Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the virus called herpes simplex (HSV).
There are two forms of the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2.
- HSV-1 often causes cold sores around the mouth
- HSV-2 is the usual cause of infection around the genitals.
You can experience symptoms as early as two days after being infected with HSV, however, you may not experience symptoms for months, years or possibly not at all.
Symptoms for HSV include:
- itching and/or burning genitals
- painful blisters or ulcers around the genitals and/or anus
- redness or a rash around genital area
- swelling of the genital area
- pain while urinating
- flu-like symptoms.
While you may experience no symptoms at all, you can still spread the virus to sexual partners.
The main treatment for severe HSV is an antiviral drug. While this drug will help to reduce the number of outbreaks you may have, and speed up the healing process, it will not cure the virus.
Genital herpes reoccurs at different stages for different people. Some people may have 12 attacks per year while some will not have any symptoms for many years.
For more information and advice about treatment please visit a health specialist. Any of the options below will be able to help you.
- Family Planning centre
- School nurse
- Your Doctor
- Any sexual health clinic
Resources
What is Genital Herpes?
Available on HealthEd.
Page last updated: 09 July 2012
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