Versione italiana
Search
Versione italiana
Search

STIs

Back

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is an STI caused by two types of viruses. The viruses are called herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

Oral herpes caused by HSV-1 can be spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex. This is why some cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-1.

You can get genital herpes by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the disease.

  • How is genital herpes spread?

    If you do not have herpes, you can get infected if you come into contact with the herpes virus in:

    • A herpes sore;
    • Saliva (if your partner has an oral herpes infection) or genital secretions (if your partner has a genital herpes infection);
    • Skin in the oral area if your partner has an oral herpes infection, or skin in the genital area if your partner has a genital herpes infection;
    • You can get herpes from a sexual partner who does not have a visible sore or who may not know he or she is infected. It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a sexual partner who has oral herpes.

    You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools, or from touching objects around you such as silverware, soap, or towels.

  • How can I prevent getting genital herpes?

    If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting genital herpes:

    • Be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who is not infected with an STI (e.g., a partner who has been tested and has negative STI test results);
    • Using latex condoms the right way every time you have sex;
    • Be aware that not all herpes sores occur in areas that are covered by a latex condom. Also, herpes virus can be released (shed) from areas of the skin that do not have a visible herpes sore. For these reasons, condoms may not fully protect you from getting herpes.

    If you are in a relationship with a person known to have genital herpes, you can lower your risk of getting genital herpes if:

    • Your partner takes an anti-herpes medication every day. This is something your partner should discuss with his or her doctor.
    • You avoid having vaginal, anal, or oral sex when your partner has herpes symptoms (i.e., when your partner is having an outbreak).
  • How do I know if I have genital herpes?

    Most people who have genital herpes have no symptoms, or have very mild symptoms. You may not notice mild symptoms or you may mistake them for another skin condition, such as a pimple or ingrown hair. Because of this, most people who have herpes do not know it.

    Herpes sores usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal. These symptoms are sometimes called “having an outbreak.” The first time someone has an outbreak they may also have flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, or swollen glands.

    People who experience an initial outbreak of herpes can have repeated outbreaks, especially if they are infected with HSV-2. Repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak. Although the infection stays in the body for the rest of your life, the number of outbreaks may decrease over time.

  • Can herpes be cured?

    There is no cure for herpes. However, there are medicines that can prevent or shorten outbreaks. One of these anti-herpes medicines can be taken daily, and makes it less likely that you will pass the infection on to your sexual partner(s).

  • What is the link between genital herpes and HIV?

    Herpes infection can cause sores or breaks in the skin or lining of the mouth, vagina, and rectum. This provides a way for HIV to enter the body. Even without visible sores, having genital herpes increases the number of CD4 cells (the cells that HIV targets for entry into the body) found in the lining of the genitals. When a person has both HIV and genital herpes, the chances are higher that HIV will be spread to an HIV-uninfected sexual partner during sexual contact with their partner’s mouth, vagina, or rectum.

×