Everything you need to know about genital herpes
Written in association with:
GU doctor
Published: 21/08/2017
Edited by:
Herpes is an incredibly common and irritating infection. Over half the population of the UK is thought to have one of the strains of herpes simplex. Herpes can affect the mouth, anal region and skin on many other parts of the body, but it is most commonly associated with the genitals. In this article, we examine how genital herpes is transmitted and treated, and what symptoms you should look out for.
What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the type 1 and 2 herpes simplex viruses. The type 1 virus is the same virus that causes oral cold sores.
How is genital herpes transmitted?
In people who have genital herpes, the virus is present on the genital skin, and on the lips and mouths of people with oral herpes and is transmitted by sexual contact, including oral sex.
Most people who have herpes are unaware of their infection because it often causes no, or very minor, symptoms. People who don’t have symptoms are also able to transmit the virus to their sexual partners.
What are the symptoms of herpes?
Herpes typically causes blisters or ulcers on the genital skin; other symptoms may include itching, tingling, vaginal or penile discharge or discomfort when passing urine.
When people first catch herpes, the genital blisters may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms including fever and general malaise. These symptoms may last for several days and usually get better on their own.
Symptoms may come back again from time to time but are usually milder than the first episode. When herpes comes back again, these episodes are called recurrences.
How is genital herpes treated?
Herpes is treated with a course of an antiviral medicine such as acyclovir. Future episodes or recurrences can also be prevented by taking acyclovir.
Is there a cure for genital herpes?
There is no cure for herpes, but many people have no further episodes after the first one, and in those who do, treatment controls or stops symptoms in the majority of people.
For most people, as with oral cold sores, genital herpes is often no more than a nuisance.
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should consult your GP or a specialist (dermatologist, sexual health specialist or gynaecologist).