Genital herpes is an incredibly contagious sexually transmitted diseases, one spread through skin-to-skin contact that affects one in five adults in the United States — about 45 million people in all.
Herpes infects as many as one million new patients each year. It is viral in nature, caused by the herpes simplex viruses (HSV) type 1 and type 2. Most genital herpes results from HSV type 2.
Genital Herpes Transmission and Symptoms
The herpes virus infects people by passing through a break in the skin during vaginal, oral sex, or anal sex. These tiny skin breaks are caused by typical levels of friction during sex and are not visible to the naked eye. HSV also can enter the body through the moist membranes of the sexual organs, urinary opening, cervix, or anus. The virus can be transmitted even if the infected person has no blisters, sores, or other visible signs of an outbreak. However, there is no evidence that it can be picked up through contact with a toilet seat, hot tub, or other objects.
Genital herpes can be transmitted to other parts of the body, including the lips, tongue, gums, eyes, and fingers. For example, during oral sex, herpes can pass from the genitals to the mouth, and vice versa. Infection can also occur if a person touches a herpes sore and then rubs or scratches another part of the body.
Many people who are infected with genital herpes show no symptoms most of the time, and may not even be aware they are infected. When symptoms do occur, they vary from mild to severe depending on the person.
Symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak can include:
Blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. When the blisters break, they leave behind tender ulcers that may take two to four weeks to heal.Pain, itching, and burning in the genital area.Vaginal discharge.Flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen glands.The first outbreak usually occurs within two weeks after transmission. After the first outbreak, most people will have four or five more outbreaks within the year. The outbreaks of blisters occur less frequently over time.
HPV and Cervical CancerDiagnosing Genital Herpes
Doctors often can diagnose genital herpes by looking for physical signs of an outbreak and using a swab to take a sample from any open sores. Blood tests designed to find herpes antibodies — released by the immune system to fight the virus — can be used to verify infection during times between outbreaks, when the virus is dormant.
Treatment for Genital Herpes
There is no cure for genital herpes. Once infected, patients will have the virus in their bodies for the rest of their lives, regardless of whether they ever experience outbreaks. Prescription drugs are available that can shorten outbreaks, decrease their severity, or keep them from happening at all.
These drugs include:
8 Ways to Prevent HPVPreventing Genital Herpes
During a herpes outbreak, patients can stay more comfortable and prevent transmission of the virus to other parts of their body or other people by:
Keeping the sores clean and drySteering clear of any contact with the soresWashing their hands after any contact with soresAvoiding any sexual activity until the sores have completely healedIn between outbreaks, the herpes carrier should always practice safe sex to avoid transmitting the virus to other people. The person with herpes should use a condom during sex. Drugs like Valtrex also can decrease the risk of transmission, but they are no substitute for the protection provided by condoms.
