What is Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)?
Genital Herpes is a viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is spread through skin to skin contact with a person already living with the virus. There is no cure for genital herpes, however there are treatments available. There are two kinds of herpes viruses that can cause genital herpes: Herpes Simplex 1 and Herpes Simplex 2.
Herpes Simplex 1 is the common cold sore that is often found around your mouth, but it can be spread to the genitals through oral sex.
Herpes Simplex 2 is more commonly found on the genitals, but it can be spread to the mouth through oral sex. The virus can also be passed from parent to baby during childbirth, especially if you have an outbreak during the time of delivery.
Symptoms
Symptoms of genital herpes include:
- A tingling or itching sensation on affected areas (e.g. genitals, buttocks)
- Itchy or painful blisters on or around the vulva, penis, scrotum, anus or boxer short area (area where a pair of boxer shorts would cover). These blisters then break and turn into sores.
During your first outbreak, you may also have flu-like symptoms including:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Fever
Outbreaks
When you experience symptoms of HSV, this is called an outbreak. Your first outbreak generally occurs within 1-2 weeks after your exposure to HSV. Your first HSV outbreak will typically be the most unpleasant – subsequent outbreaks will often have less intense symptoms. Outbreaks tend to be farther apart over time and cover a smaller area of skin.
As time goes on, you may be able to notice “warning signs” that an outbreak is coming on, also called prodromal symptoms. This typically consists of itching, pain, or tingling at the site where sores usually develop. These symptoms will stop once sores appear on the skin.
Sometimes, HSV will remain dormant for a long period of time, which is why it is important to get tested for STIs regularly if you are sexually active.
Testing
Testing for genital herpes is most often done by taking a swab of the sore(s). Blood tests can also detect the presence of the virus. If you have a lump, bump or sore that looks out of place, have it looked at by your physician or health care provider. For more information on STBBI testing in NL please visit our HIV/STBBI Testing page.
Transmission
You are most likely to transmit genital herpes to your sexual partner(s) during an outbreak when sores are present. It is not recommended to engage in sexual activity involving the area(s) affected by HSV during an outbreak, even with a condom. Herpes can also be passed to other people when sores are not present. It is recommended that individuals with an herpes diagnosis use a barrier method such as an internal or external condom, or a dental dam when having sex to prevent HSV transmission.
Treatment
Herpes does not have a cure, however antiviral medications can be used to manage HSV. These can be used in different ways depending on how herpes is affecting your life. Your doctor may prescribe antivirals during your first outbreak to help clear up your symptoms faster. There are also options to take antivirals when you feel an outbreak coming on to shorten the severity and duration of the outbreak (episodic treatment), or daily to reduce the length, frequency and severity of outbreaks, as well as to reduce likelihood of transmission of HSV between outbreaks (suppressive treatment).