Genital Herpes – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Genital herpes is a widespread sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This infection spreads primarily through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activities.
Many infected individuals experience minimal or no symptoms, yet can still transmit the virus to others. Those who do have symptoms may notice:
- Pain and itching
- Sores around the genitals
- Sores near the anus
- Sores around the mouth
While there is no cure for genital herpes, medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.
After the initial outbreak, symptoms typically recur periodically.
Using condoms during sexual activity provides some protection against spreading the infection, though it doesn’t eliminate the risk completely.
Signs and Symptoms
Sores typically develop where the virus enters the body. You can spread the infection by touching a sore and then touching other parts of your body, such as your eyes or fingers.
Symptoms may appear on or in various body parts including:
- Thighs and buttocks
- Genital areas (penis, scrotum, vulva, vagina, cervix)
- Urinary tract (urethra)
- Anal region (rectum, anus)
- Mouth
Recurring Episodes
After the first herpes outbreak, symptoms often come back. These return episodes usually happen most often in the first year after infection and may become less frequent over time.
Later outbreaks are typically shorter and less severe than the first one. You might notice warning signs hours or days before a new outbreak begins.
These early symptoms can include:
- Pain in the genital area
- Tingling sensations
- Shooting pain in the legs, hips or buttocks
When to Seek Medical Help
It’s important to see a healthcare provider if you think you might have genital herpes or any sexually transmitted infection. Many people with herpes don’t know they have it because they have no symptoms or very mild ones.
Symptoms typically begin 2 to 12 days after exposure to the virus and may include:
- Itching or pain around the genitals
- Small bumps or blisters
- Painful sores that may ooze, bleed, and form scabs
- Pain during urination
- Discharge from the urethra or vagina
During a first outbreak, you might also experience flu-like symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
What Causes Genital Herpes
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2
HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes. This virus lives in the body and can spread even when no symptoms are visible.
HSV-2 can be found in several places in an infected person:
- Sores, blisters, and the fluid inside them
- Moist areas of the mouth
- Moist areas inside the vagina or rectum
People catch HSV-2 through sexual contact with someone who has the virus. The virus passes from one person to another during sex.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
HSV-1 typically causes cold sores around the mouth. Many people get HSV-1 as children through close contact with family members who have the virus.
When someone with HSV-1 in their mouth performs oral sex, they can pass the virus to their partner’s genital area. This creates a genital herpes infection, even though it comes from the type of herpes that usually affects the mouth.
People with genital herpes caused by HSV-1 often have fewer outbreaks than those with HSV-2 infections.
Important facts about both virus types:
- Both viruses can spread without visible symptoms
- Neither virus survives well on surfaces like doorknobs or towels
- The virus can spread through kissing or sharing drinks and eating utensils
- You cannot get herpes from toilet seats, swimming pools, or hot tubs
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 stay in the body for life once a person is infected. While treatments can help manage symptoms, there is currently no cure for either type of herpes.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase your chances of getting genital herpes:
Sexual Contact Without Barriers
- Oral, vaginal, or anal sex without condoms or dental dams
- Women face higher risk as the virus spreads more easily from men to women
Multiple Sexual Partners
- Having sex with more people increases risk significantly
- Most infected people don’t know they carry the virus
Partner Status
- Having a partner with genital herpes who isn’t taking medication increases transmission risk
- While no cure exists, medications can reduce outbreaks and transmission
Higher-Risk Groups
| Group | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Women | Higher than average |
| People with STD history | Higher than average |
| Older adults | Higher than average |
| Black people in the US | Higher than average |
| Men who have sex with men | Higher than average |
People in these groups might want to discuss their personal risk with a healthcare provider. Using protection during sexual contact remains the most effective prevention method.
Complications
Genital herpes can lead to several serious health problems beyond the initial infection.
People with genital sores have a higher chance of getting or giving other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The open sores make it easier for viruses and bacteria to enter the body.
Pregnant women can pass herpes to their babies during childbirth. This is very dangerous for newborns. Babies who get herpes may have brain or organ damage, developmental issues, or even die despite treatment.
HSV can cause inflammation in sexual and urinary organs, including the:
- Ureter
- Rectum
- Vagina
- Cervix
- Uterus
The virus can transfer to the fingers via skin lesions, leading to the development of herpetic whitlow. This condition involves swelling, discoloration, and painful sores on the finger.
Eye infections from herpes can create painful sores, blurred vision, and potentially cause blindness if not treated properly.
In rare cases, herpes can lead to more severe complications:
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Infections of internal organs if the virus enters the bloodstream
Ways to Prevent Infection
Genital herpes prevention follows the same guidelines as other sexually transmitted infections.
For best protection, maintain a relationship with one long-term partner who has tested negative for STIs.
When engaging in sexual activity, always use barriers like condoms or dental dams. While these tools help reduce risk, they cannot completely prevent skin-to-skin contact during intimate moments.
Avoid sexual contact when a partner shows symptoms of genital herpes. This is when the infection is most likely to spread.
Protecting Your Baby During Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and have genital herpes, tell your healthcare provider right away. Those who suspect they might have the infection should request testing.
Your doctor might suggest taking antiviral medications in the later stages of pregnancy. These medicines help prevent outbreaks around delivery time.
If you experience an outbreak when labor begins, your healthcare provider may recommend a cesarean section. This surgical delivery method reduces the chance of passing the virus to your newborn during birth.
