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Genital Herpes (HSV)
Genital Herpes is caused by a virus which is easily passed on from one person to another by sexual contact. Genital Herpes is caused by a similar virus to that which causes cold-sores on the lips/mouth.
Once a person has herpes, the virus does not leave the body, although a person may not have symptoms again. It does not do any long term damage.
How is it passed on?
Herpes can be passed on by:
- Having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, or sharing sex toys with someone who has Herpes sores.
- From skin-to-skin contact with someone who has Herpes sores
- Occasionally from mother to baby at birth
It is possible to get Herpes from someone who has the virus but has never noticed any symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
The first episode of genital herpes is usually more severe. People may experience:
- Sores or blisters over the vagina, penis or anus.
- Stinging or tingling in the genital or anal area
- Feeling flu-like, with a fever, swollen glands, tiredness and headache.
- Pain in the groin, lower back, or down the back of the legs
If you think you have a herpes sore, please inform the receptionist when you book so that we can ensure you are given the correct appointment.
What happens if I am told I have Herpes?
You may be treated with a course of antiviral tablets, depending on the stage of the infection, which are free at sexual health clinics.
The herpes virus will never leave your body, but you may not have a re-occurrence of blisters again. Some people find they may get one or two blisters when they are feeling run down. Most re-occurrences are much milder than the first episode.
Very rarely, some people have frequent episodes of herpes. It is possible for treatment to be given to reduce the chances of herpes reoccurring. However, this has to be decided by a consultant. If you are worried about this, please ask the doctor/nurse that sees you in clinic.
If you are very worried about passing on the herpes to a new partner trhough sex there is treatment available to take regularly that may reduce the likelihood of this happening but it does not completely remove the risk. This has to be decided with you by a consultant so if you would like to know more about it, please ask the nurse or doctor you are seeing.
You can help protect yourself against Herpes by using condoms every
time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. If you are unsure of how to
use condoms, please ask to see a health adviser who will be happy to
talk to you about safely using condoms.
