Health Issues
Genital Herpes (HSV)

Genital Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There is no cure for herpes. The virus can affect the mouth, the genital area, and the skin around the anus. There are two types of this virus either of which can infect these parts of the body, but:

1. Type I usually causes sores on the nose and mouth, known as cold sores, and (rarely) in the eyes.
2. Type II causes sores in the genital and anal area.

But the Type I virus is now more common in the genital and anal areas, perhaps because more people are having oral sex.

Both men and women may have one or more symptoms, including:

• an itching or tingling sensation in the genital or anal area.
• small fluid-filled blisters. These burst and leave small sores which can be very painful. In time they dry out, scab over and heal. With the first infection they can take between 2 and 4 weeks to heal properly.
• pain when passing urine, if it passes over any of the open sores.
• a flu-like illness, backache, headache, swollen glands and fever.

At this time the virus is highly infectious.

Recurrent infections are usually milder. The sores are fewer, smaller, less painful and heal more quickly, and there are no flu-like symptoms.

Herpes is passed on through direct contact with an infected person. The virus affects the areas where it enters the body. This can be by:

• kissing (mouth to mouth)
• penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina, mouth or anus)
• oral sex (from the mouth to the genitals)

A clinical examination of your genital area is carried out by a doctor or a nurse.

A sample is taken, using a cotton-wool or spongy swab, from any visible sores.

Women may be given an internal pelvic examination.

A sample of urine is taken.

As with any suspected sexually transmitted infection, it is possible to have more than one infection at the same time, so it is advisable to have a full check up.

NHS sexual health (GUM) clinics routinely test for a number of sexually transmitted infections.

Samples taken during your examination are sent to a laboratory for testing, and the result is available usually within two weeks.

Tablets are available which reduce the severity of HSV infection. These are only effective when taken within 72 hours of the start of the symptoms. There is also a cream which controls the symptoms. Recurrent infections often do not require treatment.

If you have been told you have herpes you may be asked to see a health adviser who will explain about the infection and answer your questions. The health adviser will ask you about your sexual partner(s), as it is important that they have a check-up.

When you are suffering from herpes, there are several things you can do to help you feel better.

• Take pain-killers (aspirin/paracetomol) if you have any pain.
• Keep the affected area as dry and clean as possible. Gently bathing the sore areas with a salt solution (half a teaspoon of salt to half a pint of warm water) may help: it is soothing and helps the sores dry out.
• Wear loose clothing so that air can get to the sore areas.
• Place an ice-pack wrapped in a clean cloth or towel on the affected area.
• If passing urine is painful, try urinating in a bath of water.
• Drink plenty of fluids, such as mineral water and soft drinks, to help neutralise the urine. It is important not to hold back from passing urine as this can cause further problems.
• Avoid sunbathing and using sunbeds.
• Get plenty of rest.

During an episode of herpes, the blisters and sores are highly infectious and the virus can be passed on to others by direct contacts. To prevent this from happening you should avoid:

• kissing when you or your partner have cold sores around the mouth
• having oral sex when you or your partner have mouth or genital sores.
• having any genital or anal contact, even with a condom or dental dam, when you or your partner have genital sores
• sharing towels and face flannels
• using saliva to wet contact lenses if you have sores around your mouth

Between outbreaks of herpes rashes, the chance of passing on the infection is much reduced, although it may occasionally occur. However herpes does not mean the end of your sex life. Ask the advice of the clinic health adviser.

There is no significant link between HSV and cancer of the cervix. However, it is still advisable for every woman to have regular smear tests.

Having herpes does not affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant.

If herpes first occurs in the first 3 months of pregnancy there is a small risk of miscarriage. However, most women who have several episodes of HSV during pregnancy have a normal delivery.

If you are having an episode of herpes when the baby is due, you may be advised to have a Caesarian delivery to reduce the risk of infecting the baby. A baby is rarely infected in the UK

Remember, a condom will only protect against herpes infection if it covers all the blisters. Herpes can also be transmitted by non-penetrative sex.

- Your local sexual health (GUM) clinic. You can find details of your nearest NHS sexual health clinic in the phone book under genito-urinary medicine (GUM), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or venereal disease (VD). Or phone your local hospital and ask for the ‘special’ or GUM clinic. You will get free, confidential advice and treatment. You can go to any clinic anywhere in the country - you don’t have to go to a local one - and you don’t have to be referred by your GP. (Non-NHS sexual health clinics may not always offer the full range of services which are available at NHS sexual health clinics.)

• Your GP.
• The Herpes Association - for information and support for people who have herpes - Tel. 0171 609 9061
• Free copies of this factsheet are available from GP surgeries, NHS sexual health (GUM) clinics, or your local health promotion unit (in the phone book under your Local Health Authority).

© Health Education Authority 1997

ISBN 0 7521 0806 9

| Health Index | Ahh yes... |