Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) — usually HSV-2, sometimes HSV-1. It causes painful sores or blisters in the genital or anal area; many people carry the virus without ever noticing symptoms. Herpes is not curable but is very manageable with treatment, and people with herpes can have healthy sex lives and relationships.

How it spreads

• Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person
• Skin-to-skin contact with genital area
• Can spread even when there are no visible sores (asymptomatic viral shedding)
• From mother to baby during childbirth — rare but serious for the newborn
• Not spread through toilet seats, towels, swimming pools

Symptoms

Most people have no symptoms or very mild ones. When symptoms occur:

• Tingling or itching in the genital area before lesions appear
• Small painful blisters that break into open sores and then crust
• Pain during urination if sores are near the urethra
• Swollen glands in the groin
• Flu-like symptoms — fever, body aches — more common with the first outbreak
• Recurrent outbreaks — usually milder and shorter than the first

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually recognise genital herpes from examination of an active lesion. Swabs can confirm the specific virus type.

Treatment

• Antivirals — taken during outbreaks to speed healing, or daily to reduce recurrence and lower transmission risk
• Pain relief — paracetamol, sitz baths, topical anaesthetic cream
• Keep lesions clean and dry

Living with genital herpes

• Tell sexual partners — so you can both make informed choices
• Condoms reduce but don't eliminate transmission risk
• Avoid sex during active outbreaks
• Daily suppressive antiviral treatment substantially reduces transmission
• In pregnancy — tell your obstetrician; management may include antivirals late in pregnancy and, if an outbreak is active at delivery, a caesarean section to protect the baby

Herpes carries significant stigma that isn't proportionate to its medical seriousness. It's extremely common worldwide. Seeking timely medical care and being open with partners are the practical steps that matter.