Genital Herpes

Summary

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can cause sores on your genital or rectal area, buttocks, and thighs. You can get it from having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has it. The virus can spread even when sores are not present. Mothers can also infect their babies during childbirth.

Symptoms of herpes are called outbreaks. You usually get sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. The sores are blisters which break and become painful, and then heal. Sometimes people do not know they have herpes because they have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. The virus can be more serious in newborn babies or in people with weak immune systems.

Repeat outbreaks are common, especially during the first year. Over time, you get them less often and the symptoms become milder. The virus stays in your body for life.

There are tests that can diagnose genital herpes. There is no cure. However, medicines can help lessen symptoms, decrease outbreaks, and lower the risk of passing the virus to others. Correct usage of latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading herpes. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Find an Expert

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Herpes Genitalis National Institutes of Health

Patient Handouts

• Condom Fact Sheet in Brief Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Genital Herpes Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Genital herpes Medical Encyclopedia
• Genital herpes – self-care Medical Encyclopedia
• Herpes viral culture of lesion Medical Encyclopedia
• Serum herpes simplex antibodies Medical Encyclopedia

Start Here

• Genital Herpes Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Genital Herpes Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Genital Herpes American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Women

• Genital Herpes Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health

Images

• Genital Herpes VisualDX

Teenagers

• Genital Herpes Nemours Foundation

Children

• Genital Herpes (For Parents) Nemours Foundation

Diagnosis and Tests

• Herpes (HSV) Test National Library of Medicine

Journal Articles

• Genital Herpes