Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Treatment from a sexual health clinic can help. Symptoms clear up on their own but can come back. Non-urgent advice: Go to a sexual health clinic as soon as possible if you have:
These can be symptoms of genital herpes. Go even if you have not had sex for a long time, as blisters can take months or years to appear. Information: Why you should go to a sexual health clinicYou can see a GP, but they'll probably refer you to a sexual health clinic if they think you might have genital herpes. Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system. Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment. They'll often get test results quicker than GP practices and you do not have to pay a prescription fee for treatment. Find a sexual health clinic What happens at a sexual health clinicThe doctor or nurse at the sexual health clinic will:
The test cannot:
Symptoms might not appear for weeks or even years after you're infected with the herpes virus. Treatment for genital herpesThere's no cure. Symptoms clear up by themselves, but the blisters can come back (an outbreak or recurrence). Treatment from a sexual health clinic can help. Treatment the first time you have genital herpesYou may be prescribed:
If you have had symptoms for more than 5 days before you go to a sexual health clinic, you can still get tested to find out the cause. Treatment if the blisters come backGo to a GP or sexual health clinic if you have been diagnosed with genital herpes and need treatment for an outbreak. Antiviral medicine may help shorten an outbreak by 1 or 2 days if you start taking it as soon as symptoms appear. But outbreaks usually settle by themselves, so you may not need treatment. Recurrent outbreaks are usually milder than the first episode of genital herpes. Over time, outbreaks tend to happen less often and be less severe. Some people never have outbreaks. Some people who have more than 6 outbreaks in a year may benefit from taking antiviral medicine for 6 to 12 months. If you still have outbreaks of genital herpes during this time, you may be referred to a specialist. How to deal with outbreaks yourselfIf you have been diagnosed with genital herpes and you're having an outbreak: Do
Don’t
How genital herpes is passed onGenital herpes is very easy to pass on (contagious) from the first tingling or itching of a new outbreak (before any blisters appear) to when sores have fully healed. You may also be able to pass on the virus even if you do not have any symptoms. You can get genital herpes:
You cannot get genital herpes:
Protecting against genital herpesYou can reduce the chances of passing herpes on by:
Why genital herpes comes backGenital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body. It will not spread in your body to cause blisters elsewhere. It stays in a nearby nerve and causes blisters in the same area. If you can, avoid things that trigger your symptoms. Triggers can include:
Some triggers are unavoidable, including:
Genital herpes and HIVGenital herpes can be a more serious condition for people with HIV. If you have HIV and herpes, you'll be referred to a genitourinary medicine (GUM) specialist. Genital herpes and pregnancyWomen with herpes before pregnancy can usually expect to have a healthy baby and a vaginal delivery. If you have genital herpes during pregnancy, there's a risk your baby could develop a serious illness called neonatal herpes. This can be fatal, but most babies recover with antiviral treatment. The risk of your baby getting neonatal herpes is low if you have had genital herpes before. It's higher if you get genital herpes for the first time in pregnancy. Important: ImportantSee your midwife or a GP if you think you have genital herpes in pregnancy. Genital herpes treatment in pregnancyYou may be offered antiviral treatment:
Many women with genital herpes have a vaginal delivery. You may be offered a caesarean, depending on your circumstances. Video: genital herpes - Marian's storyIn this video, Marian talks about the symptoms, treatment and issues surrounding herpes. Media last reviewed: 13 January 2021 Page last reviewed: 16 September 2020 Is it normal to have frequent herpes outbreaks?Recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes are common, and many patients who recognize recurrences have prodromal symptoms, either localized genital pain, or tingling or shooting pains in the legs, hips or buttocks, which occur hours to days before the eruption of herpetic lesions.
What causes frequent herpes outbreaks?Triggers for recurrence — Illness, stress, sunlight, and fatigue can trigger recurrent herpes outbreaks. In women, menstrual periods may trigger an outbreak. When did I become infected? — The first time a person has noticeable signs or symptoms of herpes may not be the initial episode.
How often do females have herpes outbreaks?Some people have outbreaks only once or twice. Other people may have four or five outbreaks within a year. Over time, the outbreaks usually happen less often and are less severe. Experts do not know what causes the virus to become active.
Do herpes outbreaks always come back?Some people get no further episodes, while a few get frequent recurrences. If you do, you could ask your doctor for antiviral pills to prevent outbreaks – see antiviral treatment, or you can try self-help treatments.
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