Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. New cases of genital herpes are most common among women and men over 20.
Genital herpes is passed from one person to another through unprotected vaginal sex, anal sex or oral sex (kissing, licking or sucking someone’s genitals). It can also be passed on through close genital contact (when the skin touches).
An initial outbreak of genital herpes may be followed by the virus being inactive in the body for a while before becoming active again and causing a further outbreaks, also called ‘recurrent outbreaks’.
How to recognise it
Symptoms of herpes simplex are usually tingling or itching on or around the genital area followed by the appearance of small, painful blisters. Other symptoms include general flu-like symptoms such as headache, backache or a temperature and burning sensation when passing urine.
People with herpes simplex are most infectious when they have sores or blisters. If sores or blisters are not present the virus cannot be tested for. This is because many people can have the virus but not have symptoms.
How it’s treated
No cure is yet available for genital herpes but an anti-viral drug (Aciclovir) can reduce the severity of the first and recurrent episodes as well as the length of the first episode. It is important to get treatment as soon as possible for it to have an effect on symptoms.
Most people will only have one or two attacks of genital herpes but some may have more regular recurrences.
