Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection and is also known as a sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by the viruses, herpes simplex type 1 and 2, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes simplex type 2.
The majority of people who have genital herpes display very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. When symptoms are present they usually include blisters in the area of the genitals and around the rectum. The blisters can become sore when they burst and they normally take around 4 weeks to heal. In some cases, the blisters may return weeks or even months later.
It is possible for the viral infection to remain within the body indefinitely, but the outbreak numbers tend to decrease over the course of time. The infection can be passed to other people even when the affected individual does not have any symptoms.
Genital herpes is passed through intimate sexual contact; the virus is passed on from one person to the next and symptoms may or may not develop shortly after. It is possible to spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms, but herpes is at its most infectious when an individual has open blisters. If you are diagnosed with genital herpes you should avoid sexual activities of any kind, especially if you have open sores. Using condoms can help to reduce the risk of passing on the infection, but this is not always the case. A drug called valacyclovir used to treat genital herpes can also help to reduce the risk of infection.
Herpes simplex type 1 generally causes blisters around the mouth and rarely results in genital herpes.
The signs of genital herpes differ and some people do not experience any symptoms. Others can have severe blisters which are sore and red. In most cases, symptoms develop within 2 weeks of sexual contact with a person who has the infection and last around 2-3 weeks. Early signs of genital herpes include:
After a few days lesions (also known as blisters) tend to develop in the genital area and around the rectum, and blisters can also form around the mouth. Sores may also appear around the woman's cervix and the man's urinary passage. The blisters usually develop from tiny bumps to painful open sores, which heal over time and should not cause scarring.
Developed signs of genital herpes include:
In some cases, no symptoms are present but this does not mean the infection cannot be spread. The early blisters are sometimes mistaken for insect bites. Those who suffer with HIV usually find genital herpes infections worse.
If you have genital herpes it is advisable to avoid sexual activity until you have received treatment for the infection. You can pass the infection on even if you do not suffer any symptoms.
It is possible for genital herpes to return as the virus can stay in your body for a long period of time. The virus will become active sporadically, but the outbreaks tend to become less frequent over the course of time. Scientists do not fully understand what reactivates the virus but some believe stress and illness trigger the virus.
Doctors are usually able to make a diagnosis of genital herpes by carrying out a physical examination and taking a sample of the sore to be analysed under a microscope. It can be complicated to diagnose genital herpes if symptoms are not present, but blood tests can be used to detect the presence of the herpes simplex viruses.
Genital herpes has no cure but medication can ease or prevent symptoms such as acyclovir and valacyclovir. The virus will remain in the body but this does not mean you will experience symptoms all the time. Often, the virus remains inactive for long periods of time and outbreaks are sporadic. Symptoms develop when the virus reactivates but many people have outbreaks rarely. Using condoms in tandem with valacyclovir can help to reduce the risk of passing the infection to others. Your doctor will explain the treatment options and decide which is most suitable for your individual case.
During an outbreak there are ways to ease symptoms and speed up the healing process, including:
There is no cure for genital herpes. Once the virus has infected your body it will remain there, but outbreaks of symptoms are usually infrequent and medicines can be used to ease and prevent symptoms.
It is possible for genital herpes to lead to difficulties during pregnancy, especially if a mother is experiencing her first outbreak of symptoms. If this is the case the risk of transmitting the virus to the unborn baby is higher. If a mother has already had an outbreak of symptoms the risk of spreading the virus to the baby is extremely low. Babies with the herpes virus at birth are at risk of eye problems, brain damage and severe skin rashes, and it is also possible for herpes to cause premature birth and even death.
If a mother has the herpes virus doctors may recommend a caesarean section to prevent the baby from travelling down the birth canal where blisters may be present. Acyclovir can also be given to babies shortly after birth.
It is not known whether drugs for genital herpes are safe for pregnant women and some doctors advise pregnant women against taking acyclovir. If you suffer with genital herpes you should inform your doctor and they will ensure this is taken into account during your antenatal care.
If you suffer with genital herpes and you are planning to breastfeed, this should not be a problem as long as the blisters are covered. The virus can only be passed on through contact with the sores and this may be serious for newborn babies. If you carry sores on your breasts you should halt breastfeeding. If you have any doubts discuss them with your doctor or midwife. If you want to continue breastfeeding once the sores have completely healed, try expressing milk and bottle feeding your baby while the sores heal. If the pump comes into contact with the sores make sure you throw away the milk and wash the breast pump thoroughly.
There are steps you can take to prevent genital herpes, including:
If you suffer with genital herpes it is important to: