Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. There are two types of the virus; Herpes Type 1 causes most oral infections (known as cold sores). Herpes Type 2 causes most genital herpes. But both types can give you sores in either place. Having one does not mean that you can't get the other.

Women and Herpes
Millions of women with herpes have had healthy babies, however pregnant women with genital herpes can give the disease to their babies. It can be very serious when a woman gets herpes for the first time when she is pregnant. It is very important that the doctor and/or obstetrician be told if a woman or any of her partners has genital herpes.

How is it passed?
It is passed on by unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, through sharing sex toys or through direct skin-to-skin contact. You can get herpes from people who have the virus even if they have no symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms
Often symptoms don’t show or are very mild and go unnoticed, but typical signs of infection with the virus include:

  • Blisters on the genital area or in the vagina, cervix, urethra, rectum, anus or penis that leave painful sores when they burst
  • Tingling or itching feeling in the affected area
  • Flu-like symptoms such as swollen glands, backache and headache

    • Tests and Treatment
    A swab is taken from one of the sores. The swab may feel uncomfortable but should not be painful. The first outbreak lasts from one or two weeks. Then, the sores begin to dry, form scabs, and heal.

  • Herpes can look just like other diseases
  • The virus always remains in the body and no treatment can remove it completely
  • Some people find that different things can trigger an attack. These can include stress, tiredness, illness, alcohol and smoking.

    • Although there is no cure for herpes, there are drugs that your doctor can prescribe to help the sores heal faster and reduce the number of outbreaks. If you have sores:

  • Keep the area clean and dry
  • Don’t touch the sores
  • Wash your hands after contact with the sores
  • Don’t have sex until the sores are healed and new skin covers the area.
  • It is always wise to use condoms

    • National Herpes Hotline: (919)361-8488