Genital Herpes

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is the name given to infection of the genitals (private parts) with a virus called Herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus is the same virus that causes cold sores on the face.

Genital herpes is a long-term condition. It causes symptoms such as blistering and ulcers around the genitals. These symptoms come and go.

How do you catch genital herpes?

The Herpes simplex virus is passed on by skin-to-skin contact with infected areas. For example, you can catch a cold sore (facial herpes) by kissing someone who already has a cold sore.

Genital herpes is passed on by having sexual contact (vaginal sex, anal sex or oral sex,) with someone who is infected with the virus. This person may never have had symptoms of genital herpes and may not even know that they are infected.

It is also possible to spread the virus from one part of your own body to another. For example, if you touch your cold sore and then touch your genitals without washing your hands, you may develop genital herpes.

What symptoms might I get?

Most people with genital herpes never get any symptoms. Most never even know that they are infected. However, for the unlucky few that do experience symptoms, genital herpes can be painful and very distressing.

The first symptoms of genital herpes may appear days, months or even years after you become infected. You might worry that your partner has been cheating if you or they develop symptoms of genital herpes. In truth, you or they may have had the virus for years without even knowing.

Most people find that the first outbreak of symptoms is the worst. After this outbreak, the virus remains in your body. The symptoms might come back again later, but they tend to be milder and clear away faster.

During an outbreak of genital herpes, you may notice blisters around your genitals, anus, buttocks and thighs. These blisters may burst, leaving behind small, painful ulcers. It may be painful for you to pass urine. You might feel generally unwell, with fever, headaches, muscle aches and feeling sick.

Some people notice that they get ‘early warning signs’ before an outbreak of symptoms, such as tingling or burning in the affected area. During this time, you are more likely to pass the virus on to other people if you have sex or foreplay. You are also likely to pass of the virus if you have sex during the outbreak itself.

What might trigger an outbreak of symptoms?

For some people, certain ‘triggers’ can bring on an outbreak of symptom. These may include:

  • Being stressed, ‘run down’ or ill.
  • Drinking too much alcohol.
  • Having a period.
  • Friction in the genital area from sex, masturbation or wearing tight clothes.

In other people, the symptoms come and go with no pattern.

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

If you think you might have the symptoms of genital herpes, you should visit a sexual health clinic such as Conifer as soon as possible. The tests for genital herpes are more accurate if they are carried out during your first outbreak of symptoms.

The doctor or nurse will need to examine you and take a swab to look for the Herpes simplex virus. This simply involves wiping a cotton bud or small piece of plastic over the affected area. This is then sent to the laboratory to look for the virus. It is important to remember that, even if the result of this test comes back negative, you may still be infected with Herpes simplex.

How is genital herpes treated?

In most cases, an outbreak of genital herpes clears away by itself. However, if your symptoms are particularly bad, you may need antiviral tablets such as acyclovir. Antiviral tablets are not a cure for genital herpes. They work by preventing the virus from multiplying, making it easier for your body to regain control.

What can I do to help myself during an outbreak?

There are many things that you can do to make yourself more comfortable during an outbreak.

  • Try a mild painkiller, such as paracetamol.
  • Ask your sexual health doctor or nurse about anaesthetic creams and ointments to ease the pain around blisters and ulcers.
  • Avoid anything that causes friction in your genital area, such as tight clothing, sex or masturbation.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. This makes your urine more dilute (weaker,) and makes passing urine less painful. Alternatively, you can try passing urine in a warm bath.

What about pregnancy?

Most women with genital herpes do not have any problems during their pregnancy or birth. However, genital herpes does pose a risk to your unborn baby. Because of this, it is important that you tell your doctor or midwife if you have ever had any of the symptoms of genital herpes.

The risk to you baby is highest if, during your pregnancy, you develop symptoms of genital herpes for the first time. If this happens during the first three months, there is a very small risk that you may miscarry.

It is also possible for the baby to become infected with the Herpes simplex virus if you have an outbreak of symptoms around the time of the birth. For this reason, doctors may recommend that you have a caesarean section.

Please speak to your doctor or midwife for further information.

What are the long term effects of genital herpes?

Some people believe that genital herpes causes cervical cancer. This is not true. No link has ever been found between genital herpes and cervical cancer. Also, genital herpes does not cause infertility (being unable to get pregnant naturally.)

How can I protect myself against genital herpes?

You can prevent the Herpes simplex virus from spreading by avoiding contact with affected areas. In particular, avoid kissing and sexual contact with anyone who is experiencing, or about to experience an outbreak of genital herpes.

References:

'Herpes Simplex Virus Infection.' In Infectious diseases of the female genital tract, by Sweet R. and Gibbs R., 41-49. London: Wolters Kluwer Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2009.

The Department for Education and Skills. Genital Herpes. Year of publication unknown. http://www.condomessentialwear.co.uk/stis-stds/genital-herpes (accessed September 8, 2009)

National Health Service. Genital Herpes. 2008.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Genital-herpes/Pages/Symptoms.aspx (accessed September 8 ,2009)

'Herpes Simplex Virus Infection.' In Infectious diseases of the female genital tract, by Sweet R. and Gibbs R., 41-49. London: Wolters Kluwer Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2009.

'Genital Tract Infections.' In Obstetrics and Gynaecology, by Impey L. and Child T., 71-78. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2008.

'Genital Tract Infections.' In Essential Obstetrics and Gynaecology, by E. and Symonds I Symonds, 305-314. Oxford: Churchill Livingstone, 2004.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Genital-herpes/Pages/Causes.aspx (accessed September 8, 2009)

'Genital Tract Infections.' In Essential Obstetrics and Gynaecology, by E. and Symonds I Symonds, 305-314. Oxford: Churchill Livingstone, 2004.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Genital-herpes/Pages/new_Treatment.aspx (accessed September 8, 2009)

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Genital-herpes/Pages/Self-help.aspx (accessed September 8, 2009)

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Genital-herpes/Pages/Complications.aspx (accessed September 8, 2009)

The Department for Education and Skills. Genital Herpes. Year of publication unknown. http://www.condomessentialwear.co.uk/stis-stds/genital-herpes (accessed September 8, 2009)

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