Definition
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It causes small, painful, fluid-filled blisters. These blisters break open and leave a sore. They can be found on the sex organs, buttocks, or thighs. They can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the mouth, face, or eyes.
Causes
The infection is caused by the herpes simplex 2 virus. The herpes simplex 1 virus causes cold sores most often, but it can also cause genital herpes.
The virus can be spread with:
- Sexual or skin to skin contact with someone who has the virus
- Pregnancy or giving birth—an infection can pass from a mother to her child
It is easy for the virus to spread when there are blisters. But it may still spread to others when they aren’t.
Risk Factors
The strongest risk factor is having unprotected sex with an infected person.
Other ones are:
- A high number of sex partners
- Prior STIs
- Starting to have sex at an early age
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on whether this is a primary or recurrent infection. The virus stays quiet between outbreaks. During this time, you may not have signs you can see, but the virus may still be shedding. This means it can spread during sex.
Primary Infection
Primary infection is when you are first exposed to the virus. You may not have any symptoms or you may feel like you have the flu . You may have fever, muscle aches, and swollen glands. Blisters may appear on the sex organs or other areas.
It may take about two to six weeks for the primary infection to get better.
Recurrent Infection
A recurrent infection happens when the virus is reactivated. The symptoms and how long they last will differ.
Recurrent infections are shorter and less harsh. You will not have as many ulcers. The ones you have will be smaller. The blister or ulcer may have pain, tingling, burning, or itching.
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. If the doctor sees blisters and ulcers, they will be checked.
The doctor may test:
- The fluid from an open blister
- Your blood
Lesions inside the urinary tract, birth canal, or cervix may not be easy to see. Your doctor may do more tests to check these areas.
Treatment
You will need treatment right away. This lowers the chance that you will spread this to others. It will also help you get better faster. But keep in mind that the virus stays in your body. There is no cure. There are medicines to lower the chance that you will have a recurrent infection.
Medications
Antiviral medicines are used to treat this STI. They are used to treat a primary infection or a recurrent infection. If you have a recurrent infection, they are most helpful when you take them as soon as you notice symptoms.
If you have recurrent infections, your doctor may have you take this medicine daily to prevent an outbreak. This is called suppressive therapy.
If you have recurrent infections, your doctor may have you take antiviral medication every day to prevent an outbreak. This is called suppressive therapy.
Counseling
You will be taught about genital herpes and how to avoid spreading it to sex partners. Your doctor will give you facts about the virus.
Other Treatments
To manage pain, your doctor may advise that you:
- Take over the counter pain medicine.
- Take lukewarm baths.
Treatment for Sex Partners
It is important that your sex partner be tested and get counseling. If your partner does have an active infection, he or she should also get treatment.
Prevention
To prevent this infection:
- Use latex condoms each time you have sex.
- Do not have oral, anal, or genital sex if your partner has herpes blisters.
- Do not touch blisters to prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of the body.
If you are pregnant and have herpes, tell your doctor. Steps can be taken to help prevent your newborn from getting the infection.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
- Review Date: 05/2018 -
- Update Date: 08/01/2018 -