recovery from subsequent outbreaks is usually quicker.

Sexual Activity

If you are in the midst of an outbreak, avoid sex, and be sure to correctly use latex condoms at all other times

Partners and Re-infection

Sexual partners can easily contract genital herpes even when you appear to be symptom free. They should be encouraged to be tested. Additionally, in order to protect your partner from infection, be sure to use your anti-viral drugs every day.

Recurrence

Recurrences of genital herpes are generally milder than the initial outbreak, and the frequency of outbreaks tends to decrease over time (average is roughly 4 per year). Symptoms during recurrence can be so mild that an infected person is unaware that they are even having an outbreak. Sores tend to be much smaller, if visible at all. Itching and burning are not uncommon during a recurrence but are usually less severe than with the initial outbreak.

Symptoms

Genital Herpes Symptom Checker
Symptoms make take upto a month or longer to appear after infection.

Symptoms of genital herpes vary greatly from one person to another. Some people may not even be aware that they have herpes because their symptoms are not really noticeable. Symptoms that may be noticed are:

  • Sores near the point on the body where the virus entered

    • Initially small red bumps
    • Progress to blisters
    • Then to itchy, possibly painful sores that will crust over before healing

  • Fever
  • Body aches
  • Swollen glands near the groin
  • Pain during urination
  • Vaginal discharge

Transmission

Genital herpes is most often spread through sex with an infected person. Additionally, it is possible to contract genital herpes from other close skin-on-skin contact. Transmission generally happens during:

  • Anal Sex
  • Oral Sex
  • Vaginal Sex

It is also possible for pregnant women to pass the infection on to their baby during childbirth.

Complications

Genital herpes does not generally cause other problems. However, it does increase your risk of contracting other STDs including HIV. Pregnant women who are infected with genital herpes can pass it to their baby and this can lead to severe problems and potentially even death. In patients with weakened immune systems it can also lead to herpes of the eyes which may eventually result in blindness.