Genital herpes
genital; herpes; cold sores; STD; STI; sexually transmitted infection; sexually transmitted disease.;
Contents
Many people are very worried about genital herpes. People with the sores can feel very embarrassed and, once infected, you have it for life. However, they are simply cold sores in the genital area. Genital herpes is usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2, but can also be caused by the type 1 virus which is the usual cause of cold sores on the face.
They can cause pain and an illness the first time someone gets infected, but many people only have sores which they do not notice, and do not know they have been infected. The virus stays in the body, and the sores can recur (like cold sores on the face), but usually there is less pain with recurring outbreaks.
Genital herpes should not be regarded as a serious barrier to sexual and other loving relationships.
Warning:
If you suspect you have a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), don't give it to others, and get tested and treated quickly.
Signs
- Genital herpes sores start as an itchy or tingly spot, and then become a clump of little blisters, usually on the penis or in the vagina or skin nearby, and end up as ulcers.
- The sores can be quite painful the first time someone has them, and the person can become quite unwell with a fever and other flu-like symptoms.
- The pain and illness do not usually happen with later outbreaks, and the sores are usually in the same place that they were for the first infection.
- The ulcers develop a scab after 1 to 2 weeks, and then heal up.
- Many people do not get any symptoms or sores when they are infected.
Recurrent outbreaks
- After the first infection, the virus survives in the body.
- About 50% of people never get another outbreak, while some people get outbreaks over and over.
- In most cases if the person gets repeated outbreaks, they occur less often after a while, the sores do not last so long and may stop completely.
- Outbreaks may be triggered by general illness, stress, having periods or sexual activity, or for no obvious reason.
Diagnosis
- Herpes can be diagnosed by the type of symptoms the person is having and by the location and appearance of the sores.
- Testing for herpes can be done by taking some fluid from a blister or ulcer.
Treatment
- Iodine paint (such as Betadine**) will dry out the blisters and help prevent the sores getting infected by bacteria.
- Salt baths may help ease the pain and if it is painful to pass urine, passing urine while in a warm bath may be helpful.
- Pain relieving tablets such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help.
- Anti-viral medication may be prescribed by a doctor, particularly for the first episode if the person is unwell and in a lot of pain. Starting the treatment as early as possible is important. This treatment may also be used if the person is getting frequent outbreaks.
**Any products referred to in our health topics are usually well-known brands readily available in Australia. The brand names are given as examples only, and do not necessarily represent the best products, nor the full range of effective products on the market.
Prevention
- Spread of herpes to another person is most likely to happen when there is sexual intercourse (genital, oral or anal) a few days before or during an outbreak.
- It is possible to transmit an infection even when there are no obvious blisters, sores or other symptoms.
- Herpes is a really good reason to have SAFER SEX. Avoid sexual contact during an outbreak. Condoms can be used, but these only protect if the sores are covered by the condom.
- Remember that herpes can be passed on even when blisters or sores cannot be seen – so a person with herpes might decide to have safer sex all of the time.
- It is probably a good idea to talk with someone who knows a lot about genital herpes to decide what safer sex practices might be useful.
Herpes and pregnancy
- There is a risk that genital herpes can be transmitted to a baby at delivery, causing a serious illness for the baby. This happens most often when the mother has a herpes outbreak at the time of delivery. If this happens, the mother will usually be advised to have a caesarean section.
- The history of herpes infections should be discussed with the treating doctor.
Resources in South Australia
South Australia
- Clinic 275 - Sexually Transmitted Diseases Services, South Australia
- Shine SA - Sexual Health information, networking and education South Australia
- Sexual Healthline - Tel: 1300 883 793 (Monday to Friday 9am to 1 pm)
Country callers - Tel: 1800 188 171
- http://www.shinesa.org.au/
- The Second Story Youth Health Service (TSS)
- Central: 57 Hyde St, Adelaide
- South: 50a Beach Rd, Christies Beach
- North: 6 Gillingham Rd, Elizabeth
- West: 51 Bower St, Woodville
- Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Services South Australia 'Genital herpes'
http://www.stdservices.on.net/publications/pdf/Genital%20Herpes.pdf
Department of Health South Australia Communicable Diseases section 'Genital herpes'
http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/ygw/herpes-pehs-sahealth-2009.pdf
SHine SA 'Sexually transmitted infections'
Pamphlets 'Herpes' and 'Herpes treatment using natural therapies'.
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).