Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. Many cases of Genital Herpes are acquired from people who did not know they are infected or who had no symptoms at the time of the sexual contact.
Genital Herpes under a microscope
Results of a nationally representative study show that genital herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, at least 45 million people ages 12 and older, or one out of five adolescents and adults, have had genital HSV infection. Over the past decade, the percent of Americans with genital herpes infection in the U.S. has decreased.
Genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of four women) than in men (almost one out of eight). This may be due to male-to-female transmission being more likely than female-to-male transmission.
If you have additional questions or think you may have Genital Herpes you may call the National Herpes Hotline at 1-919-361-8488
How do I get this STD?
This STD is spread during vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone who has Genital Herpes.
What should I watch for?
Symptoms generally show up 1 - 30 days after having sex.
What does it look like?
VERY GRAPHIC!
- You will experience small, painful blisters on the sex organs, rectum, inner thighs, and mouth dependent upon the type of sexual activity.
- Females may develop these blisters inside the vagina.
- The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur.
- While these blisters are wet, they are very contagious. But once you have the HSV virus, you can infect sex partner even if you have no blisters at the time.
- Males and females often have pain when they urinate (pee).
- Flu-like symptoms may also be present.
Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the first outbreak. You may experience some tingling or itching where the first blisters were located just before new blisters appear. Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years.
What happens if I don't get treated?
There is a treatment that will control the infection and the painful blisters. There is NO cure.
You can give your partner Genital Herpes.
A mother with Genital Herpes can give it to her baby during childbirth.
How can I prevent it?
Abstinence, or avoiding sexual contact, is your best and only 100% certain way of preventing STDs.
Using a new latex condom (rubber) with a water-based lubricant every time you have sex may help prevent you from getting this STD. If the herpes sore is in an area that is not covered by the condom, and there is skin-to-sore contact, you are at a HIGH risk for getting this STD!
Read below for more ways you can protect yourself...
ANSWER:
Abstinence, or avoiding sexual contact, is your best and only 100% certain way of preventing STDs. There is really no way to have a sexual relationship with another person that does not put you at risk for STDs. Ideally you should wait to have sex until you are ready for a permanent relationship with just one person and when they are equally committed to this relationship and to only having sex with you. Even in this situation, there is a risk of STDs if you or your partner has had other sexual relationships prior to this relationship.
If you are having sex now using a latex condom is your first line of defense. Use a new condom every time you have sex. Many teens are embarrassed to buy condoms, but if you are old enough to have sex, you are old enough to act responsibly. Don't let embarrassment prevent you from taking care of yourself and your partner.
Think ahead and always be prepared!
More Ways to Protect Yourself if You are Having Sex Now:
- Have sex only with one partner who is not infected and is only having sex with you.
- Talk with your partner about past sex partners and about any needle drug use.
- Don't have sex with someone who you think might have a STD.
- Before you have sex, look closely at your partner for any signs of STD. If you see anything you are worried about, don't have sex!
- Use a latex condom (rubber) for oral and anal sex. Use an unlubricated condom for oral sex. Males and females should both carry protection.
- In addition to condoms, use birth control foam, cream, or jelly. These kill many STD germs.
- Urinate immediately after sex - this may help remove harmful germs from the urinary tract.
- Avoid using alcohol or drugs that can impair your judgment, making you more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors.
- Get checked for STDs every time you have a health exam if you have had sex. Remember not all STDs have symptoms!
- Know the symptoms of STDs. If you notice a symptom, go see a doctor.
- If you have a STD, your partner must get treated. Don't have sex until your treatment is complete.
The Teen Health Program website is funded through the Georgia Department of Public Health - Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program.