What is herpes?
Herpes is a virus that can cause sores on the mouth or the genital area (which includes the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, anus, or buttocks). There are two types of herpes, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2); both can appear on either the mouth or the genitals. When the infection is on or in the mouth it’s called oral herpes and when the infection is on the genitals it’s called genital herpes.
How is herpes spread?
Herpes is passed on through skin-to-skin contact which includes kissing, touching, and sexual contact like oral, vaginal and anal sex. Herpes is not always sexually transmitted and sores can appear on other parts of the body.
What are some symptoms of herpes?
Oral herpes can cause cold sores (also called fever blisters) on and around the mouth. About 50-80% of American adults have oral herpes. Some people are more prone to getting these sores while others may only have a few throughout their life.
Genital herpes can cause sores around the genital area.1 in 5 American adults have genital herpes although most people don’t know they have it. Symptoms may occur within days after being infected or even months or years later. The sores may look like pimples or blisters and will begin to scab and heal in two to four weeks. The first outbreak (when sores appear) is usually the most severe. Sores can be painful and some people may experience flu-like symptoms, headache or painful urination. Some have very few outbreaks after the initial one while others have them more often. Things like Stress, illness, poor diet, friction in the genital area, menstruation and increased sun exposure (for oral herpes) are common things that can start an outbreak, although it can be different for each person.
How can herpes be diagnosed?
If you think you have been exposed to herpes or if you have symptoms, make sure to see your doctor. If there are sores present, your doctor can test the area with a swab (like a Q-tip). It’s a good idea to get tested for STIs regularly or between partners. Just ask your doctor for routine STI and HIV testing during a physical or GYN exam (link to A Visit to the GYN story).
Is herpes curable and/or treatable?
Herpes is a virus which means that currently, it cannot be cured; however, there are usually less outbreaks as time goes on. There are also medications that can shorten and prevent outbreaks. Please see your doctor if you experience any symptoms.
How can herpes be prevented?
Avoiding any sexual contact (genital-to-genital or mouth-to-genital) is a good way to prevent the infection, although herpes is not always sexually transmitted. The herpes virus can also be transmitted by kissing. Using latex or polyurethane condoms and dental dams for oral, vaginal and anal sex reduces the risk of getting herpes. Since the virus is transmitted skin-to-skin, condoms are the BEST way for someone who is having sex to prevent herpes because they cover a portion of the genital area.
How can you and your partner stay healthy together?
Herpes is more contagious during an outbreak. So avoiding sexual contact when sores are present or healing is the best way to avoid passing herpes to a partner. It is also important not to touch yourself or anyone else after touching a sore before washing your hands thoroughly with soap. Also, if someone has a cold sore on their mouth and their mouth touches their partner’s genital area they can infect their partner with herpes. So if a cold sore is present make sure to use a dental dam during oral sex. It is possible to pass the virus onto a partner when there are no sores or scabs present, however it is less likely.