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Medically Reviewed

By

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Although both types can lead to genital herpes, HSV-2 is more commonly linked to it. People usually get genital herpes through vaginal, oral, or anal sex, but it can also spread from someone with oral herpes through close contact.

 

When someone has genital herpes, they may experience outbreaks, where painful blisters or sores appear around the genital area, anus, and nearby skin like the buttocks or inner thighs. These blisters are often filled with fluid and can be sore or uncomfortable. The areas affected can include the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, testicles, anus, and sometimes the groin. The first outbreak is often the most severe, but symptoms may continue to return at different times, significantly when the immune system is weakened or under stress.

Genital Herpes Symptoms

Genital herpes symptoms can be different for each person. Some people have noticeable symptoms soon after infection, while others may not realise they’re infected for a long time. Here are common symptoms to look out for, especially during an outbreak:

 

  • Itching, tingling, or burning in the genital area before sores appear

  • Small, painful blisters on or around the genitals, anus, or buttocks

  • Sores that ooze fluid or bleed after blisters burst, which then crust over and begin to heal within a week

  • Red, swollen skin that might look like a rash around the affected area

  • Pain during urination, especially if sores are near the urethra

  • Sores on other areas that came into contact with the virus, like the mouth or face

  • Swollen lymph glands in the groin or other areas as the body fights the infection

  • Flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak, such as fever, headache, and muscle aches

 

After the first episode, the virus stays in the body, sometimes causing recurrent outbreaks. These later episodes are often milder and shorter and may happen when the immune system is weakened or under stress.

Genital Herpes Causes

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which spreads quickly through direct skin contact, especially during intimate activities. There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is often responsible for cold sores around the mouth but can also lead to genital herpes. HSV-2, however, is the leading cause of genital herpes and is most often transmitted through sexual contact. Here’s how genital herpes commonly spreads:

 

  • Skin-to-skin contact during sexual activities, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex

  • Kissing or close contact that involves the mouth or genital area, even without visible sores

  • Sharing sex toys without proper cleaning or protection, such as using condoms.

  • Childbirth, if a parent with genital herpes has an active outbreak, which can expose the baby to the virus

 

The virus can be transmitted even when there are no visible symptoms, as HSV can sometimes be present in bodily fluids like saliva, semen, and vaginal fluids. HSV cannot spread through casual contact like hugging, sharing towels, or sitting on toilet seats. Once inside the body, the virus can remain dormant but may reactivate, occasionally causing symptoms to flare up.

Genital Herpes Treatment

Although there’s no cure for genital herpes, treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce the chances of frequent outbreaks. With a mix of medication and self-care, many people find they can live more comfortably with genital herpes and lower the risk of passing it to others. Here’s how treatment works:

 

Antiviral Medications: Doctors often prescribe antiviral drugs, like acyclovir or valacyclovir, to help reduce symptoms. These medications work best if you take them as soon as you feel an outbreak starting (usually with early signs like itching or tingling). Antivirals can speed up healing, reduce pain, and shorten outbreaks. For people with frequent outbreaks, taking a daily antiviral may help prevent future episodes or make them milder.

 

Home Care: Managing symptoms at home can also help during an outbreak:

 

  • Warm Baths: Soaking in a warm bath can soothe painful sores. Some people add a bit of salt to the bathwater to relieve discomfort.

  • Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help ease pain.

  • Numbing Creams: Creams with numbing agents, like lidocaine, can provide short-term relief from soreness or itching.

  • Keeping the Area Clean and Dry: Wash the affected area gently and wear loose cotton clothing to let your skin breathe, which can help with healing.

  • Cold Compresses: An ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) on the area may help reduce swelling and ease pain.

 

During an outbreak, it’s best to avoid sexual contact to lower the chance of spreading herpes to a partner. Washing your hands after touching sores is also essential to avoid spreading the virus to other body parts. Working with your doctor to find a treatment plan that fits your needs can help make managing genital herpes easier.

Genital Herpes Prevention

While there’s no way to prevent genital herpes completely, there are many ways to lower the risk of infection and protect yourself and your partner:

 

  • Use Condoms and Dental Dams: Using condoms or dental dams every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex helps reduce the chance of spreading herpes. Although herpes can still spread from areas not covered by a condom, this step dramatically lowers the risk.

  • Avoid Sex During Outbreaks: If you or your partner has sores, it’s best to avoid sexual contact until all sores have fully healed. Herpes is most contagious during an outbreak, but it can sometimes spread without visible symptoms.

  • Be Open with Your Partner: If you or your partner has herpes, talk about it openly. Let each other know if there are any symptoms, and consider talking to a doctor about daily antiviral medication. This medicine can help reduce the chances of spreading herpes.

  • Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, especially if you or someone you know has herpes symptoms. This can help keep the virus from spreading to other parts of your body or other people.

  • Limit Your Number of Partners: Having fewer sexual partners reduces the overall risk of contracting STIs, including herpes. Being in a monogamous relationship, where both partners are only with each other, can also lower the chance of infection.

 

Following these steps can help you lower the risk of contracting or spreading genital herpes and keep you and your partner safer.

 

Mobi Doctor provides convenient, confidential consultations to help manage genital herpes. Our doctors can prescribe antiviral treatments, offer guidance on managing symptoms, and provide prevention advice, all from the comfort of your home.

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