Genital Herpes

At some point in their lives, 1 out of every 6 people will have genital herpes. While many people know they’re infected with the virus, they might not know they have it because they don’t have any symptoms, or the symptoms are so mild that they’re easily confused with something else, like jock itch or chafing. To find out whether you have genital herpes and how to treat it, read on to learn the signs and symptoms of this common STI and what treatments are available if you do have it.

The difference between herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2

HSV-1 is primarily responsible for oral herpes infections. HSV-2 is primarily responsible for genital herpes infections. However, either type can infect areas beyond their primary site. For example, if you perform oral sex on a partner who has genital herpes, you may develop a genital infection. 

Moreover, either virus can cause facial cold sores or fever blisters when they are transmitted to your mouth through kissing. Both viruses are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. This means that both types can be passed during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. In addition, both types can be passed from mother to child during childbirth. If you think you have been exposed to HSV-1 or 2, it's important to speak with your doctor about getting tested so that you can get proper treatment as soon as possible.

The symptoms of genital herpes in women

More than one-third of women who are infected with genital herpes do not exhibit any physical symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include vaginal burning, itching, or tingling; pain in the lower abdomen, buttocks, or legs; a thick, yellow discharge from the vagina (may be mistaken for menstrual blood); blister-like sores on or around your vagina, rectum or mouth.

 While men experience similar symptoms to women, their lesions often appear as blisters on their penis shaft, scrotum, or buttocks rather than on their vagina. Women can also get sores that appear near their anus. It’s important to note that because some people never develop any signs or symptoms of herpes infection – either oral or genital – they are unaware they have it.

The symptoms of genital herpes in men

Most men with genital herpes get painful, blistering sores on their penis. Sometimes they appear on other parts of their bodies, including their thighs, buttocks, or anal area. Men can also have these symptoms: sore throat; painful urination; swollen glands in their groin; headache. Many men with genital herpes have no symptoms at all or have only mild symptoms that go unnoticed or are mistaken for another skin condition (such as razor burn). 

The virus remains dormant in some men for years before it begins to cause problems. It's important to remember that not everyone who has genital herpes will experience symptoms every time they are exposed to the virus. If you do develop a cold sore or fever blister, you may have been exposed to HSV-1 through oral sex from someone who has a cold sore. The risk is very low because most people are infected by HSV-2 through sexual contact, but it is possible.

The health risks associated with genital herpes

The virus that causes genital herpes, HHV-2, is different from herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores. While HSV-1 usually stays on your mouth or lips and can be easily spread to a partner's genitals during oral sex, you cannot get genital herpes from receiving oral sex.

 However, getting oral herpes can put you at risk of contracting genital herpes if you engage in unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse with someone who has it. Whether you have symptoms or not, when it comes to transmitting the infection to others, genital herpes doesn't discriminate between men and women. The more sexual partners you have over your lifetime, whether male or female, the higher your risk of being exposed to both viruses simultaneously.

Facts about transmission rates

According to some experts, as many as half of all cases are transmitted from people who are unaware that they are infected. A 2009 study published in Sexually Transmitted Diseases found that about 17 percent of genital herpes cases come from a new infection. This means that people often don't realize they have it or just blame their symptoms on something else (see Sources below). 

It's also common for people with herpes to transmit it without knowing they have an outbreak, even when no visible symptoms exist. When someone is infected with herpes but doesn't experience any symptoms, he's referred to as asymptomatic. It's also possible for someone who has contracted herpes to not show signs or symptoms until years later.

Preventing the spread of the herpes

Don’t have sex when you’re experiencing an outbreak. And be sure to inform all sexual partners about your infection so they can make an informed decision about whether to pursue unprotected sex with you. Condoms are designed to help prevent transmission, but if one comes off during sex, for instance, it could still transmit herpes even if you used a condom correctly each time. So take every precaution; it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

For example, before having sex, put on a new condom if either partner has been in contact with someone who has genital herpes or shows signs of active symptoms. If you or your partner shows any signs of genital herpes—such as blisters or sores—use protection until there are no more symptoms present. 

This may not necessarily mean no more blisters or sores but simply no more outbreaks (if that is what causes discomfort). Remember that most people who carry HSV-2 don't know they're infected because they have no symptoms at all. It's important to always use protection when having intercourse (oral or vaginal) unless both partners are known to be uninfected by a blood test!

How to treat genital herpes

Two medications, Acyclovir (Zovirax) and Valacyclovir (Valtrex) are effective at shortening outbreaks if taken as soon as symptoms begin. The two drugs have very similar properties but their bioavailability differs, meaning that they can be taken in different ways. Acyclovir is better absorbed if it's taken with food; Valacyclovir is better absorbed on an empty stomach. 

To treat genital herpes successfully, you must take a pill every day for several days during an outbreak. It may also help to avoid alcohol, which can make your outbreaks worse. As with most illnesses, there is no cure for genital herpes yet, but there are treatments available to reduce its severity and duration. 

Some people choose to abstain from sex when they feel an outbreak coming on or experience uncomfortable symptoms such as tingling or burning sensations near their genitals. In addition to medication, stress management techniques such as meditation may help reduce anxiety about having an outbreak and improve the overall quality of life.

Sexually transmitted disease testing information

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a disease that is spread from one person to another through sexual contact. Not all STDs can be cured with treatment, but many can be treated. In some cases, your partner will not know he or she has an STD unless you go for STD testing together. The best way to avoid getting an STD is by practicing safe sex, including abstinence and using condoms. 

Still, if you’re sexually active it’s important to be aware of your risk factors for STDs, get tested regularly, and receive treatment as needed. If you are pregnant, there are several things you should know about STDs and pregnancy. Pregnant women should also talk to their doctors about which tests they need. Some STDs have no symptoms at all; however, even those without symptoms can still cause serious health problems in both men and women. If left untreated, some diseases may lead to infertility or even death.