Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) — most commonly HSV-2, but HSV-1 (typically associated with oral herpes) can also cause genital infections. Once a person is infected, the virus stays in their body for life and can become active periodically, causing outbreaks.

Symptoms:

Many people infected with genital herpes have no symptoms or very mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

Initial outbreak (usually the most severe):

• Painful blisters or sores in the genital or anal area
• Itching or burning sensations
• Flu-like symptoms: fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches
• Painful urination
• Vaginal or penile discharge

Recurring outbreaks:

• Typically less severe than the first
• Tingling, itching, or burning sensations in the area before sores appear (called prodrome)
• Sores heal faster, often within a week

Risk Factors:

• Unprotected sex
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Having a partner who has herpes (even if they have no symptoms)
• Being female (biologically more susceptible)
• Having a weakened immune system
• History of other STIs

Treatment:

There is no cure, but herpes can be managed with antiviral medications, which reduce symptoms, speed up healing, and lower the risk of transmission.

Common antiviral medications:

• Aciclovir 
• Valaciclovir 

Treatment options:

• Episodic therapy – taken only during outbreaks
• Suppressive therapy – taken daily to reduce frequency of outbreaks and risk of spreading the virus to partners

Prevention & Management:

• Use condoms or dental dams
• Avoid sex during outbreaks (even with a condom)
• Daily antivirals can reduce transmission risk
• Open, honest communication with partners
• Regular STI testing