Genital herpes

What is it and how do I get it?

Genital herpes is caused by a virus similar to the one that causes cold sores. Most people carrying the virus don’t know they are infected but they can still pass the infection on to others.

You usually catch genital herpes through direct skin contact with herpes sores in the genital area, or herpes sores on the mouth in the form of cold sores.

It can be passed on by kissing, vaginal and anal sex (genital contact), oral sex and sharing sex toys.

Sometimes you can catch herpes even 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 symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

It usually takes between two and twelve days after contact with the virus for the first symptoms of genital herpes to appear. Symptoms can last from two to four weeks.

Occasionally symptoms can appear years after initial contact. Some people exposed to the virus never become infected, while others catch herpes but never have any symptoms.

The first symptoms of genital herpes may include some itching, tingling, inflammation and discomfort in the affected area. This is usually followed by the appearance of small, painful blisters around the penis and vagina.  In time the blisters can break open and form sores or ulcers which gradually crust over, forming new skin as they heal.   At this stage, you may also feel pain when peeing or when going for a poo.

Other symptoms include general flu-like symptoms such as a backache, headache and a temperature, and mild swelling of the glands in the groin, armpits and neck.

Once you have picked up the infection, the virus stays in your body. It can lie dormant for long periods but can flare up 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.

What does getting tested involve?

Getting tested for genital herpes is simple and straightforward.

It can be diagnosed when you have the visible symptoms - blisters, sores and ulcers so it’s important to see someone at this time. A swab for testing or a blood or urine sample may be taken.

A swab looks a bit like a cotton bud and collecting a sample only takes a few minutes. It is not painful, although it may be a little uncomfortable for a moment.

How can I get tested?

You can get tested and treated for genital herpes at your local Genito-urinary Medicine (GUM) or Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH) clinic or at your GP surgery.

All of these services are totally confidential. GUM and CaSH clinics are specialist clinics that deal with STIs. You don’t need to have been referred by your GP to use them you can make an appointment over the phone yourself.

If you want to find out more information about GUM and CaSH clinics, have a look at our 'What to expect: GUM clinics' and 'What to expect: CaSH clinics' pages.

What does treatment involve?

No cure is yet available for genital herpes but an anti-viral drug can help reduce the severity of herpes each time you have an episode. If you start taking the medication as soon as an outbreak begins, you may shorten or even stop the episode.

Some people experience frequent recurrences of genital herpes. In these cases, a longer course of tablets should prevent any recurrent episodes.

Using an ice-pack (ice wrapped in a flannel and put in a polythene bag) can help relieve the itching at home. Some people also find salt baths useful. You can buy anaesthetic gel or ointment at some chemists.

Sexual health staff will provide you with all the advice, support and treatment you need.  There are some simple steps you can take to help avoid passing the virus on these include:

• Learning to recognise the warning signs (tingling, itching or inflammation) that an episode is starting. Do not have sexual contact at this time.
• Not allowing anyone to come into direct contact with your sores or blisters.
• Avoiding kissing and oral sex when you or your partner has cold sores around the mouth – or you feel that sores may be developing.

Can I prevent an episode of genital herpes?

Keep a record of when you have an episode of genital herpes. You may see a pattern developing, and be able to identify things that might be triggering the virus.

Many people find that episodes occur when they’re run-down, under stress, around the time of their period, or when the skin gets irritated due to friction or tight clothing.

Sunlight (or the use of sunbeds) may also bring on an episode. If you do see a pattern of trigger factors, try to adjust your lifestyle to avoid or reduce your exposure to them.

What are the health effects?

Genital herpes causes painful blisters and sores on and around the penis or vagina and can increase the risk of miscarriage if a first infection happens early in pregnancy.

The herpes virus does not affect fertility in women or men.