Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a common viral infection. It can cause painful blisters on and around the genitals. Treatment from a sexual health clinic can help. Symptoms clear up on their own but can come back.

It’s caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV, type 1 and type 2. Both types can cause genital herpes or cold sores around the mouth.

Genital herpes is very easy to pass on (contagious) from the first tingling or itching of a new outbreak to when sores have fully healed.

You can get genital herpes:

• from skin-to-skin contact with the infected area – including vaginal, anal and oral sex;
• when there are no visible sores or blisters;
• if a cold sore touches your genitals;
• by transferring the infection on fingers from someone else to your genitals;
• by sharing sex toys with someone who has herpes.

 

• Symptoms

  Not everyone who has the virus will get symptoms. Symptoms of genital herpes include:

  • small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores around your genitals, anus, thighs or bottom – the sores may be less red on brown or black skin;
  • tingling, burning or itching around your genitals;
  • pain when you pee;
  • discharge that’s not usual for you.

  The first outbreak of sores is often the worst. Some people only have one episode of herpes, while in others the symptoms come back. This is called a ‘recurrence’. Usually, symptoms are milder if they recur and clear up more quickly (in about a week).

• Testing

  You should go to a GUM as soon as possible if you have:

  • small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores around your genitals, anus, thighs or buttocks;
  • tingling, burning or itching around your genitals;
  • pain when you pee after unprotected sexual activity (this can also be a symptom of urine infection). If you need advice, see your GP;
  • vaginal discharge that’s not usual for you (in women).

  Getting tested | Sexual Health NI (hscni.net)

• Treatment

  There’s no cure for genital herpes. Symptoms clear up by themselves but the blisters can come back (an outbreak or recurrence). Treatment from a sexual health clinic can help.

  You may be prescribed:

  • antiviral medicine to stop the symptoms getting worse – you need to start taking this within five  days of the symptoms appearing;
  • cream for the pain.