Genital Herpes


What is it?

There are two types of Herpes that are transmitted sexually – HSV 1 and HSV 2. HSV stands for Herpes Simplex Virus. Herpes can cause cold sores, blisters which people can get around their mouths or on their genitals. HSV 1 is often thought of as “oral” and HSV 2 as “genital”, but either virus can transmit to either part of the body. People can also get sores on their nose, other parts of their face, and on their fingers.

Many people have HSV because it can be transmitted through many non-sexual activities such as sharing a glass, getting a kiss from someone as a baby, and sharing lip gloss. If people have cold sores, it does not mean they are having sex. HSV 1&2 are usually only contagious before or during an outbreak of sores.

Oral Herpes is quite common – about 1 of every five Canadians is infected. (source?)


How do you get genital herpes?

Your risk increases if you:

• Have unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who is already infected.
• Have oral sex without a condom or dental dam with someone who has cold sores or genital sores.
• Have direct contact with sores or blisters (kissing or skin-to-skin contact).
• Were delivered vaginally when your mother had sores.
• Share drinks or lip gloss with someone who has or gets cold sores.
• Have a family member who gets sores.

Genital herpes is most contagious when a person has an outbreak of sores or symptoms. Although it is less likely, someone can pass the virus on to their partner during the dormant stage when there are no sores or symptoms.

You CANNOT get Herpes from toilet seats, swimming pools, hot tubs or bathtubs.


How do you avoid it?

• Abstain from sex, especially when a person has an outbreak of sores.
• Limit how many sexual partners you have (less partners means you are less likely to get an STI).
• Think about your partner’ sexual history (if he or she has had a lot of partners and/or does not practise safer sex then it puts you at a higher risk).
• Use male and female condoms for vaginal and anal sex.
• Use dental dams or condoms for oral sex and abstain from oral sex if a person has recently had an outbreak of sores.

Note: Condoms protect some parts of the body but may not cover sores around the penis, on the outside of the vulva or on the rectum.


Symptoms

Once you get herpes, the virus will live in your body for life. How often and how many outbreaks a person has depends on many factors. Some people get outbreaks when they get sick or feel stressed and others only get one or two outbreaks ever. Many people will get one or two outbreaks of Herpes blisters in a year, and some people carry the virus and never have a sore (these people are highly unlikely to pass it on to a partner). The first outbreak is often the worst. Sores can be painful but there are many treatments available to make them less severe. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist for suggestions. Generally the outbreaks get less and less severe as time goes on.

Many people do not get any symptoms or only experience mild symptoms. That is why it is important to let your sexual partners know if you test positive for it.

Symptoms can include:
• Tingling or a burning feeling around the infected area (signals that an active outbreak is coming).
• Itchy skin around the genitals.
• Small watery blisters or sores in or around the genitals, bum, thighs or mouth. The blisters usually burst and leave painful sores that dry up and fall off.
• Pain when you pee.
• Tender lumps on the groin (especially at the first outbreak).
• Fever or headaches (at the first outbreak).

Testing

If you suspect you have herpes, you need to get tested. A doctor or nurse will look at the blisters or sores and scrape off a bit of tissue to send for testing. You can also ask for a blood test.


Treatment

There is no cure for herpes but you can treat the outbreaks with anti-viral medication that will reduce the symptoms and frequency of the outbreaks. If you have a genital outbreak, wear loose clothing and keep the area clean and dry. Try using Epson salts in your bath (you can get them at most grocery stores) and make sure you wash your hands with soap every time you touch the infected area. You are more likely to break out if you are overtired, sick or stressed out so make sure you take care of yourself. Many people take Lysine supplements to help boost their immune systems.