Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2). It can cause painful blisters or sores, but many people have very mild symptoms or none and can still spread it.
How it spreads
- Skin-to-skin sexual contact (oral, vaginal, anal). HSV-1 can spread to genitals during oral sex.
- The virus can spread even when no sores are visible (asymptomatic shedding).
Symptoms
- First episode: clusters of painful blisters or open sores on the genitals, buttocks, or nearby skin; burning with urination; swollen groin lymph nodes; fever/body aches in some.
- Recurrences: usually milder and shorter; tingling or burning may precede sores (“prodrome”).
Diagnosis
- A clinician can swab a fresh sore for a PCR test.
- Blood tests can show past exposure but don’t tell when you were infected or the exact site.
Treatment
- Antiviral pills (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) shorten outbreaks and reduce symptoms.
- “Episodic” treatment: take at first sign of tingling or new sores.
- “Suppressive” treatment: daily medicine to reduce recurrences and lower transmission risk—useful if outbreaks are frequent or if a partner is uninfected.
- Pain relief: cool compresses, loose cotton underwear, sitz baths, OTC pain relievers.
Reducing transmission
- Use condoms/dental dams every time—helps but doesn’t fully prevent spread (virus can shed from uncovered skin).
- Avoid sex during symptoms and when you feel a prodrome.
- Daily suppressive therapy lowers risk further.
- Talk openly with partners; consider both partners testing for HSV and other STIs.
Pregnancy
- Tell your obstetric clinician if you or your partner has herpes.
- Antivirals at the end of pregnancy can reduce outbreaks at delivery. If sores or prodrome at labor, C-section is usually recommended to protect the baby.
Emotional support
- Herpes is common and manageable. Many people find it helpful to speak with a clinician or counselor and to learn reliable facts to reduce anxiety.