Common STIs - Genital Herpes

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Cause

Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) which can also cause cold sores on the mouth.

Symptoms

An outbreak can vary from one small split or cut in the skin of the genital area, to clusters of small blisters on the penis or vulva (lips of the vagina). Herpes can also affect the anal and buttocks area.

Tingling or itchiness in the genital area can indicate the start of an outbreak. Blisters may then appear and they can turn into small painful ulcers that usually heal over in 7 to 10 days.

Sometimes there is pain or flu like symptoms.

Often there are no signs at all at the time of infection but outbreaks can occur later or the infection can spread to others.

How is it transmitted?

The virus is spread during skin to skin contact or through any kind of vaginal, oral or anal sex. Cold sores can sometimes spread from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex.

Even when there are no obvious sores or signs of infection, the virus can still be passed on.

Management

See a doctor as soon as any signs appear.

The Herpes virus cannot be cured but it can be treated and controlled. Treatment for severe or very frequent outbreaks includes anti viral tablets that can ease symptoms and reduce further outbreaks.

Taking good care of your general health and arranging stress relief can be helpful. Some people also use alternative therapies.

Prevention

• avoid genital to genital skin contact when the virus is present
• condoms help but they will only stop the spread from the skin covered by the condom
• because there is more virus on the skin during an outbreak, sex should be avoided at this time. Watch for signs such as tingling and itching which come just before the blisters appear.

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Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 9 Jun 2009