What is it? 

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a virus similar to the one that gives you cold sores around your lips. Genital herpes, however, causes painful blisters and sores on and around your genitals. Almost everyone has come into contact with the herpes virus at some point in their lives, and may be infected without ever experiencing any symptoms. In fact, most people carrying the virus are unaware that they've even been infected. However, just because you have the herpes virus, this doesn't mean you have genital herpes.

‍

What are the symptoms?

It usually takes between two and 12 days after contact with the virus for the first symptoms to appear. Occasionally symptoms can be noticed years after initial contact. However, some people exposed to the virus never become infected, while others catch herpes but never have any symptoms. This means that most people with genital herpes don't know they are infected but can pass the infection on to others. You may first notice some itching, tingling, inflammation and discomfort in the affected area. You can also experience general flu-like symptoms, such as backache, headache and a temperature, and mild swelling of the lymph glands in the groin, armpits and neck. You may then develop multiple spots or red bumps around the genital area which can be very painful. In time, these swellings can break open and form sores or ulcers, which gradually crust over, forming new skin as they heal. During this time, you may also feel pain when peeing or when opening your bowels. This first episode of genital herpes may last from two to four weeks. Repeat episodes are hardly ever as severe as the first and you may never have a repeat episode.

‍

How do you get it?

You usually catch genital herpes through direct skin contact with the virus. This can be from herpes sores in the genital area, or herpes sores on the mouth in the form of cold sores.The genital herpes virus is passed on by kissing, vaginal and anal sex (genital contact), oral sex, and sharing sex toys. Once you have picked up the infection, the virus stays in your body, lying dormant, and can recur in the area that was originally infected. If the virus reactivates, the ulcers can reappear and this is known as a 'recurrent episode'. You can catch herpes even if your sexual partner has no visible sores or symptoms. This is because the virus can become active on the skin without causing any visible symptoms --- this is known as 'viral shedding'. Many people who have and pass on the virus may not even know they have herpes.

‍

Testing

If you or your partner are worried that you may have genital herpes, see a doctor straight away. Getting tested is easy. If you have visible blisters, the doctor or nurse may be able to make a diagnosis straight away. If there are no visible blisters then a diagnosis might not be possible at this time. A swab will be used to collect a sample.

‍

If you have herpes:

Once you have been infected with genital herpes, the virus persists in your body and can cause a recurrence of symptoms from time to time. Recurrent episodes with symptoms will clear up by themselves without any treatment, but there is also medication to help speed up the healing process. The doctor may prescribe antiviral tablets to speed up the healing process and reduce the severity of an episode. If you start taking the medication as soon as an outbreak begins, you may shorten or even stop the episode. Some people experience frequent recurrences. In these cases, a longer course of tablets should prevent any recurrent episodes. Keep a record of when you have an episode of herpes. You may see a pattern developing and be able to identify your trigger factors. Many people find that episodes occur when they're run- down, under stress, around the time of menstruation, or when the skin gets irritated due to friction or tight clothing.

‍

How to avoid spreading herpes:

If you have herpes, you can follow some simple guidelines to avoid passing the virus on to your partner(s), and to continue to have a healthy and happy sex life:

• Learn to recognise the warning signs (tingling, itching or inflammation) that an episode is starting. Do not have sex at this time.
• Do not allow anyone to come into direct contact with your sores or blisters.
• Avoid kissing and oral sex when you
• or your partner have cold sores around the mouth --- or you feel that sores may be developing.
• Remember that you can still shed the virus without having any symptoms. You should always use condoms with any
• new partner and for any type of sexual contact. This is important when having sex with new partners.
• The herpes virus survives within the nerves of your skin and can be passed through skin-to-skin contact. So even if you use a condom to reduce spreading, the virus may still be present on your skin that is not covered by the condom after you no longer have any symptoms. This means there is still a chance you could pass it to someone else.

‍

‍