Genital Herpes

HSV1/HSV2

 

 

 

Introduction

Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It causes painful blisters on the genitals and the surrounding areas.

As genital herpes can be passed to others through intimate sexual contact, it’s often referred to as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

HSV can affect any mucous membrane (moist lining), such as those found in the mouth (cold sores).

Genital herpes is a chronic (long-term) condition. The virus remains in your body and can become active again. The average rate of recurrence is four to five times in the first two years after being infected. However, over time, it tends to become active less frequently and each outbreak becomes less severe.

 

         

 

 

 

Symptoms of genital herpes

Most people with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) don’t experience any symptoms of genital herpes when first infected. As a result, many people don’t know they have the condition.

 

Symptoms may not appear until months or sometimes years after you’re exposed to the virus.

 

If you experience symptoms when first infected, they usually appear four to seven days after you have been exposed to the virus. The symptoms are usually more severe first time around than in cases of recurrent infections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary infection

The symptoms of genital herpes for the first time include:

. Small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores around your genitals, rectum (back passage), thighs and buttocks

. Blisters and ulcers on the cervix (lower part of the womb) in women

. Vaginal discharge in women

. Pain when you pass urine

. A general feeling of being unwell, with aches, pains and flu-like symptoms

 

 

These symptoms may last up to 20 days. However, the sores will eventually scab and heal without scarring.

 

 

 

 

Recurrent infections

Although the initial symptoms of genital herpes clear up, the virus remains dormant (inactive) in a nearby nerve. The virus may be reactivated from time to time, travelling back down the nerve to your skin and causing recurrent outbreaks.

Symptoms of a recurrent outbreak may include:

 

. A tingling, burning or itching sensation around your genitals, and sometimes down your leg, before blisters appear

. Painful red blisters that soon burst to leave sores around your genitals, rectum (back passage), thighs and buttocks

. Blisters and ulcers on the cervix (lower part of the womb) in women

 

Recurrent outbreaks are usually shorter and less severe. This is because your body has produced protective antibodies (proteins that fight infection) in reaction to the previous infection. Your body now recognises the virus and mounts a response that is able to fight HSV more effectively.

Over time, you should find any recurrent genital herpes infections become less frequent and less severe.

 

 

 

 

 

The herpes simplex virus (HSV)

There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV), type 1 and type 2. Both types are highly contagious and can be passed easily from one person to another by direct contact.

Genital herpes is usually transmitted by having sex (vaginal, anal or oral) with an infected person. Even if someone with genital herpes doesn’t have any symptoms, it’s possible for them to pass the condition on to a sexual partner.

At least eight out of 10 people who carry the virus are unaware they have been infected because there are often few or no initial symptoms. However, certain triggers can activate the virus, causing an outbreak of genital herpes.

 

 

 

 

 

Who is affected?

Genital herpes is a common condition, especially in people from 20 to 24 years old.

In 2013, 32,279 people attended a sexual health clinic in England with an attack of genital herpes for the first time.

 

 

 

 

 

Treating genital herpes

Although there’s no cure for genital herpes, the symptoms can usually be controlled using antiviral medicines.

However, it’s important to prevent the spread of genital herpes by avoiding sex until symptoms have cleared up and continuing to use a condom afterwards.

 

 

 

 

 

Pregnancy

Genital herpes can cause problems during pregnancy. These complications can be more serious depending on whether you already have genital herpes, or develop it for the first time while pregnant.

 

 

 

You can find your nearest sexual health clinic by searching by postcode or town.

www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Sexual-health-services/LocationSearch/1847

 

For information on all sexual health services, visit the FPA website below.

www.fpa.org.uk/where-get-help/sexual-health-helpline

 

Source NHS Choices

 

*We would always recommend using a condom

 

 

In this video, Dr Elizabeth will tell you all you need to know about genital herpes.

 

 

 

Dr. H. Hunter Handsfield explains the basics about genital herpes, including the difference between genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, testing options and the importance of knowing virus type, and the three-prong strategy for prevention.

Learn more about herpes and download the companion fact sheet at www.ashasexualhealth.org/