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Sexual Health Information |
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Genital Herpes is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex viruses, known as HSV 1 or HSV 2. HSV 1 most commonly affects the lips and causes cold sores. HSV 2 most commonly affects the genital area.
What are the symptoms?
When a person has symptoms, the herpes sores may show up 2 to 21 days after contact with an infected person. The first outbreak is usually the worst. Blisters (sores) appear in the genital area (vagina, vaginal lips, penis, buttocks, rectum). There is often fever, pain in the joints, flu-like symptoms, painful urination, itching and tingling, and enlarged and tender lymph nodes.
People may have one blister or more. It may take 2 to 3 weeks to feel better. Some people have monthly outbreaks; some every few months, and about 10% never have another one. Between outbreaks, the virus stays in the body in an inactive state. Stress, menstruation, poor diet, lack of rest, illness, and exposure to extreme heat, cold or sunlight seem to trigger outbreaks for some people. Others don't notice any special reason.
How does it spread?
Herpes is spread through direct contact with blisters or sores caused by herpes. It can be spread to other parts of the body (including the eye). Be careful to wash and dry hands well after touching herpes sores. Do not kiss or have oral sex with anyone if sores are in or near the mouth.
It is possible to transmit the virus to others a day or two before the sores appear. Some people don't know they have herpes because they never develop symptoms or blisters, but they can still pass the virus in oral or genital fluids. People who have genital herpes "shed" the virus, especially in the first year. This means they can infect another person, even if they never had symptoms that they recognize as genital herpes.
A pregnant woman can pass the virus to her baby during delivery. If she knows she has had genital herpes she needs to tell her doctor or midwife.
How is HSV Diagnosed?
If a person has symptoms, a doctor can swab the blister(s) and send the fluid to the laboratory. Often doctors diagnose herpes by recognizing the symptoms.
Is there a treatment?
There is no cure for herpes. However, when people take antiviral medications, often the symptoms are not as bad. These medications can also help the sores to heal more quickly.
Here are some things you can do to feel better:
- Keep the sores clean by washing with mild soap.
- Try to air the sores and keep them dry.
- Use a hair dryer set on low to dry sores that are sensitive.
- Apply an ice pack to the sore(s).
- Wear loose fitting clothing and cotton underwear.
- If urinating is painful do it in the shower or in a warm bath.
- Don't use creams unless they are prescribed by the doctor
Here are some things you can do to prevent another outbreak:
- Do not sunbathe or sit under a sun lamp.
- Try to keep your immune system healthy by eating healthy food and getting enough sleep and exercise.
- Be sure to wash your hands well after touching sores to avoid infecting other parts of your body.
What about sexual partners?
Your sexual partners need to be informed. Since the infection can be passed without any symptoms being present, male or female condoms should be used regularly when having intercourse or any other genital contact. Avoid any sexual contact from the time you feel any tingling sensation until the sore(s) are completely healed. This means the scab has fallen off and the skin looks normal. You should avoid oral sex when you have a cold sore.
Follow-up
A person may get genital herpes more than once. After the first time, the sores are usually less painful and heal faster than with the first outbreak.
For more information?
Call the AIDS and Sexual Health Infoline at 416-392-2437
or go to
www.toronto.ca/health
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