Genital Herpes

STIs A to Z

What is Herpes?
Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are two types of viruses: Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV1) and type 2 (HSV2). These viruses are very similar and both can cause blisters or ulcers. When these occur on the face they are known as 'cold sores' and when they occur on the genitals they are called 'genital herpes'. However, both viruses can be caught on other parts of the body.

How does someone get herpes?

  • You can pass genital herpes to others without knowing it.
  • The most common way is through sexual contact, where one partner has the virus.
  • Anyone can get herpes. It is very common and can be easily transmitted during vaginal, oral and anal sex.
  • If a person has a skin sore, there is a high risk of them passing on the virus from that part.
  • The most common way to catch genital HSV1 is through oral sex from a person who has a cold sore. It can also be transmitted through the genital secretions of a person who is infected with genital HSV.
  • It can be transmitted through the saliva of a person who is infected with oral HSV.
  • Genital herpes does not usually cause serious health problems.


How can I lower my risk for herpes?

  • The ultimate way to prevent genital herpes is to not have sex at all, or to be in a monogamous sexual relationship with someone who is not infected.
  • Condoms can reduce the risk of getting genital herpes. However, condoms can only protect the area of the body that it covers. Ulcers present in areas not covered with a condom can infect the other sexual partner.
  • Get tested as often as necessary.
  • Limit your number of partners.
  • Do not have sex if you are drunk or have used illicit drugs.

N.B. Washing the genitals after sex will not prevent STIs.

What are the symptoms of herpes?

  • Most people will not have visible signs or symptoms.
  • You may be infected with the virus for a long time (weeks, months and years) before you develop any symptoms.
  • However, genital herpes symptoms may also develop within 4-5 days of becoming infected.
  • At first, you may notice stinging or itching in the genital or anal area. Small fluid-filled blisters and sores may occur, which then burst within a couple of days before developing crust over the small wound.
  • During an initial flare-up of the HSV, you may have flu-like symptoms such as headache, muscle pain and fever. You may also have swollen glands in the groin region.
  • You can spread the infection to other parts of your body by scratching the blisters/sores and then touching another area of your body. You can also spread it to your eyes.
  • Men can develop blisters/sores on their mouth, buttocks and thighs, urethra and anus, penis and scrotum.
  • Women can develop blisters/sore on their mouth, buttocks and thighs, urethra and anus, vaginal area, cervix and external genitals.
  • HSV1 causes nose and mouth cold sores.


How can I find out if I have herpes?

  • The doctor may know that you have HSV infection by simply looking at your signs and symptoms. A swab from the ulcer may also be taken, along with a blood test.
  • You can call the Genito-Urinary Clinic at Mater Dei Hospital (Out-patient's Level 2) on 25457494/1 for an appointment.
  • You may get tested for other STIs as one can have other sexually transmitted infections at the same time.


When should I be tested?

  • You should be tested for genital herpes as soon as you experience any of the symptoms.
  • If you had or are having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex.
  • If you had or are having unprotected sex with more than one partner.


How is herpes treated?

  • There is no cure for genital herpes, but there are treatments for the symptoms.
  • The first time you show symptoms of herpes you should speak to your physician who will prescribe antiviral medication. The medication does not rid the body of the virus, but stops it from multiplying further. It is best to start treatment within 5 days.
  • Some medicines can prevent the blisters or make them go away faster.
  • Applying ice-packs to the sores (do not place the ice directly on the skin, use a cloth) for some time helps to relieve the pain and the itchiness. Cold showers may also help.
  • Bathe in warm water or with Epsom salts and be sure to dry the sore afterwards.
  • If you experience pain while passing urine, you can use a shower to wet your genitals with warm water as you pass urine. If you cannot pass urine for a long time, seek medical assistance immediately.


Will my genital herpes come back?

  • Some people complain that herpes sores recur. Recurrent genital sores can occur more often with type 2 infections than type 1. HSV 1 cold sores are reported to be triggered by fatigue, stress, low immunity or exposure to UV light.
  • If you have frequent recurrences, you can take preventative treatment to suppress the symptoms.


Do I have to inform my partner about herpes?

  • Telling your partner about your herpes diagnosis will reduce the chance of passing the virus. If your partner had been already infected with HSV2, you cannot pass on the virus to them again.
  • You cannot get genital herpes from bath towels, from toilet seats and swimming pools.
  • If you intend to have sex, make sure to wait until your skin is fully healed. Delaying sex until symptoms are resolved makes it much less likely to pass on the virus. However, you can still pass on the infection even when you have no sores on your skin.
  • Herpes Simplex type 1 is very common - your partner may already have it. It is unlikely that you will re-infect them.

HSV-1 is mostly contagious during an outbreak of symptoms. However, it can also be transmitted when there are no symptoms visible. Anyone who has a current outbreak should avoid oral contact with other and share objects that have contact with saliva.

Herpes and pregnancy

  • If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant and you have herpes, speak to your doctor. Your doctor will advise you about how to reduce the risk further and what type of delivery you should pursue. You may be prescribed antiviral medications.
  • If a person contracted herpes before becoming pregnant, the baby is unlikely to be harmed. This is because the mother's immune system has already responded to the virus and formed antibodies to it, which are then passed to the baby.
  • It is very important not to catch herpes during the pregnancy. Speak to your doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms. The baby can get infected during birth and can develop blindness, brain damage or death.


Herpes and HIV
Being infected with herpes increases the risk of contracting HIV. There is a high concentration of immune cells at the site of a herpetic sore. These cells are attacked by HIV, therefore if a sore comes into contact with the virus there is an increased chance of getting infected.

Further information and help

  • Talk to your doctor
  • Call the GU Clinic on 25457494/1 for an appointment


Reference List:

https://iusti.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Herpes.pdf

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus

https://www.bashhguidelines.org/media/1039/hsv-pil-2015-screen-friendly.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/the-facts/default.htm

https://iusti.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/HSVtype1_2017.pdf

https://iusti.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/HSVtype2_2017.pdf