What are Genital Herpes?
Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2).
Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms. Mild symptoms may go unnoticed or be mistaken for other skin conditions like a pimple or ingrown hair. Because of this, most people do not know they have a herpes infection.
Herpes sores usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. This is known as having an “outbreak”. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal. Flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, body aches, or swollen glands) also may occur during the first outbreak.
People who experience an initial outbreak of herpes can have repeated outbreaks, especially if they have HSV-2. However, repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak. Although genital herpes is a lifelong infection, the number of outbreaks may decrease over time.
Talk to your healthcare provider if:
- You notice any symptoms
- Your partner has an STD or symptoms of an STD
STD symptoms can include an unusual sore, a smelly genital discharge, burning when peeing, or bleeding between periods (if you have a menstrual cycle).
Did you know?
Most people with genital herpes do not know they have it.1
How do I get tested?
Your healthcare provider may diagnose genital herpes by simply looking at any sores that are present. Providers can also take a sample from the sore(s) and test it. If sores are not present, a blood test may be used to look for HSV antibodies.
The effects of herpes on your health
Genital herpes can cause painful genital sores in many adults, and the disease can be severe in people who have weak natural defense (immune) systems. If you are pregnant and have a herpes outbreak at the time of delivery, you could pass the herpes virus to your baby. This can result in a severe infection that could threaten the baby’s life. If you have signs or symptoms of genital herpes at delivery a C-section is likely to occur.
Link between genital herpes and HIV: Herpes may be involved in the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes AIDS). Herpes infection can cause sores or breaks in the skin or lining of the mouth, vagina and rectum. This provides a way for HIV to enter the body.
Supporting your sexual health through education and testing
Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI. If you’ve had unprotected sex, have a new partner (or more than one partner), or for any reason are worried you have been exposed to an STI, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested. While some providers might include STI tests as part of a regular check-up, others don’t test for any STIs unless you ask them to—so make sure to ask!
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Herpes fact sheet. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm. Accessed April 22, 2019