Genital Herpes

What Is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, the same virus that causes facial cold sores. There are two types of herpes simplex virus; HSV-1 (type 1) and HSV-2 (type 2). The herpes simplex viruses are very common:
• about 80% of Australian adults carry HSV-1
• about 12% of Australian adults carry HSV-2

It is important to remember that herpes simplex is a localised skin problem and generally doesn’t have serious consequences apart from recurrence.

How Did I Get It?

The virus enters the body through small cracks in the skin or through the soft lining of the mouth, vagina, anus, urethra (the tube for urine) and under the foreskin.

It can be passed from one person to another by close genital or oral skin-to-skin contact.

Who Did I Get It From?

You may never know who you caught the virus from, herpes can stay dormant in the system for a long time, and many people do not realise they carry herpes. It is important to know that genital herpes can occur even in a long-term monogamous relationship, it does not mean that you or your partner has been unfaithful.

What Are the Symptoms?

Most people who are infected by herpes have mild symptoms or no symptoms, but some people have very severe symptoms. Symptoms vary from person to person, but the classic symptoms of genital herpes are:
• stinging or tingling in the affected area
• small fluid filled blisters which usually burst within a couple of days leaving small painful red sores.

A first episode of genital herpes can be severe with associated flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, swollen glands and can sometimes cause difficulty passing urine.

Recurrent episodes are usually milder and clear up more quickly. HSV-1 tends to be associated with less severe and less frequent recurrences compared to HSV-2. Recurrent episodes usually last for 7-10 days.

What Tests Are There For Genital Herpes?

The best test is a swab taken from a blister or sore to check for herpes simplex virus in the laboratory.

A blood test to test for herpes antibodies can sometimes be helpful, for example if you have a partner and are unsure if they are at risk of catching herpes from you, or if your doctor strongly suspects you have herpes but your swabs are repeatedly negative. However, a blood test does not tell you whether your genital symptoms are due to herpes or to something else, and it is not as good as the swab for diagnosing genital herpes.

How Is Genital Herpes Treated?

A first episode of genital herpes is usually treated with antiviral tablets prescribed by your doctor. This will help clear your symptoms more quickly. The virus then becomes dormant and remains inactive in the body. It remains in your body for life. Most people will have at least one recurrence of symptoms in their lifetime. You may not require treatment for recurrences if they are mild. If you have frequent or severe recurrences then there is treatment that can be taken to control this. This treatment can be:
• ‘episodic’ where antiviral tablets are taken only at the time of an outbreak
• ‘suppressive’ where a low dose antiviral tablet is taken daily for six months or more

You should make an appointment to talk to a doctor about treatment if you have frequent recurrences.

Can I Do Anything Else To Ease the Symptoms of Genital Herpes?

The following measures can help ease the pain and help the healing process:
• Gently bathe the area using cottonwool and a warm salt solution (1tsp to 2 cups water)
• If urinating is painful, go to the toilet in a warm bath
• Use a mild pain relieving drug if needed
• Try a local anaesthetic ointment such as lignocaine (available from pharmacy), be careful just to pat this gently on the affected area and not rub

How Can I Prevent Passing the Virus Onto My Partner?

Don’t have sex when you have blisters or symptoms; you are most infectious at this point.

In most people the body can shed the herpes virus from the skin even when there are no symptoms or signs of herpes simplex. However, if you wear condoms this reduces transmission by at least 75%.

Sometimes people take suppressive antiviral therapy to help prevent transmission, You can talk to your doctor about this in more detail. Sometimes blood tests can help you know whether your partner is at risk of infection from you.

You cannot pass on genital herpes from hugging, sharing baths or towels, from swimming pools, toilet seats, or from sharing cups, plates or cutlery. 

What About Pregnancy?

Having herpes will not affect your chance of falling pregnant, it has no effect on fertility.

If a woman develops her first outbreak of herpes less than six weeks before she gives birth, then there is a risk of transmitting herpes to the baby during delivery, and obstetricians usually advise delivery by caesarean section.

Recurrent herpes in pregnancy or a first outbreak before 34 weeks gestation, usually causes no problems. It is important to tell your obstetrician that you have had herpes, so that they can monitor you for outbreaks and advise on whether to take antiviral tablets and whether to have a vaginal or caesarean delivery. Most women in Australia with genital herpes have vaginal deliveries.

Being Diagnosed with Herpes Has Been a Shock, Can I Talk To Anyone About This?

Some people are relaxed about being diagnosed with genital herpes, and some people are very upset, everyone is different. You can contact the agencies listed below to talk about herpes in more detail, make an appointment to speak to someone, or phone the FPNSW Healthline. Sometimes it can help to talk with a counsellor, and you should ask about being referred if you think this might help you. 

Where Can I Go For Advice and Treatment?
• Family Planning NSW Centre
• Sexual health clinic
• Local doctor or GP
• Australian Herpes Management Forum - www.ahmf.com.au
• FPNSW Healthline 1300 658 886  For MORE information

For More Information
Contact the Healthline on 1300 658 886
Or email: healthline@fpnsw.org.au
NRS (for deaf) 133 677

The information in this Factsheet has been provided for educational purposes only. FPNSW has taken every care to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication. Individuals concerned about any personal reproductive or sexual healthissue are encouraged to seek advice and assistance from their health care provider or visit an FPNSW clinic.

Reviewed: August 2011