What is it?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus.  This virus is also known as HSV.

How is it spread?

Herpes is spread by oral, vagina and anal sex, or genital skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

What are the symptoms?

Blisters, rashes, or sores appear in the genital area.  The sores and blisters are often very painful, but heal in one-two weeks without scarring.

There may also be fever, joint pain, flu-like symptoms, pain when passing urine, itching, tingling, and enlarged tender glands.

Once you have become infected, the virus remains in your body, but becomes dormant.  When the virus becomes active again, the sores and blisters may come back, but are usually less painful and heal faster.

How is it diagnosed?

Herpes can be diagnosed by physical examination and medical history.  A swab of the fluid taken from the sores or blisters can be sent to a laboratory for testing.  A blood test for herpes is of limited use.

What are the complications?

Pain and discomfort are the main health effects of genital herpes, but the virus can also cause emotional and social problems for those infected.

How is it treated?

There are now several anti-viral pills available to help prevent and minimize the severity of outbreaks.

What about sexual partners?

If you have herpes, your sexual partner(s) should be informed.  Use of latex condoms during sex reduces the risk of transmission; however, the exposed areas of skin are still unprotected and, therefore, at risk.

Remember:

• If you are pregnant, you need to inform your doctor about your history of herpes infection.
• Avoid sexual or close body contact with your sexual partner(s) until all your herpes blisters or sores are healed.
• Wash your hands after touching sores and blisters.
• Use condoms to lower the chance of getting STIs and to prevent pregnancy.
• It is possible to have more than one infection at a time, so it is important to be tested for other STIs.

If you have more questions, call the 
Sexual Health Clinic at 
748-2021
or the 
AIDS - Sexual Health Infoline at
1-800-668-2437