Introduction

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Around 20,000 cases are diagnosed in genitourinary medicine clinics in the UK every year, and more cases are seen in general practice and gynaecology clinics.  There are two strains of the herpes simplex virus – HSV-1 and HSV-2. Type 2 (HSV-2) causes venereal herpes (Genital herpes).

Signs and symptoms

Many people show no signs of the virus. Others don't recognise the symptoms if they're very mild. Symptoms can develop at any time after contact with the virus, from four or five days later to even weeks, months and years afterwards.

Symptoms include:

• fluid-filled blisters that burst leaving painful sores
  
• flu-like symptoms - headache, backache, swollen glands in the groin or fever
  
• tingling or itching sensation in the genitals or anal area
  
• pain when passing urine over the sores

Left untreated, the symptoms last approximately two to three weeks. Recurrent infections are milder and symptoms clear up more quickly (within three to five days).

•	Kissing (mouth to mouth)
•	Penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina or anus)
•	Oral sex (from mouth to the genitals)

After an initial outbreak, genital herpes lies dormant in the body in between attacks.

Diagnosis and treatment

At your sexual health (GUM) clinic a diagnosis will be carried out based on:
•	A clinical examination of your genital area carried out by a doctor or a nurse
•	A sample will be taken, using a cotton-wool or spongy swab, from any visible sores
•	Women may be given an internal pelvic examination
•	A sample of urine is taken
Samples are sent to a laboratory for testing and the results should be available within two weeks. If you are told that you have herpes you may be offered tablets to reduce the severity of the infection but these are only effective when taken within 72 hours of the start of the symptoms. There is also a cream that controls the symptoms. Recurrent infections may not need treatment. You will usually be asked to see a health adviser who will explain about the infection and what you can do to help you feel better and how to avoid passing the virus on to others.

What happens if left untreated?

Serious problems are uncommon. Genital herpes doesn't affect fertility and women can have a normal pregnancy and birth. It's not linked to cancer of the cervix.

If you find that you are having frequent continuing episodes of herpes, it may be useful to go to your local sexually health (GUM) clinic to discuss possible treatments for this.

Prevention

Only vaccination gives real protection against Hepatitis B, although the use of condoms can reduce the risk of transmission during sex. The vaccination is safe, free and involves three injections.

There are ways in which you can avoid passing on genital herpes:

• During an outbreak, the blisters and sores are highly infectious. Avoid contact with the infected area of skin at this time or during the warning signs of an outbreak.
  

• Condoms may help protect against genital herpes, although their effectiveness is unclear as the virus is present on the skin, and the condom only covers the penis so it can't offer complete protection.

It's unclear how easy it is to pass on the virus between outbreaks or when you have no symptoms.

You can't catch genital herpes from sharing baths, towels, cups, plates or cutlery, or from toilet seats.

Further Information

Herpes Viruses Association helpline
0845 123 2305
www.herpes.org.uk

NHS Direct
0845 4647 (open 24 hours a day)
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Sexual Health Line
0800 567 123
7 days a week, 24 hours a day

A 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, free and confidential telephone service with advice about HIV, AIDS, sexual health, sexually transmitted infections, local services, clinics and support services.

You can talk to your GP or go to a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. These clinics diagnose and treat all STIs for free. They're completely confidential and your GP won't be informed without your consent. You can go to any clinic in the country for advice or treatment.

•	You can read more about clinics and find your nearest one elsewhere on this website.
•	Look in your local phone directory under genitourinary medicine (GUM), sexually transmitted infection (STI) or venereal disease (VD)

All content within the OUTinLondon Health section is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for obtaining professional medical advice.  OUTinLondon is not responsible for the content of external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. 
Always consult your own GP if you are in any way concerned about your health.