Genital herpes (HSV, herpes simplex virus) can affect the mouth, genitals and skin surrounding the anus and fingers; the ‘herpes simplex virus’ causes it. This is the same virus that causes mouth and lip ulcers, more commonly known as ‘cold sores’.
Initial infection occurs when the virus enters the body through skin-to-skin contact. Following the initial episode, the virus hides away in nerve fibres, causing no symptoms and remaining undetectable from the immune system. For some people the symptoms will not return, although for others the first episode is followed by a return of symptoms on the surface of the skin. Frequently, secondary and subsequent episodes occur when the person is run down or unwell.
Herpes consists of two different types of infectious virus. Type I virus (HSV-1) usually infects the mouth or nose. Type II (HSV-2) infects the genital and anal area
Signs and symptoms of genital herpes. There are no differences between the symptoms men and women experience. Symptoms can include:
• Itching or tingling of the affected area; • Small blisters or sores that will break open, scab over and then heal. This can take up to 10-14 days; • Pain when urinating, caused by urine passing over the open sores; • Flu-like illness, including headache, backache, swollen glands and raised temperature, usually present at the initial infection, but not so common after that.
Transmission and prevention of genital herpes Herpes is transmitted by all forms of sexual contact from kissing to oral, vaginal or anal sex; therefore both penetrative and non-penetrative sex. The risk of transmission is much higher when blisters or sores are present, although transmission can occur even when symptoms are absent.
You can reduce the risk of transmitting the infection during an outbreak by:
• Avoiding kissing when cold sores are present around the mouth; • Avoiding oral sex in the presence of either mouth or genital sores; • Not using saliva to moisten contact lenses if sores are present around the mouth; • Avoiding any contact with the genital or anal area even with a condom or dental dam; remember herpes can also be transmitted by non-penetrative sex; • Always washing your hands thoroughly with soap both before and after touching any sores. • If you decide to use a condom at any time, remember that it will only be effective if it covers all sores.
Treatment of genital herpes Currently there is no cure for herpes, but there are antiviral treatments that can reduce the severity of symptoms and the duration of episodes.
These treatments are only effective if they are taken within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms.
