What is genital herpes?

Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by common viruses.  The most common herpes viruses are herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2).  Usually HSV-1 causes cold sores (or fever blisters) on or around the lips and HSV-2 affects areas below the waist, causing genital herpes.  The infection can stay in the body indefinitely, though the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years.

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

Most people infected with HSV-2 do not know they are infected. They may never have sores, and if they do, signs might be so mild that they don't notice or they mistake for insect bites or another skin condition.

For individuals who do experience marked symptoms, the first outbreak usually develops two to 20 days after infection. Herpes outbreaks often appear as blisters or sores that last around three weeks. Other symptoms may include itching, redness, pain while urinating, bumps, tingling, cuts in the genital area or vaginal discharge. Some people experience swollen glands or flu-like symptoms during the first round of infection. People diagnosed with the first episode of genital herpes will probably have four or five outbreaks during the first year. Over time, these recurrences lessen in frequency.
Who is most likely to be affected by genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a common infection in the United States, and some studies show that one out of five teens and adults have had genital herpes. Genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women. This may be because male-to-female transmissions are easier than female-to-male transmission.

How is genital herpes treated?

Genital herpes cannot be cured, but antiviral medication can shorten outbreaks and prevent them from occurring during the time that the individual is taking the medication. A remedy called  symptomatic suppression therapy, can lesson the chance of a symptomatic individual infecting his or her partner.

How can I protect myself from genital herpes?

The surest way to avoid infection of genital herpes or any STDs is to abstain from sexual contact or to maintain a monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and proven to be uninfected.
Using condoms correctly and consistently will reduce the risk of infection only if the condoms cover the infected area. Since condoms may not cover the entire area, they can not guarantee protection from transmission.

Those who have genital herpes should not have sex with uninfected partners while sores or symptoms are present. Even if symptoms are not present, he or she may still infect sex partners, so sex partners should be informed of their risk of infection.  Sex partners can get a blood test to see if they are infected with HSV-2.

If you suspect of believe that you have been exposed to genital herpes, ask your healthcare provider to be tested for the virus. When you go for your check-ups such as a Pap smear, genital herpes is not tested, so even if you have been screened for STD's don't assume that a test for genital herpes was included.  You should ask for a blood test specifically for genital herpes. If you do find out that you are infected with genital herpes virus, you should recommend to your partner that he or she should be tested as well.

To find out more about genital herpes, check out the Centers for Disease Control web site, http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/default.htm or ask your doctor.