Genital Herpes
Cause:
Genital Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex 2 virus (HSV). The Herpes 1 virus causes cold sores on the mouth.
Symptoms:
An outbreak can vary from one small split or cut in the skin of the genital area, to clusters of small blisters on the penis or vulva (lips of the vagina). Herpes can also affect the anal and buttocks area.
Tingling or itchiness in the genital area can indicate the start of an episode. Blisters may then appear and they can turn into ulcers that usually heal in 7-10 days.
Sometimes there is pain or flu-like symptoms.
Often there are no signs at all at the time of infection but episodes can occur later or the infection can spread to others.
How is it spread?:
The virus is spread during skin to skin contact or through any kind of vaginal, oral or anal sex. Cold sores can sometimes spread from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex.
Even when there are no obvious sores or signs of infection, the virus can still be
passed on.
Treatment:
The herpes virus cannot be cured but it can be treated and controlled.
See a doctor as soon as any signs appear. Treatment for severe or very frequent episodes includes antiviral tablets that can ease symptoms and reduce further episodes.
Antiviral treatment can also be used to help prevent spread to sexual partners.
Taking good care of your general health and lowering your stress levels can be helpful. Some people also use alternative therapies.
Prevention:
• Avoid sex during an episode because there is more virus on the skin during an episode. Watch for signs such as tingling and itching, which come just before the blisters appear.
• Condoms help but they are not 100 per cent effective because they will only stop the spread from the skin covered by the condom. Using dams for oral sex may be an option if they cover the blisters/ulcers.
• Antiviral treatment may help prevent spread to sexual partners.
(Sourced from Sexually Transmissible Infections: Treatment is good/prevention is best, DHS 2003)