What is herpes?
Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The CDC estimated 572,000 new genital herpes infections occurred among Americans aged 14-49 in 2018, making it one of the most prevalent STIs.
There are two types of this virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes, which manifests as cold sores around the mouth, but it can also cause genital herpes.
HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes, which affects the genital area, anus, or buttocks. Once a person is infected with herpes, the virus remains in the body for life, with occasional outbreaks of sores or blisters.
Symptoms & Causes
Herpes infections can vary significantly in their presentation. Many people with herpes do not have any symptoms and may be unaware they are infected. When symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe and typically involve sores or blisters.
Herpes symptoms in women
Women with herpes may experience:
- Painful blisters or sores around the genital area, anus, or buttocks
- Itching, tingling, or burning sensation before the appearance of sores
- Vaginal discharge
- Painful urination
- Flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak (e.g., fever, body aches, swollen glands)
Herpes symptoms in men
Men with herpes may notice:
- Painful blisters or sores on the penis, scrotum, anus, or buttocks
- Itching, tingling, or burning sensation before the appearance of sores
- Discharge from the penis
- Painful urination
- Flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak
Herpes outbreaks
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. The first outbreak tends to be the most severe, with subsequent outbreaks generally being milder and shorter in duration. Over time, the frequency of outbreaks tends to decrease.
How do you get herpes?
Herpes is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can be spread even when the infected person has no visible sores or symptoms. HSV-1, commonly associated with oral herpes, can also be transmitted to the genital area through oral sex, leading to genital herpes.
Herpes cannot be transmitted through objects such as toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools. It is also not spread through casual contact, such as hugging or sharing utensils.
Testing & Treatment
Testing for herpes
Herpes can be diagnosed through several methods:
- Visual examination: A healthcare provider may diagnose herpes by examining the sores.
- Swab test: A swab taken from an active sore can be tested in a laboratory to confirm the presence of the virus.
- Blood test: If sores are not present, a blood test can be used to detect antibodies to HSV, indicating a past or current infection.
It’s important to have an open and honest discussion with your healthcare provider about herpes testing and any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Treatment for herpes
There is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications can help manage the infection. These medications can reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks, as well as lower the risk of transmitting the virus to others. For those with frequent outbreaks, daily suppressive therapy (daily use of antiviral medication) may be recommended to help prevent recurrences and reduce transmission risk.
Even though herpes is a lifelong infection, it is manageable with proper treatment. Using condoms can reduce the risk of transmission, but it does not eliminate the risk entirely.
What happens if I don’t get treated?
While herpes is not curable, not receiving treatment can result in more frequent and severe outbreaks. In rare cases, untreated herpes can cause complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Additionally, touching sores and then touching other parts of the body can spread the virus to those areas, such as the eyes.
For those with herpes and HIV, the presence of genital herpes can increase the likelihood of transmitting HIV to a partner.
Telling your partner
If you have herpes, you should tell your current partners and anyone else that you’ve had sex with in the last 6 months. They can have herpes without knowing it, so they should get tested as well.
TellYourPartner.com helps you send an anonymous herpes text, so you can let partners know they’ve had contact with an infection without revealing your name.
Herpes and pregnancy
Herpes can pose risks during pregnancy, as the virus can be transmitted to the baby before or during childbirth. This is rare, but it can lead to serious health issues for the newborn. Pregnant women with herpes should consult their healthcare provider to discuss management options during pregnancy and delivery to reduce the risk of transmission.