Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can reactivate many times in a year. Genital herpes is most commonly spread via sexual contact. Symptoms of genital herpes include pain, itching, and lesions (abnormal skin tissue) in the genital region, or you may not show any symptoms at all. The virus will usually produce sores at the initial point of entry. By touching the sore and then rubbing or scratching another part of your body, including your eyes, you can spread the virus to other parts of your body. If you have been infected by genital herpes, it is important to know that you may be contagious even if you show no symptoms.
For some people with genital herpes, symptoms may reappear for many years. For others, outbreaks become less frequent with time.
Common Symptoms of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes commonly appears on the genitals, the buttocks, and occasionally the mouth.
Symptoms of a genital herpes infection include:
- Small sores or lesions on the affected area (usually small red bumps, or whitish blisters)
- Pain or tenderness
- Itching in the affected area
- Immune system responses (such as fever/ flu symptoms or swollen lymph nodes)
In general, the sores that are most commonly associated with genital herpes will appear where the infection occurred. After the first outbreak of symptoms, you may not experience any signs of an infection for weeks or months. Most recurring episodes are milder and shorter-lived than the first outbreak. Prior to a recurrence, you may experience pain or discomfort in the affected area. These subsequent outbreaks will begin to go away after a few days with the help of antiviral medication, and pain management treatment options (such as ibuprofen).
Types of Genital Herpes
There are two herpes simplex virus types that can cause genital herpes. They are detailed below.
HSV-1: HSV-1 most commonly causes oral herpes (cold sores or lesions around the mouth). HSV-1 infections are generally milder - and recur less - than HSV-2 infections. Even though HSV-1 primarily affects the mouth, it can be spread to the genitals during oral sex.
HSV-2: An infection of the HSV-2 virus is the most common cause of genital herpes. HSV-2 is spread through skin-to-skin contact with an affected area. HSV-2 is highly contagious and can be transmitted even if the infected individual is not experiencing an active flare-up or open sores.
Genital Herpes Transmission
Genital herpes is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual. In most cases, the HSV-2 virus is spread through sexual contact. Because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends condom use during sexual activity to prevent direct skin-to-skin contact. However, the virus may be present in an area that is not protected by condom usage.
To further reduce your risk of spreading or contracting genital herpes, the CDC recommends that individuals limit the number of their sexual partners, and consistently engage in safe-sex practices. If your partner has an ongoing genital herpes infection, you may decrease your likelihood of picking up the sexually transmitted disease if they consistently take antiviral suppressive therapies and refrain from sexual activity during an active outbreak.
