Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).

 

There are two types of herpes viruses that can cause genital herpes:

• HSV-1: commonly causes cold sores or fever blisters on the lips.
• HSV-2: most common cause of sores or blisters on the genitals. 

Once you are infected with the virus, you carry it for life. Almost everyone who has herpes will have outbreaks of sores from time to time.  

• The virus is spread through direct contact with the skin of an infected person.
• It is spread to others most easily while sores are present. However, the virus may be on the skin even when there are no sores or blisters and be passed on to a partner during sexual activity. 
• Many people with herpes never develop symptoms or blisters severe enough for them to be aware that they have herpes.  They may then pass the virus on to others without even knowing it.

With the first outbreak there may be fever, pain in the joints, flu-like symptoms, painful urination, itching or tingling and swollen and painful glands.  Small sores occur on the skin and are usually quite painful.  Generally, the sores heal in 1-2 weeks without scarring.  The virus stays in the body and will come out and cause sores again (an ‘outbreak’).  Each time the virus causes an outbreak, the sores are usually less painful, occur in a small area and heal faster than the first outbreak.

People with sores may spread the virus to other parts of their own body with their hands.  If spread to the eye it can be very serious.  It is important to wash and dry your hands thoroughly after touching sores to prevent spreading.

Herpes does not affect your fertility.  However, pregnant women can pass herpes to their baby if they get the virus for the first time during pregnancy or have an outbreak close to the time of delivery.  It is important that you tell your doctor if you or your partner have herpes and are planning to get pregnant.  

There is no cure for herpes at this time.  However, treatment with antiviral medications may heal sores more quickly if taken as soon as itching or early blisters signal that an outbreak is about to occur.  Taking antiviral medications on a daily basis may also reduce the number of repeat outbreaks. Ask your doctor about getting a prescription.  

• Get enough rest and exercise
• Avoid extreme heat, cold or sunlight
• Avoid stress
• Eat a healthy diet

 

• Keep the area clean and dry; this will sometimes help the sore heal faster.  Try a hairdryer to dry the area in order to avoid spreading the virus with the towel.
• Wear cotton underwear; avoid nylon underwear, pantyhose and tight jeans because they tend to hold moisture in the genital area.
• Soak in a warm bath with one tablespoon of baking soda.
• Apply cool compresses to sores and take over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol).
• If urination is painful, pour water over the area as you urinate or sit in a bathtub after urinating. 

Do not have sexual intercourse when sores are present, even with a condom.  If you get cold sores on your lip, do not perform oral sex on your partner when the sores are present.  Wait 2-3 days after the sores are completely healed and the skin looks normal.

Avoid sexual contact when either you or your partner notices the first signs of an outbreak (tingling or slight redness in the usual attack area).