What causes genital herpes?
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, of which there are two types. Type 1 commonly causes cold sores on the mouth and lips but can also cause genital herpes. Type 2 causes genital herpes but can also infect the mouth. Once it has infected someone, the virus remains in their nerve cells for life.
How does it spread?
Most people contract genital herpes by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person. Even close skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected can spread the virus. Typically this occurs when the carrier of the virus is experiencing an outbreak of symptoms. But because some sufferers can have a herpes outbreak without showing any symptoms, infection can also occur during these periods.
What are the symptoms?
The first symptoms usually appear within two weeks of a person becoming infected. These last for several weeks and include tingling or sores on the genital or rectal area.
In women, sores may develop inside the vagina and on the cervix. In men, lesions usually appear on or around the penis. Small red bumps appear first and develop into blisters. These become itchy and painful sores that typically develop a crust before healing without leaving a scar.
Other symptoms during the first outbreak can include fever, headache, muscle aches and painful urination. There may be vaginal discharge or swollen glands in the groin area. Some people who have mild symptoms, or none at all, may not know they are infected, but they can still transmit the virus to others.
For most sufferers the virus causes outbreaks several times a year. Recurrences are generally much milder than the first outbreak and tend to become less common over time.
Can it be cured?
There is no cure for genital herpes, but antiviral medicines may help treat symptoms and prevent future outbreaks. This can decrease the risk of passing herpes to sexual partners.
Genital herpes can cause medical complications in some instances, particularly in the case of babies born to mothers with the condition.
To help prevent the risk of contracting genital herpes, avoid oral-genital contact if either sexual partner has any symptoms of oral herpes.
Using barriers, such as condoms, during sexual activity may decrease transmission when used consistently and correctly, but transmission can still occur because a condom may not cover all infected areas.
