What is Genital Herpes?

This page was reviewed or revised on Saturday, October 26, 2002.

Genital Herpes is a Sexually Transmitted Disease caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It is spread through sexual contact or by direct contact with the rashes, sores or blisters of an infected person. Herpes can also be passed to the eyes and other parts of the body through contact with sores or blisters. Pregnant women can pass the virus on to their baby during birth. In some rare cases, babies born to mothers with a first case of HSV develop herpes shortly after birth. Women with recurrent herpes have a lesser chance of passing the virus on to their baby.

If the herpes virus gets into the eyes, it may cause blindness.

What are the symptoms?

Two to 20 days after contact with an infected person blisters, rashes or sores may appear around the area where the virus entered the body. This is usually the mouth, vagina, cervix, penis, anus, buttocks or around the genitals and other parts of the body.

If this is the first time you have been infected with HSV you may experience fever, flu-like symptoms, pain when passing urine, enlarged glands, itching, tingling and joint pain, as well as very painful sores and blisters. These should heal in 1-2 weeks without scarring.

If you have been infected with HSV before, it will remain in your body. When it becomes active again, the sores and blisters will reappear, although they will be less painful and will heal faster. The number of times HSV can become active varies from person to person, and may be triggered by the following:

• stress
• weak immune system
• injury to an affected area
• fever
• menstruation
• poor diet
• sunlight

Immediately before an outbreak of blisters, some people experience a tingling sensation in the infected area. At this time, the virus can be passed on to partners through sexual contact or to other parts of the body by direct contact with the tingling area.

How is Genital Herpes diagnosed?

Diagnosis requires physical examination, medical history, and a swab of the infected area.

What is the treatment for Genital Herpes?

There is no cure for herpes. However, there is medication that helps reduce the symptoms and speeds the healing of blisters and sores.

To alleviate pain and discomfort keep the infected area clean and dry, wear cotton underwear and loose clothing, take medication for pain, use bath salts, cold compresses and try urinating in water.

To avoid spreading the virus to other parts of the body, always wash hands well after touching the infected area.

Can I have sex?

You should avoid sexual or close contact with sexual partners until all sores and blisters are healed. Always inform your sexual partners that you have herpes.

Herpes is spread through direct contact with sores or blisters. Take precautions -- always use a latex condom during sex to provide some protection.