Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is caused by a virus—either the herpes simplex virus type 1 or the herpes simplex virus type 2. Either virus can cause sores on the lips and on the genitals. Type 1 more often causes cold sores. Type 2 more often causes genital sores.

You get infected when the virus enters your body. It can enter through a break in the skin or through moist areas such as the mouth, anus, and vagina.

Symptoms of genital herpes can vary greatly from person to person. Most people never have symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms are so mild that you may not notice them. But some people have painful and bothersome symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

• Outbreaks of itchy and painful blisters on the penis or around the opening of the vagina. The blisters break open and turn into oozing, shallow sores that take up to three weeks to heal.
• Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. You may also notice an abnormal discharge and pain when you urinate.

If you notice your first infection, the symptoms will generally appear about 2 to 14 days after you were exposed to genital herpes.

Symptoms of later outbreaks are usually limited to blisters, sores, and swollen lymph nodes. As time goes on, the outbreaks happen less often, heal faster, and don't hurt as much.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose genital herpes by examining you, especially if the sores look like herpes. If this is your first outbreak, your doctor may take a sample of fluid from the sore for testing. Testing can help the doctor be sure that you have herpes. You may also have a blood test.

Your doctor may ask about your symptoms. For example, you may be asked if you:

• Have sores in your genital area.
• Have any discharge from your vagina or penis.
• Urinate often, or if it burns or stings when you urinate.

The doctor may ask you questions about your risk factors. These are things that make you more likely to get an infection. For example, the doctor may ask about your sexual practices. You may be asked if you use condoms.

Although there's no cure for genital herpes, treatment can help.

Treatment includes:

• Medicines. Antiviral medicines are the recommended treatment. They can be taken during an outbreak to relieve pain and discomfort and help sores heal faster. They work best if you start them as soon as possible after an outbreak begins. If you have a lot of outbreaks, medicines can also be taken every day. This helps reduce spreading the virus to others and helps limit the number of outbreaks.
• Home treatment. Examples include taking warm sitz baths and wearing cotton underwear. These may help relieve discomfort from sores.

Finding out that you have herpes may cause you to feel a range of emotions. Talking to your partner, a counselor, or a support group may help.