Genital Herpes

Key Points

Overview

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is passed on through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Once infected, the virus stays in your body, leading to potential recurrent outbreaks of symptoms. While there is no cure, symptoms often clear up on their own, and treatments are available to help manage outbreaks and reduce their severity. If you suspect you have genital herpes, it's important to visit a sexual health clinic for diagnosis and advice.

Signs and Symptoms

• Small blisters that burst into red, open sores
• Tingling, burning, or itching around genitals
• Pain during urination
• Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
• Sores around genitals, anus, thighs, or bottom

Things That Increase the Risk

• Skin-to-skin contact with an infected area
• Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
• Contact with cold sores on genitals
• Sharing sex toys
• Triggers like stress, illness, friction, or UV light

Diagnosis

• Doctor or nurse discusses symptoms and sexual history
• Fluid sample taken from a blister or sore with a swab
• Testing requires visible blisters or sores
• Test cannot determine how long you've had herpes
• Test cannot identify the source of infection

Treatment & Management

• Antiviral medicine for first outbreak (start within 5 days)
• Antiviral medicine to shorten recurrent outbreaks
• Pain-relieving creams
• Petroleum jelly to ease pain during urination
• Long-term antiviral medicine for frequent outbreaks (more than 6 per year)
• Referral to a specialist for persistent outbreaks

Prevention

• Use condoms during sex (though not fully protective)
• Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks (from tingling to healed sores)
• Do not share sex toys
• Keep affected area clean with plain or salt water
• Avoid touching blisters or sores
• Manage triggers like stress, friction, and sun exposure

Related Diseases

• HIV
• Neonatal Herpes
• Cold Sores
• Other Sexually Transmitted Infections

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Genital Herpes: