Genital Herpes is a very common infection caused by
a virus called the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). This
virus is similar to the one that causes cold sores around
the mouth.
Most people who have HSV do not have any symptoms,
or do not recognize the symptoms because they are so
mild. Therefore many people who have HSV do not know
that they have it.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Herpes, which you can get anything from a week to a few years after contracting it, can be:
· Feeling achy and hot, as if you had a cold or the flu
· Small blisters or sores, often around the penis which can
be painful and can make it hurt when passing urine (pissing).
If someone has Herpes, they can get symptoms or outbreaks a number of times. Usually people feel most unwell during the first outbreak.
Many people only ever have one outbreak: after that their bodies stop future outbreaks happening.
How it is transmitted
HSV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, so sex, particularly penetrative anal and vaginal sex, is the main way that it is passed on. It can also be transmitted through other forms of sex.
What can you do if you think you have Genital Herpes?
If you think you have HSV, you can go to your local sexual health clinic. http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/std/std2.shtml You can also visit your primary care provider.
Testing
The doctor or nurse will test you for HSV by taking a small sample with a cotton swab. They can only test for HSV when there is a sore present to swab. This is not a painful procedure. The samples are then tested for HSV.
Treatment
There is no treatment that will get rid of HSV from your body. If you have a particularly severe outbreak of Herpes, you may be given pills which can help it to clear quicker. However, rest and looking after yourself is probably the best way to help yourself get better.
Some people find that they get outbreaks when they:
· Are tired or stressed
· Have not been eating well
· Have been drinking a lot or not taking as much care of
themselves as usual.
Most people who have Herpes feel they can lessen the chances of getting an outbreak by avoiding or reducing the things that may trigger it.
Protect yourself and others
If you have HSV, it is best to tell your boyfriend, girlfriend, partner or anyone else you have had sex with recently so that they can get a checkup.
Using a condom can help protect against getting HSV. Remember too that using a condom will protect you against or passing on other STDs.