Genital Herpes: What You Need to Know
Key Takeaways
- Genital herpes is a common STD caused by two types of herpes viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2.
- HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes, which can affect the mouth or the genitals. HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes, which can affect the genitals or the rectum.
- HSV 1 and HSV 2 can be spread through sexual contact with someone who has the infection, even if they do not have any symptoms.
- Genital herpes can cause painful blisters and sores on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. It can also cause flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak.
- HSV is a lifelong infection, but it can be managed with antiviral medication and other treatments.
- Genital herpes can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider by examining the sores or testing a sample from the sore or the blood.
- Genital herpes can increase the risk of getting or transmitting other STDs, including HIV. Therefore, it is important to use condoms and get tested regularly.
Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were about 572,000 new cases of genital herpes among people aged 14 to 49 in 2018. Genital herpes is caused by two types of viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). In this article, we will explain what genital herpes is, how it is spread, how it is diagnosed and treated, and how it can be prevented.
What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is an infection of the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals or the rectum. It is caused by either HSV-1 or HSV-2, which are both members of the herpes virus family. These viruses can also infect other parts of the body, such as the mouth, eyes, or nerves.
HSV-1 is more commonly associated with oral herpes, which can cause cold sores or fever blisters on or around the mouth. However, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes if it is transmitted from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex. About half of the new cases of genital herpes are due to HSV-1.
HSV-2 is more commonly associated with genital herpes, which can cause blisters or sores on or around the genitals or the rectum. However, HSV-2 can also cause oral herpes if it is transmitted from the genitals to the mouth through oral sex. About 90% of people with genital herpes have HSV-2.
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can remain dormant in the nerve cells near the site of infection for long periods of time. They can reactivate and cause outbreaks of blisters or sores at any time, especially when the immune system is weakened by stress, illness, medication, or other factors.
How is genital herpes spread?
Genital herpes can be spread through any type of sexual contact with someone who has the infection, even if they do not have any visible symptoms. This includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as kissing or touching the infected area.
The virus can enter the body through small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes of the mouth, genitals, or rectum. It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during childbirth if she has an active outbreak at that time.
The risk of getting genital herpes increases with:
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Having sex at a young age
- Having sex without using condoms
- Having another STD
- Having a weakened immune system
How do I know if I have genital herpes?
Many people with genital herpes do not have any symptoms or have very mild symptoms that may go unnoticed or be mistaken for other skin conditions, such as a pimple or an ingrown hair. Therefore, many people do not know they have genital herpes unless they get tested.
Recognizing HSV 2 Symptoms
The most common symptom of genital herpes is having an outbreak of blisters or sores on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. This usually happens within two weeks after being exposed to the virus for the first time. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal.
Some people may also experience flu-like symptoms during their first outbreak, such as:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Swollen glands
Some people may have recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes throughout their lives, while others may never have another outbreak after their first one. The frequency and severity of outbreaks vary from person to person and depend on several factors, such as:
- The type of virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2)
- The strength of the immune system
- The presence of other triggers, such as stress, illness, menstruation, or sexual activity
Testing and Diagnosis for HSV 2
The only way to know for sure if you have genital herpes is to see a healthcare provider and get tested. A healthcare provider can diagnose genital herpes by:
- Examining the sores or blisters
- Taking a sample from the sore or blister and testing it for the virus
- Taking a blood sample and testing it for antibodies to the virus
If you have any symptoms of genital herpes or think you may have been exposed to the virus, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks, as well as the risk of complications and transmission.
How is genital herpes treated?
There is no cure for genital herpes, but it can be managed with antiviral medication and other treatments. Antiviral medication can help:
- Reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks
- Prevent or delay future outbreaks
- Reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others
Antiviral medication can be taken in different ways, depending on your situation:
- Episodic therapy: You take the medication only when you have an outbreak, usually for 5 to 10 days.
- Suppressive therapy: You take the medication every day, even when you do not have an outbreak, to prevent or reduce the frequency of outbreaks.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis: You take the medication within 72 hours after being exposed to the virus, to prevent or reduce the chance of getting infected.
Your healthcare provider will help you decide which type of therapy is best for you, based on your medical history, symptoms, and preferences. You should follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how to take the medication and how long to take it.
Some common antiviral medications for herpes are:
| Medication | Brand Name |
| Acyclovir | Zovirax |
| Valacyclovir | Valtrex |
| Famciclovir | Famvir |
In addition to antiviral medication, you can also use other treatments to ease the discomfort and speed up the healing of the sores, such as:
- Applying ice packs or cold compresses to the affected area
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Applying topical creams or ointments, such as lidocaine or benzocaine
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear
How can I prevent genital herpes?
The best way to prevent genital herpes is to avoid sexual contact with someone who has the infection or who may have been exposed to the virus. However, this may not always be possible or realistic. Therefore, you can also take these steps to reduce your risk of getting or transmitting genital herpes:
- Use condoms every time you have sex. Condoms can lower the risk of getting or spreading genital herpes, but they do not cover all areas where the virus can be present. Therefore, they are not 100% effective.
- Limit your number of sexual partners. Having fewer partners reduces your exposure to different types of viruses and STDs.
- Get tested regularly for STDs. Knowing your status and your partner’s status can help you make informed decisions about your sexual health.
- Talk to your partner about their sexual history and STD status. Be honest and open about your own history and status as well. If you or your partner have genital herpes, discuss how you can prevent passing it on to each other or to others.
- Take antiviral medication if you have genital herpes. Taking antiviral medication every day can reduce the risk of having outbreaks and transmitting the virus to others.
- Avoid sex during an outbreak. If you have an outbreak of blisters or sores, you should abstain from any sexual contact until they heal completely. This will prevent spreading the virus to other parts of your body or to your partner.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you have genital herpes, you may pass it on to your baby during childbirth. This can cause serious health problems for your baby, such as brain damage, blindness, or death. Your healthcare provider can help you prevent this by giving you antiviral medication during pregnancy and monitoring your baby’s health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, genital herpes is a prevalent sexually transmitted disease caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2. It can lead to painful sores and blisters in the genital, rectal, or oral areas and can be transmitted even without visible symptoms. The best way to protect yourself is by getting tested for HSV. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing the condition and reducing the risk of complications. Remember, taking control of your sexual health and having open discussions with your partner can make a significant difference in preventing the spread of genital herpes and other STDs. Don’t hesitate – consult with a healthcare provider today.
