Herpes
Symptoms
Many people who have genital herpes do not experience any symptoms, but if you do, they will usually begin between 2-7 days after exposure to the. However, it is important to note that symptoms occasionally do not appear until months, or sometimes years, after being exposed to the virus.
Primary infection
The first occurrence of genital herpes. You may experience a range of symptoms including:
- mild fever,
- aches and pains,
- swollen lymph glands (at the top of your legs), and
- generally feeling unwell.
These symptoms may last for up to 21 days.
You may also have an itching or burning sensation in your genital area. Painful red spots may appear around your genitals which gradually turn into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters will then burst, leaving painful ulcers. However, the ulcers will eventually dry out and heal, after about 10 -14 days, and should not scar. These symptoms can vary from person to person.
For women, genital herpes usually affects the vulva (the entrance to the vagina), and sometimes the cervix. Women may experience vaginal discharge. For men, the affected area is mainly the end and shaft of the penis, the foreskin, and sometimes the testicles. It is also possible, to have sores on the buttocks, anus and top of the thighs. Urinating may be very painful, particularly for women.
Recurrent episodes
Once the primary infection has subsided, the symptoms will have gone, but the virus will still be present in a nearby nerve. The virus can be 'reactivated' in some people, and travel back down the nerve to the skin. This is called recurrence.
Causes
Genital herpes is very contagious and spreads from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual activity. Whenever the virus is present on the skin's surface, it can be passed onto a partner. The virus passes easily through the moist skin that lines the genitals, mouth, and anus. Genital herpes cannot be passed on via objects, such as towels or cups, because the virus dies very quickly when it is away from the skin. During oral sex, herpes can be passed from your genitals to your partner's face, and also from your face to your partner's genitals.
Prevention
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) spreads by skin-to-skin contact, usually during sexual activity. Cold sores can pass to the genitals during oral sex, and from the genitals to the face in the same way. Always practice safe sex to avoid catching or spreading sexually transmitted infections, including herpes. It is best not to have sex at all when you have symptoms, as it is very contagious at this point, even from the first tingle or itch. Wearing a condom can help to prevent spreading genital herpes, but the condom only covers the penis, so if the virus is also present on the anus or surrounding area, it can still be passed on. Once the symptoms have completely gone, it is unlikely that you will pass on the virus because it is inactive within a nearby nerve at that point. However, there is a small chance that the virus can be present on your skin without you realising, and therefore there is a slight chance you could pass it on. It is a good idea to discuss it with your partner before starting a sexual relationship with them. If you are unsure how to go about this, your GP or local sexual health clinic (GUM) will be happy to discuss it with you and offer advice.
Treatment
There are a number of ways of relieving the symptoms of genital herpes which are outlined below.
- Painkillers, such as paracetamol, can help to relieve the pain.
- Anaesthetic ointment can be applied to the sores to ease the pain and itching.
- Urinating can be painful, especially for women, so it may be a good idea to apply anaesthetic ointment (see above) around five minutes before urinating. Or, try passing urine while sitting in a warm bath. Drinking more water, rather than less, will also help to dilute your urine, and therefore help to ease the discomfort when you go to the toilet.
- Keep the infected area as cool as possible by wearing loose cotton underwear. An icepack, wrapped in a clean tea towel and held against the area for a few minutes, can also help to soothe the sores. Some people also find placing cold used tea-bags on the sores helps to ease the pain.
- Avoid using scented soaps, shower gels, or bubble bath, as these can cause further irritation in the infected area. Instead, try gently cleaning the area with warm water, and drying it carefully by gently dabbing it with a towel. You can also use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to dry yourself if a towel feels too painful.
- After the infection has cleared, some people find using a lubricant during sex helps to reduce the friction between genital areas. This also reduces your chance of having a recurrent episode.
Antiviral medication
Antiviral medication is available on prescription from your GP. Antiviral treatment is usually in tablet form, and works by preventing the herpes simplex virus (HSV) from multiplying. However, It does not clear the virus from your body completely, and does not have any effect once you stop taking it.
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