Genital Herpes Symptoms

You may feel itchy or tingly around your genitals. This is usually followed by painful small blisters that pop and leave sores that ooze or bleed. Most people notice symptoms within a few weeks after they catch the virus from someone else. The first time it happens you may also have a fever headache or other flu-like feelings. Some people have few or no symptoms.

How You Do -- and Don't -- Get Herpes

You get herpes by having any kind of sex -- vaginal oral or anal -- with someone who’s infected. It’s so common in the U.S. that 1 in every 5 adults has it. Herpes can be spread during oral sex if you or your partner has a cold sore. Because the virus can't live long outside your body you can't catch it from something like a toilet seat or towel.

Worried It's Herpes?

Sometimes people mistake a pimple or ingrown hair for herpes. Your doctor can take a small sample from sores by using a swab test. If you don’t have symptoms but think you might have herpes your doctor can do a blood test. It may take a few days to get your results.

What Causes It?

Genital herpes usually comes from the virus called herpes simplex-2 (HSV-2). Its cousin HSV-1 is what gives you cold sores. You can get HSV-2 from someone whether they have symptoms or not.

How Is Herpes Treated?

Your doctor will prescribe an antiviral medicine. These pills can help you feel better and shorten an outbreak. In the meantime don’t kiss or have any kind of sex with other people. Even if you don’t have symptoms you can still spread the disease.

How to Prevent an Outbreak

Some people only take their medications if they feel the itching and tingling that means an outbreak is coming on -- or when sores show up -- to stop it from getting worse. Your doctor may suggest you take an antiviral every day if you:

• Have lots of outbreaks
• Want to prevent more outbreaks
• Want to lower the risk of spreading it to your partner

Is There a Cure?

You can treat herpes but once you get it you’ll always have it. When symptoms show up it’s called having an outbreak. The first is usually the worst. Most people have them on and off for several years but they get milder and happen less often over time.

How to Avoid Herpes

As long as you're sexually active there's a chance you could get herpes. You'll make it a lot less likely if you use a latex or polyurethane condom or dental dam every time for every activity. The dam or condom only protects the area it covers. If you don’t have herpes you and your partner should get tested for STDs before sex. If you’re both disease-free and aren’t having sex with other people you should be safe.

How to Feel Better During an Outbreak

• Wear loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwear.
• Avoid sun or heat that could cause more blisters.
• Take a warm soothing bath.
• Don't use perfumed soaps or douches near your blisters.

What Triggers an Outbreak?

The herpes virus stays in your body forever even if you have no symptoms. You may have an outbreak when you're sick after you’ve been out in the sun or when you’re stressed out or tired. If you’re a woman you could get one when you start your period.

Sex and Herpes

You still can have sex if you have genital herpes but you must tell your partner you have the virus. They need to know so they can get tested. Wear a condom any time you have sex. Never have sex during an outbreak.

Problems With Herpes

People often don’t have serious problems from herpes but there's a chance of them. Wash your hands often especially during an outbreak. If you touch a blister and rub your eyes the infection can spread to your eyes. If your eyes are red swollen hurt or are sensitive to light see your doctor. Treating it can help prevent serious vision problems.

Herpes and Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant and have herpes your doctor may suggest that you have your baby by C-section if you are experiencing an outbreak. Why? During vaginal birth the herpes virus could spread to your baby especially if your first outbreak happens around the delivery time. The virus could give your baby rashes eye problems or more serious issues. A C-section makes that less likely. Your doctor may also have you take anti-viral medicine starting at about 34 weeks to avoid an outbreak around your due date.

Tips for ''The Talk''

Getting ready to talk to your partner about herpes? These tips can help you prepare for the conversation. The American Sexual Health Association recommends you pick a time when you won't be interrupted plan what you want to say ahead of time and practice what you'll say so you feel confident.

Genital Herpes: Causes Treatment and Prevention

Sources:

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1. Interactive Medical Media LLC Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology Dr. Harold Fisher
2. Blend Images
3. iStock
4. The Image Bank
5. Moment Open
6. Stockbyte
7. iStock
8. Photo Alto
9. Digital Vision
10. Taxi
11. Iconica
12. Photo Researchers / Getty
13. Monkey Business
14. Photonica

REFERENCES:

• American Sexual Health Association
• Brown University Health Education: 'Genital Herpes.'
• CDC: 'Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet.'
• Kimberlin D. Human Herpes Viruses 2007.
• TeensHealth: 'Genital Herpes.'
• University of Rochester Medical Center: 'What You Need to Know About STDs.'
• UpToDate.com: 'Patient information: Genital herpes (Beyond the Basics).'
• WomensHealth.gov: 'Genital herpes fact sheet.'

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

© 1996-2025 WebMD LLC . All rights reserved.
Source slideshow on WebMD