Herpes is a common virus that can cause sores on the mouth (cold sores) and in and around the genital area (genital herpes).
Type 1 of the herpes virus (HSV-1) is associated with cold sores.
Type 2 of the herpes virus (HSV-2) is associated with genital herpes.
How do I get herpes?
By direct contact with the sores or blisters of an infected person. For example:
Having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone with genital sores.
People with herpes on their mouth can spread the virus to other people's genitals through oral sex. The virus can also be spread from the genitals to mouth during oral sex.
If a mother has herpes sores during childbirth, herpes can be passed to her baby, causing health problems.
The herpes virus can be spread when you cannot see any sores.
This happens by viral shedding (when the virus sheds easily from the skin) right before a person has an outbreak or if there are sores a person cannot see (e.g., in the vagina or anus).
Viral shedding may occur anywhere in the "boxer short" area.
How do I know if I have genital herpes?
Symptoms usually start 2 to 21 days after contact with an infected person. However, symptoms can also weeks or months to appear.
You may have:
one or a group of painful, watery blisters in or around the genitals, or wherever there is skin-to-skin contact (hips, nipples, anus) with the infected person
tingling or itching of the skin around the genitals
burning when you urinate (pee)
flu-like symptoms such as fever, aches, and chills (usually during the first outbreak)
tender, swollen glands in the groin area
Outbreaks of herpes vary. You can have outbreaks as often as every few weeks to months or as rare as once a year or longer.
How do I get tested?
Visit your healthcare provider as soon as you have any symptoms.
A healthcare provider, such as your doctor, can diagnose herpes by looking at the sores or by taking a swab of the sore. The swab will tell you the type of herpes virus you have (HSV-1 or HSV-2)
It is best to be tested on the first day you notice the sores.
It is a good idea to be tested for other STI (sexually transmitted infections) at the same time.
Sometimes herpes sores can be seen on the inside of the vagina and/or cervix (opening to the uterus or womb) during a pelvic exam.
For certain reasons only, a blood test may be ordered to see if you have been exposed to herpes.
How is it treated?
Although there is no cure for herpes, there are things that can help treat outbreaks, or prevent them from reoccurring:
Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to treat herpes for you.
Your doctor may recommend taking medication during outbreaks only (episodic therapy) if you have do not have outbreaks often.
Your doctor may recommend taking medication to help prevent outbreaks (suppressive therapy) if you have outbreaks more often.
If you have a lot of pain, a prescription pain reliever may be prescribed.
There are also things you can do during an outbreak, such as:
keeping the area clean and dry to help with healing
taking a warm shower several times a day and letting the water run over the affected area to help with pain
blowing the area dry with a hair dryer set on cool after a bath or shower,
wearing underwear and clothing that is loose
using only creams or medications your doctor recommends (Using ones your doctor does not recommend may make the outbreak worse.)
How can I prevent the spread of genital herpes?
Herpes can be passed between partners even when there are no visible signs of the disease.
Abstinence (not having sex) may be your best choice, especially during outbreaks.
See a healthcare provider if you think you have been infected.
Do not have any sexual contact with anybody who has sores on their genitals or if you have sores on your genitals.
Practice "safer sex". Always use a condom. Remember: a condom may not cover all the sores, so you are still at risk.
Limit the number of sexual partners you have.
Talk to your partner about his or her sexual history.
Tell your partner if you have an infection.
Talk to a healthcare provider about how best to protect yourself and your partner.
Sexual Decision Making
You have the right to choose whether or not to have sexual intercourse.
If you choose to have sex, be sure to protect yourself from pregnancy and STI.
Talk to your partner about these choices before you have sex!
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Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional.
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