All facts about genital herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2.
Genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of five women 14-49 years of age) than in men (about one out of nine men 14-49 years of age).
Genital Herpes signs and symptoms
First signs develop 2-30 days after exposure. It can include:
- Small, painful fluid-filled blisters on sex organs, mouth or anus
- Blisters progress to open sores that crust over and heal within 1 to 2 weeks
- Blisters may be “hidden” in the vagina
- First episode most severe, subsequent episodes milder
- Itching or burning on skin in area where blisters are about to appear
- Initial infection often accompanied by fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes
- Blisters go away, but infection still in the body
- Blisters can return periodically, but usually shorter duration and less severe
Transmission of genital herpes
Genital herpes is spread by:
- Vaginal sex
- Oral sex
- Anal sex
- Contact with infected person’s lesions
- Infected mother to newborn
- Viral shedding may occur in the absence of blisters, so transmission is possible when lesions are absent
Complications and consequences
Genital Herpes can:
- Make infection by other germs, like HIV, easier the blisters provide easy entry to other STD germs.
- Cause recurrent painful attacks
Genital Herpes and Pregnancy
- Newborn may acquire infection from mother during delivery
- Infection in newborn may cause death, or severe damage to the brain, lungs and liver
- Most pregnant women with recurrent genital herpes deliver normal infants
- Risk is highest for infants born to mothers who have first (primary) episode of genital herpes during pregnancy
How to prevent genital herpes infection
- Genital ulcer diseases can occur in genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom. They can also occur in areas that are not covered or protected.
- Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of genital herpes only when the infected areas are covered or protected by the condom.
- Always use latex condoms during vaginal and anal sex
- Use a latex condom for oral sex on a penis
- Use a latex barrier for oral sex on a vagina or anus (dental dam or condom cut in half)
- Limit the number of sex partners
- Get an exam for genital herpes by doctor or other medical provider if herpes infection suspectedNotify sex partners immediately if infected.
Never have sex with someone who has genital herpes when sores are present
Genital Herpes treatment
- No cure available; infection persists for life
- Recurrent episodes of blisters can be prevented by taking an antiviral medication each day
- Treatment of recurrent episodes generally does not shorten the length of illness and is not usually recommended
- Comfort measures are available for recurrent episodes
Persons with herpes should abstain from sexual activity with uninfected partners when lesions or other symptoms of herpes are present. It is important to know that even if a person does not have any symptoms he or she can still infect sex partners.
















