Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus can affect the mouth, the genital area, the skin around the anus and the fingers. Once the first outbreak of herpes is over, the virus hides away in the nerve fibres, where it remains totally undetected and causes no symptoms.
However, in some people, genital herpes may come back (recur) on the skin surface, at or near the place where it was caught. This may be when the person is ill or run down. Some people never get another outbreak.
Types of the virus
There are two types of the genital herpes virus. Either type is infectious, but:
* Type I infects the mouth or nose. It is more likely to recur than if Type II infects this area
* Type II infects the genital and anal area, it is more likely to recur than if Type I infects this area.
Genital and anal infections used to always be caused by Type II, but Type I is becoming more common in these areas, because more people are having oral sex.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of the first infection usually appear one to 26 days after exposure and last two to three weeks. Both men and women may have one or more symptoms, including:
* an itching or tingling sensation in the genital or anal area
* small fluid-filled blisters. These burst and leave small sores which can be very painful. In time they dry out, scab over and heal. With the first infection they can take between 2 and 4 weeks to heal properly
* pain when passing urine, if it passes over any of the open sores
* a flu-like illness, backache, headache, swollen glands or fever.
At this time the virus is highly infectious.
Recurrent infections are usually milder. The sores are fewer, smaller, less painful and heal more quickly, and there are no flu-like symptoms.
How genital herpes is passed on
Genital herpes is passed on through skin contact with an infected person. The virus affects the areas where it enters the body. This can be by:
* kissing (mouth to mouth)
* penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina, mouth or anus)
* oral sex (from the mouth to the genitals).
At this time the virus is highly infectious.
Where to go for help
* Your local sexual health (GUM) clinic.
You can find details of your nearest NHS sexual health clinic in the phone book under genito-urinary medicine (GUM), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or venereal diseases (VD). Or phone your local hospital and ask for the ’special’ or GUM clinic. Our help and advice page links to websites which can tell you where to find your nearest clinic.
You will get free, confidential advice and treatment. You can go to any clinic anywhere in the country - you don’t have to go to a local one - and you don’t have to be referred by your GP. (Non-NHS sexual health clinics may not always offer the full range of services which are available at NHS sexual health clinics.)
* Your own GP.
* The Herpes Viruses Association - for information and support for people who have herpes - tel. 0845 123 2305 (UK local rate).
* If you are in the UK, go to www.playingsafely.co.uk to find details of STD clinics.