Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Treatment from a sexual health clinic can help. Symptoms clear up on their own but can come back. Non-urgent advice: Go to a sexual health clinic as soon as possible if you have:
These can be symptoms of genital herpes. Go even if you have not had sex for a long time, as blisters can take months or years to appear. Information: Why you should go to a sexual health clinicYou can see a GP, but they'll probably refer you to a sexual health clinic if they think you might have genital herpes. Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system. Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment. They'll often get test results quicker than GP practices and you do not have to pay a prescription fee for treatment. Find a sexual health clinic What happens at a sexual health clinicThe doctor or nurse at the sexual health clinic will:
The test cannot:
Symptoms might not appear for weeks or even years after you're infected with the herpes virus. Treatment for genital herpesThere's no cure. Symptoms clear up by themselves, but the blisters can come back (an outbreak or recurrence). Treatment from a sexual health clinic can help. Treatment the first time you have genital herpesYou may be prescribed:
If you have had symptoms for more than 5 days before you go to a sexual health clinic, you can still get tested to find out the cause. Treatment if the blisters come backGo to a GP or sexual health clinic if you have been diagnosed with genital herpes and need treatment for an outbreak. Antiviral medicine may help shorten an outbreak by 1 or 2 days if you start taking it as soon as symptoms appear. But outbreaks usually settle by themselves, so you may not need treatment. Recurrent outbreaks are usually milder than the first episode of genital herpes. Over time, outbreaks tend to happen less often and be less severe. Some people never have outbreaks. Some people who have more than 6 outbreaks in a year may benefit from taking antiviral medicine for 6 to 12 months. If you still have outbreaks of genital herpes during this time, you may be referred to a specialist. How to deal with outbreaks yourselfIf you have been diagnosed with genital herpes and you're having an outbreak: Do
Don’t
How genital herpes is passed onGenital herpes is very easy to pass on (contagious) from the first tingling or itching of a new outbreak (before any blisters appear) to when sores have fully healed. You may also be able to pass on the virus even if you do not have any symptoms. You can get genital herpes:
You cannot get genital herpes:
Protecting against genital herpesYou can reduce the chances of passing herpes on by:
Why genital herpes comes backGenital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body. It will not spread in your body to cause blisters elsewhere. It stays in a nearby nerve and causes blisters in the same area. If you can, avoid things that trigger your symptoms. Triggers can include:
Some triggers are unavoidable, including:
Genital herpes and HIVGenital herpes can be a more serious condition for people with HIV. If you have HIV and herpes, you'll be referred to a genitourinary medicine (GUM) specialist. Genital herpes and pregnancyWomen with herpes before pregnancy can usually expect to have a healthy baby and a vaginal delivery. If you have genital herpes during pregnancy, there's a risk your baby could develop a serious illness called neonatal herpes. This can be fatal, but most babies recover with antiviral treatment. The risk of your baby getting neonatal herpes is low if you have had genital herpes before. It's higher if you get genital herpes for the first time in pregnancy. Important: ImportantSee your midwife or a GP if you think you have genital herpes in pregnancy. Genital herpes treatment in pregnancyYou may be offered antiviral treatment:
Many women with genital herpes have a vaginal delivery. You may be offered a caesarean, depending on your circumstances. Video: genital herpes - Marian's storyIn this video, Marian talks about the symptoms, treatment and issues surrounding herpes. Media last reviewed: 13 January 2021 Page last reviewed: 16 September 2020 How long does it take for a woman to show signs of herpes?The average incubation period for an initial herpes infection is 4 days (range, 2 to 12) after exposure. The vesicles break and leave painful ulcers that may take two to four weeks to heal after the initial herpes infection. Experiencing these symptoms is referred to as having a first herpes “outbreak” or episode.
What does start of herpes feel like?Right before an outbreak, you might feel tingling, itching, or burning around the area where the sores will happen. You might also notice some small discolored or white bumps starting to form. Genital herpes sores can appear on your vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, scrotum (balls), butt, anus, or upper thighs.
How do I know if I have herpes or not?Herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2)
The most obvious signs of genital herpes caused by HSV-2 are groups of blisters (lesions). They can show up on the vulva and penis, and around the anus or inside of your thighs. You can also have blisters on the vagina, cervix, or testicles.
Where is herpes located on a woman?In women and people with female reproductive tracts, herpes lesions can appear on the vulva, perineum, buttocks, anal area, cervix, and inside of the vagina (6), and some people may experience spotting and vaginal discharge (7).
|