About genital herpesGenital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). Show
There are 2 different types of the virus (type 1 and type 2), both of which can affect the genitals. One of the types is the same virus that causes cold sores around the mouth (type 1). Genital herpes causes painful blisters and sores on and around the genitals. It can also sometimes cause problems if it's caught for the first time either very early or very late in pregnancy. How do I get genital herpes?The herpes virus (HSV) is easily passed from person to person by close, direct contact including:
Sometimes you can catch herpes when your sexual partner has no visible sores or symptoms. This is because the virus can become active on the skin without causing any visible blisters or sores. This is sometimes called 'asymptomatic shedding’. Herpes can also be passed to a newborn baby during childbirth. This is less common if the first episode of herpes is diagnosed before or at the beginning of pregnancy, and if there are no visible ulcers at the time of delivery. Sometimes medications are started towards the end of pregnancy to reduce this risk. Symptoms of genital herpesMany people with the herpes virus do not experience any symptoms when first infected. If symptoms do occur they usually take between 2 and 12 days after contact to appear. Sometimes symptoms may not be noticed until months, or sometimes years, after being in contact with the virus. If you do get symptoms, it does not mean you have just caught the virus. Once you have the herpes infection, the virus stays in your body. It can lie dormant for long periods, but can reactivate in the area that was originally infected. If the virus reactivates, the sores and blisters can reappear. This is known as a ‘recurrent episode’ of genital herpes. This first episode of genital herpes may last from 2 to 4 weeks. Repeated episodes are not usually as severe, or long, as the first and you may never have a repeat episode. Symptoms of the first infection can include spots or red bumps around the genital area. These can be very painful. In time, these swellings can break open and form sores or ulcers which gradually crust over, forming new skin as they heal. Other symptoms include:
If you have a recurrent infection, your symptoms may include:
Testing for genital herpesIf you think you may have genital herpes you should make an appointment with your GP or local sexual health services. If there are symptoms present such as blisters, sores and ulcers, your doctor or nurse may be able to make a diagnosis straight away. If you have visible blisters, your doctor or nurse may take a swab for testing, to check if this is herpes and what type. This swab can also test for another STI which causes blisters called syphilis. The genital herpes swab tests are very reliable, though if the ulcer is too dry then it may be less likely to find a positive result. Treating genital herpesAlthough there is no known cure for herpes, the symptoms of genital herpes can be treated. The symptoms of recurrent genital herpes will usually clear up without any treatment. Anti-viral medication can help speed up the healing process and reduce the severity of an episode, if needed. If you start taking the medication as soon as an outbreak begins, you may shorten or even stop the episode. Some people experience many recurrences of genital herpes. In these cases, a longer course of tablets should prevent any recurrent episodes. Talk to your doctor or nurse at the sexual health service, or to your GP, about possible treatment options that may suit you. It's important to keep the area clean by bathing the area with warm salty water. Drink enough fluid – such as water or soft drinks – to make your pee (urine) less painful to pass. If you're pregnant and find out you have a genital herpes infection, tell your midwife as soon as possible. As there's no screening test for herpes, partners are only advised to have a test if they also have symptoms. Avoiding passing genital herpes to a partnerYou can only pass the virus on to someone who has not already been infected with the same type of herpes as you. If you have herpes, you can follow some simple measures to avoid passing the virus on to your partner(s), and to continue to have a healthy and happy sex life. Do
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If you have frequent episodes of herpes then it is worth talking to your GP or sexual health clinic about longer term treatment which may also reduce the chance of you passing on the virus to your partner. Preventing recurring episodesKeep a record of when you have an episode of genital herpes. You may see a pattern developing, and be able to identify your trigger factors. Many people find that episodes occur:
If you do see a pattern of trigger factors, try to adjust your lifestyle to avoid or reduce your exposure to them. Or speak to your healthcare professional for advice. Reducing the risk of genital herpesThe best way to prevent all sexually transmitted infections is to practice safer sex. This means using a condom for vaginal, anal or oral sex. Using condoms has been shown to half the risk of passing on herpes. If your partner has herpes, avoiding sex when they have visible sores reduces your risk of getting herpes. Other STIsIf you’ve been diagnosed with herpes it’s recommended that you are tested for all STIs including:
This is even more important if you have recurrent episodes. Find your local sexual health clinicSearch for your nearest sexual health clinic through Scotland's Service Directory. Sexual health clinics Can herpes be passed when not active?Genital herpes can be spread even when there are no visible ulcers or blisters. Being diagnosed with genital herpes can be an emotional and distressing experience, and it is important to speak with your health care provider about how to manage symptoms and avoid passing the virus to sexual partners.
What are the chances of passing herpes without an outbreak?Yes. To prevent transmission of herpes, we recommend that condoms be used 100% of the time. Many patients will shed the virus and be contagious when they don't have symptoms. Studies have shown that asymptomatic shedding occurs between 1% and 3% of the time in patients with HSV II genital infections.
How do you keep herpes dormant?Reducing Outbreaks. Get plenty of sleep. This helps keep your immune system strong.. Eat healthy foods. Good nutrition also helps your immune system stay strong.. Keep stress low. Constant stress can weaken your immune system.. Protect yourself from the sun, wind, and extreme cold and heat.. How long does herpes typically stay dormant?Symptoms of genital herpes
Many people with the herpes virus do not experience any symptoms when first infected. If symptoms do occur they usually take between 2 and 12 days after contact to appear. Sometimes symptoms may not be noticed until months, or sometimes years, after being in contact with the virus.
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