Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) - from
the same family of viruses that cause cold sores. Cold sores are generally
caused by a type of Herpes Simplex Virus called HSV-1 and genital
herpes is usually caused by type HSV-2. But, both types can infect
the genital area and cause painful sores.
There is no cure for genital herpes. Those infected can have recurring outbreaks, during which they will have sores and symptoms for a while, before the virus goes into a dormant stage. The infected person will have no symptoms during this period. The number of outbreaks and peroid of time between them varies from person to person some people may have frequent outbreaks while others might only have one or two outbreaks throughout their lifetime.
Transmission
Genital herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, typically during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Active cold sore infections of HSV-1 can be spread through kissing.
When spread through oral sex, a herpes infection can be passed both ways from mouth to genitals, and also from genitals to mouth.
Prevention
- Condoms can help prevent HSV. However, since HSV can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, condoms offer less protection against HSV than against most other STIs
- Use condoms and dental dams as protection during oral sex
- Avoid sex when a person is visibly infected
- Avoid oral sex with someone who has had a recent cold sore
- Remember an infected person can pass the virus even when they have no visible infection, so using protection (such as condoms) is always important
Symptoms
Many people with HSV may have no symptoms or only mild symptoms.
For those who do show symptoms, they may include:
- Itchiness of genitals
- Small blisters in the vagina or on the vulva or cervix; on or around the penis or testicles; on or around the anus; or on the thighs or buttocks
- Tender lumps on the groin (especially at the time of the first episode)
- The first episode may be accompanied by fever or headache
- Blisters often burst leaving painful sores. These sores may dry up leaving scabbing which may fall off
- Painful urination
- A slight tingling or burning may be a sign that an active outbreak is coming
Infection from oral sex can cause sores inside the mouth or on the lips of both men and women. Though infection is commonly on or around the mouth or genitals, HSV can sometimes cause outbreaks of sores on the skin elsewhere on the body.
Testing and Treatment
Testing is done by taking a swab of an active sore or blister. There is also a blood test available to detect the HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies.
There is currently no cure for herpes, but effective treatments for outbreaks do exist. To be effective these treatments need to be started immediately after symptoms appear. Outbreaks of sores may appear again and again throughout a person's life. Medication can be taken to make these outbreaks less common, and to treat the sores themselves.
Managing the symptoms of genital herpes infection
-
Wear loose clothing during outbreaks
- Drinking large amounts of fluids will decrease pain during urination, and urinating in the bath may be less painful
- Wash your hands with soap and water if you touch an infected area, and in particular, do not rub your eyes or touch your mouth after touching infected skin
- Avoid further infection by keeping the infected area clean and dry. When drying actively infected areas, use a hair dryer or lightly pat the area dry
- Epson salts in bath water can help clean and dry out infected areas
- Wash bath towels before reusing and wash underclothing frequently
- A healthy lifestyle including proper diet, adequate rest and low stress levels can improve your immune system, and reduce the likelihood of outbreaks
- If you think you have herpes, see a doctor immediately. Medication is available to help treat infected areas and to reduce the pain of sores. This medication may be prescribed for outbreaks as they happen, or it may be taken regularly to suppress the virus and lower the chance of having an outbreak.
What is the long-term impact?
By themselves, HSV-1 and HSV-2 are not usually considered to be serious health risks. However, infected pregnant
women can experience complications in pregnancy and during birth. Rarely, HSV can cause meningitis or encephalitis,
and herpes infection of the eye can cause scarring of the cornea and even blindness.
Also, because herpes can cause sores on the penis or inside the vagina, it also increases the risk of transmission of
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
What do I tell my partner?
Herpes may be more difficult to talk about than other STIs, for a few reasons: It is incurable; it can be passed through oral sex; and condoms don't offer complete protection.
In the case of an existing partner, there is a chance they may already have the virus but not be experiencing symptoms (or only mild symptoms).
If you have been diagnosed with HSV, it's important that your partner be tested even if he/she doesn't have any symptoms.
When can I have sex again?
Having genital herpes doesn't mean your sex life is over, but it is an incurable, contagious infection. Condoms aren't guaranteed protection, and it can be transmitted through oral sex - even when no symptoms are present. When deciding to have sex, you and your partner will have to accept a certain amount of risk, and it is your responsibility to inform your partner of this risk.
If you have herpes, safer safe should always be practiced (oral sex included). Avoid having sex during an active outbreak. Ask your healthcare provider about having sex while infected with HSV. Some suppression medications for herpes may also lower the risk of transmitting the virus.