Genital Herpes: Herpes Simplex Virus

Genital herpes is a viral sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type I and Type II. Most genital infections are caused by HSV Type II.

It is one of the most common STDs. HSV I usually infects the mouth and lips. Sometimes, it can infect other parts of the body. With HSV II, most people are not aware of their infection. When somebody first gets herpes, they can have a fever, swollen glands, aches and pains. They can get lots of little blisters at the spot where the virus first contacted the body, which can be painful.

There is no medical cure for herpes.

Transmission/How it is Spread:

Spread through oral, anal, or vaginal sex, and intimate skin-to-skin contact.
Most contagious when open sores are present but can be transmitted even when no sores are present.
Can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or vaginal birth.

Complications:

Recurring sores on genitals and other areas.
Increased risk of getting HIV, if exposed.
Psychological distress in people who know they are infected.
Rarely, can cause serious infection, and possibly death, in infants.

Prevention:

Abstain from sexual activity.
Faithful marriage or mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
Latex condoms, when used the right way all the time, reduce but do not eliminate the risk. Because infected skin can be in areas not covered by the condom, it is still possible to get genital herpes even when using a condom.
Daily antiviral treatment for genital herpes outbreaks can help reduce the chances of giving it to another person.

Treatment/Cure:

No medical cure.
Antiviral medication can shorten and prevent outbreaks

Genital herpes is one of the most common STDs. Genital herpes typically causes sores in the genital area. It is spread through oral, anal, or vaginal sex, and intimate skin-to-skin contact. An infected person can spread genital herpes even when they have no symptoms. Genital herpes increases the risk of getting and spreading HIV.

Most people infected with genital herpes are not aware of their infection. While often times no symptoms occur, sometimes males and females will get blisters in the genital and rectal areas. The blisters may break and leave tender spots on the skin.

Genital herpes can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or during a vaginal birth. These babies may experience the same symptoms as adults, but with more serious side effects, such as infection and damage of the brain, and possibly even death. If a female has active genital herpes when it is time to deliver the baby, a cesarean delivery (c-section) is usually performed. Fortunately, infection of a baby from a mother with genital herpes is rare.

There is no cure for herpes. The infection never goes away. Symptoms often come back at different times for the rest of a person's life. But they are usually not as bad as the first time they appear. There are medicines that help control the symptoms.

Back to Common STDs

Last revised: April 21, 2008