Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by HSV (herpes simplex virus). This virus affects the genitals, the cervix, as well as the skin in other parts of the body. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses: a) HSVp1, or Herpes Type 1, and b) HSV-2, or Herpes Type 2.

Herpes is a chronic condition. Chronic, in medicine, means long-term. However, many people never have symptoms even though they are carrying the virus. Many people with HSV have recurring genital herpes. When a person is initially infected the recurrences, if they do occur, tend to happen more frequently. Over time the remission periods get longer and longer. Each occurrence tends to become less severe with time.

HSV is highly contagious

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is easily human transmissible. It is passed from one person to another by close, direct contact. The most common mode of transmission is through vaginal, anal or oral sex. When somebody becomes infected with HSV, it will generally remain dormant.

Most people who are infected with HSV do not know it because their symptoms are so slight - many people have no discernible symptoms.

What are the symptoms for genital herpes?

For those who do experience symptoms, they are generally present as blisters on the genitals, and sores around the mouth.

Most people do not have apparent symptoms for many months, or even years after becoming infected. Those who do have symptoms during the initial period will usually notice them about 4 to 7 days after being infected.

Primary infection symptoms

Primary infection is a term used for an outbreak of genital herpes that is evident when a person is first infected. Primary infection symptoms, if they are experienced, are usually more severe than subsequent recurrences. Symptoms can last up to 20 days and may include:

• Blisters and ulceration on the cervix
• Vaginal discharge
• Pain when urinating
• A temperature (fever)
• Malaise (feeling unwell)
• Cold sores around the mouth
• Red blisters - these are generally painful and they soon burst and leave ulcers on the external genital area, thighs, buttocks and rectum

In most cases the ulcers will heal and the patient will not have any lasting scars.

Recurrent infection symptoms

These symptoms tend to be less severe and do not last as long, because the patient's body has built up some immunity to the virus. In most cases symptoms will not last for more than 10 days.

• Burning/tingling around genitals before blisters appear
• Women may have blisters and ulceration on the cervix
• Cold sores around the mouth
• Red blisters - these are generally painful and the soon burst and leave ulcers on the external genital area, thighs, buttocks and rectum

Eventually recurrences happen less often and are much less severe. Patients with HSV-1 will have fewer recurrences and less severe symptoms than people infected with HSV-2.