Genital Herpes

What It Is

Genital herpes is an infection caused by a virus (a kind of germ).

• You get the herpes virus by having sex with someone who has it.
• It can be spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be spread by touching the infected area of someone who has it.
• It causes small, painful sores or blisters. The sores can come and go, but once you get herpes, the virus is always in your body.

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Symptoms

Most people with herpes get signs of the infection, but some people don't.

Most people get blisters or sores. They can show up in any of these places:

• The vagina or penis
• The thighs or buttocks
• The mouth

These blisters or sores are different for everyone:

• Some people get a painful rash of blisters or sores.
• Some get only a blister or two that just itch.
• Some people feel like they have the flu along with the blisters.

The sores and blisters will heal.

• Some people get the sores only once.
• Some people get them many times.

Even when you have no sores or blisters, the herpes virus is in your body, and you can pass herpes to others.

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Long-Term Effects

Herpes cannot be cured. It can cause these problems:

• You can pass it on to others.
• You have a higher chance of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
• Your baby could get herpes while being born.

If you have herpes and get pregnant:

• Tell your doctor you have herpes.
• Get prenatal care.

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Treatment

Genital herpes can't be cured, but there are medicines that may help the sores heal more quickly. Some medicines may also make the blisters come less often, stay a shorter time, and be less painful.

To treat genital herpes:

• Take the medicine your doctor gives you.
• Your partner(s) should get checked for herpes.

If you think you may be pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor before you get treated.

To take care of the sores:

• Keep the area clean and dry. Wash gently and dry with a clean, soft towel. Or use a hair dryer set on cool.
• Wear cotton underwear and loose clothes.
• Don't put any cream or ointment on the sores unless your clinician tells you to.

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