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Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Symptoms include painful ulcers in the genitals or lips which often resolve on their own. Herpes infection is lifelong, remaining in the body, and can flare up periodically, causing the symptoms to return.

Genital herpes is highly contagious from the first tingling or itching of a new outbreak (before blisters appear) until sores have fully healed. It may also spread when no symptoms are present.

You can get genital herpes through:

  • Skin-to-skin contact with the infected area during vaginal, anal, or oral sex
  • Contact with a cold sore touching your genitals
  • Touching the infection and transferring it to your genitals with fingers
  • Sharing sex toys with an infected person
  • Oral sex, if a person has a cold sore (oral herpes) – do not have oral sex or kiss others if you have a cold sore so as not to infect them. Infection can be oral (cold sores/oral herpes) or genital (genital herpes). 

You cannot get genital herpes from objects like cutlery or cups or using public toilets, as the virus dies quickly when away from the skin.

⚠️ Symptoms

 

 
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💎 Prevention

 

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💊 Treatment
 

 

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🧪 Testing

 

 

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❓ Why Herpes Recurs

 

 

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👁‍🗨 Special Considerations
 

 

 
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Symptoms can appear 4 to 7 days after infection but may not emerge until months or years later. Many people experience no symptoms when first infected.

Common Symptoms
  • Small, painful blisters that burst to form red, open sores around the genitals, anus, thighs, or bottom
  • Tingling, burning, or itching sensations around the genitals
  • Pain during urination, this can be severe.
  • Unusual discharge from the genitals (if applicable)

You can reduce the risk of spreading herpes by:

  • Using condoms for vaginal, anal, or oral sex (though herpes can still spread if the condom does not cover the affected area).
  • Avoiding sexual activity during an outbreak or if tingling or itching signals an impending outbreak.
  • Not sharing sex toys or cleaning and covering them with a condom between uses.
  • Using antiviral medication to reduce risk of spreading it to others – your doctor can advise on this. 
Initial Treatment

For first-time symptoms, you may be prescribed:

  • Antiviral medicine: To stop symptoms from worsening. This should be taken within 5 days of symptoms appearing, and the faster it is taken from symptoms appearing, the better it works.
  • Creams: To ease pain but also treat.

If symptoms persist beyond 5 days, testing can still determine the cause.

Recurring Outbreaks

Outbreaks usually become milder over time and may require no treatment. If needed:

  • Antiviral medicine can shorten outbreaks by 1–2 days if taken early.
  • Some individuals with frequent outbreaks (6+ per year) may benefit from daily antiviral medicine for 6–12 months.

Preventative treatment. 

As herpes infection is lifelong, if you have repeated flare ups, antiviral medication can be prescribed to be used daily to reduce how often you get flare up of ulcers. Medication can also be used to reduce the chance of spreading the infection to others. 

Managing Outbreaks Yourself

Do:

  • Keep the area clean with plain or mildly salty water to prevent pain.
  • Apply ice packs wrapped in a cloth to reduce pain for maximum ten minutes at a time up to 4 times a day.
  • Use petroleum jelly e.g. Vaseline on the ulcers or pain-relief cream to ease discomfort, especially when urinating.
  • Wash hands before and after touching the affected area.
  • Urinate while pouring water over the genitals or while sitting in the bath to reduce stinging.

Don’t:

  • Wear tight clothing.
  • Apply ice directly to the skin.
  • Touch sores unless applying treatment.
  • Engage in vaginal, anal, or oral sex until sores heal completely.

How Testing Works

Testing is most effective when blisters or sores are present. A healthcare professional may:

  • Use a swab to collect fluid from a blister or sore for analysis.

The test cannot:

  • Be performed if no visible symptoms are present.
  • Determine how long you’ve had herpes or who transmitted it to you.

However, often a doctor will diagnose based on examination alone, and testing may not be needed. 

❓ Why Herpes Recurs

 

 

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👁‍🗨 Special Considerations
 

 

 
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Once infected, the herpes virus remains in the body, lying dormant in nearby nerves. It does not spread within the body but causes blisters in the same area during outbreaks.

Triggers for outbreaks include:

  • Avoidable: UV light exposure, friction, tight clothing, smoking, alcohol.
  • Unavoidable: Illness, stress, menstruation, genital surgery, weakened immune system.
👁‍🗨 Special Considerations
 

 

 
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Genital Herpes and HIV

Herpes can be more severe for people with HIV. Those affected are referred to genitourinary medicine (GUM) specialists.

Genital Herpes and Pregnancy
  • Most individuals with herpes before pregnancy can have a healthy baby and a vaginal delivery.
  • If contracted during pregnancy, especially after 28 weeks, antiviral treatment is recommended to protect the baby.
  • Caesarean delivery may be offered if outbreaks occur near childbirth.
  • You must inform your gynaecologist if you have been diagnosed with genital herpes in the past. 

Genital herpes is manageable with proper care, and treatment helps reduce symptoms and outbreaks. Testing and awareness are key to managing the condition effectively.