Genital herpes is a highly contagious, incurable, sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). The infection is usually spread through intercourse with a person with infected sores, but it can be passed during oral or anal sex as well. It may also be spread when sores are not visible. Almost 1 out of every 4 to 5 people in the United States has genital herpes.

Symptoms

Most people infected with genital herpes have very minimal or no signs or symptoms of the disease. The first outbreak of herpes can last for several weeks. After the outbreak, the virus remains inactive in the nervous system until something triggers it to become active again. Typically, another outbreak is almost always less severe and shorter than the first episode. On average, people with herpes experience about four outbreaks a year. Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over time.

During a typical outbreak, skin on or near the sex organ becomes inflamed. Skin may burn, itch or be painful before blister-like sores appear. Sores open, scab, and then heal.

Additional symptoms may include:

• Swollen glands
• Fever
• Headache
• Burning when passing urine
• Muscle aches

Outbreaks

What triggers an outbreak and frequency of outbreaks depends on the individual. Commonly reported triggers include:

• Stress
• Illness
• Surgery
• Vigorous sex
• Diet
• Monthly menstrual period

Diagnosis and Treatment

Genital herpes can be diagnosed by visual inspection during an outbreak, but infections can be difficult to diagnose between outbreaks. Blood tests that detect HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection may be helpful, although results are not always definite. If you have genital herpes, your doctor can prescribe anti-virus medicines, in pill or ointment form, that may help the sores heal faster. If recurrences of your genital herpes are frequent, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication (Famvir, Valtrex and Zovirax) to take on a regular basis to help suppress the outbreaks.

Possible Complications

Outbreaks of genital herpes during pregnancy have been associated with miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and herpes infection causing severe brain injury and possible blindness in the baby. This does not mean women with herpes cannot give birth to healthy babies. If you have herpes and plan to have children, discuss your illness with your doctor.

Prevention

Safe sexual practices will reduce your risk of infection. These include limiting the number of sex partners, correct use of condoms every time you have sex, and use of a spermicide that contains nonoxynol-9. Do not have sex with someone who has an open sore on his or her sex organs.

If You Find Out You Have Herpes

Many people who find out that they have herpes feel depressed knowing they will always have the virus and can give it to others. If you have herpes, you are not alone. Learning all that you can about the disease will help you manage it and feel better about yourself.

Additional information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.