Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes. Genital herpes is mostly spread by skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. It is not possible to contract genital herpes from towels, swimming pools, saunas or toilet seats as there is no skin-to-skin contact.
Symptoms of genital herpes include:
- Small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores around the genitals, anus, thighs or bottom (the sores may be less red on brown or black skin)
- Tingling, burning or itching around the genitals
- Pain on urination
- Unusual discharge
A sexual health clinic will be able to diagnose herpes via a swab taken from a blister. There is currently no cure for genital herpes, and symptoms usually clear up by themselves, but the blisters can come back, known as a recurrence.
A sexual health clinic may prescribe anti viral medicine to help the body clear the virus, or cream to manage the pain. The risk of contracting genital herpes, or passing it on, can be reduced by using a condom to cover any blisters and avoiding sex if a partner has blisters and an active outbreak.
Recurrence of genital herpes can occur, as the virus stays in the body, and can lie dormant. The herpes virus tends to stay in the same place on the body (it stays in the nerve). Triggers for a recurrence include stress, being unwell, smoking, alcohol, friction the genital area and a weakened immune system system, and individuals may find they have certain other triggers too.
It is best to manage triggers to avoid a recurrence. The health of the vaginal microbiome may play a role in herpes infection and recurrence according to some recent studies that find a bi-directional role between herpes virus and Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).1 BV is associated with a higher risk of contracting herpes, and having an active herpes infection may increase a woman’s risk of experiencing BV.2,3
References
- Lewis FMT, Bernstein KT, Aral SO. Vaginal Microbiome and Its Relationship to Behavior, Sexual Health, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Obstet Gynecol. 2017;129(4):643-654.
- Esber A, Vicetti Miguel RD, Cherpes TL, Klebanoff MA, Gallo MF, Turner AN. Risk of Bacterial Vaginosis Among Women With Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Infect Dis. 2015;212(1):8-17.
- Nagot N, Ouedraogo A, Defer MC, Vallo R, Mayaud P, Van de Perre P. Association between bacterial vaginosis and Herpes simplex virus type-2 infection: implications for HIV acquisition studies. Sex Transm Infect. 2007;83(5):365-368.
