Herpes
What is it?
Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is believed to affect one in five sexually active people in Australia.
There are two types of herpes.
HSV Type 1 - Is commonly called a 'cold sore' and is usually found around the lips and mouth.
HSV Type 2 - More commonly infects the genital and anal area.
Both types of herpes can occur on either lips/mouth or genital areas.
What are the symptoms?
Herpes affects different people in different ways. Following exposure to herpes, some people will develop painful, tingling or itchy blisters or ulcers on the genitals and they may have flu-like symptoms.
Sometimes in both sexes the herpes blisters aren't obvious and so people may not realise they have it. There may be just a red patch with tiny breaks. The first outbreak can appear within a few days or some time after the infection is transmitted.
Following an initial outbreak, some people will get another outbreak. It is hard to predict how often this will happen. Some may only ever have one outbreak and others may have no more than one or two. A small minority have frequent outbreaks but over time the number of outbreaks is likely to decline.
A variety of symptoms can appear before an outbreak. Symptoms may include tingling, nerve pain, itching or a general feeling of ill health and irritability, which may occur a few hours to a few days before an outbreak.
The amount of time between each outbreak varies between each individual, but generally over time they occur less often and the outbreaks tend to be less severe.
For many people there does not seem to be a pattern to when they get an outbreak while others notice that they occur when they are premenstrual, tired, stressed, sunburnt, or consume lots of alcohol or other drugs.
How is it transmitted?
The herpes virus is passed from one person to another by skin to skin contact with an infected person. The herpes virus can be passed even without any visible signs of herpes. Symptoms will generally show between 2 to 30 days after exposure.
This virus can pass during vaginal, anal or oral sex, through the rubbing and touching of genital skin and through kissing. A cold sore can be spread to the genital area of a partner, and vice-versa.
How can I prevent transmission?
Sexual contact needs to be avoided from the first indication of an outbreak and for a week or so after an outbreak. Do not let herpes come into contact with another person and avoid kissing and oral sex during an outbreak. Using condoms during oral sex and sexual intercourse can help prevent transmission, though condoms may not entirely cover the affected areas.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of genital herpes is made by taking a swab (long cotton bud) from the sore or blister and testing it in a laboratory. A doctor may also be able to diagnose herpes by physical examination.
How is it treated?
There is no cure for herpes, though pills are available to help treat herpes. If left untreated, a herpes sore will heal by itself but treatment can aid the process and reduce the severity of the outbreak. It is also thought that treatment of herpes is likely to reduce transmission.
The earlier treatment is initiated in response to an outbreak, the more effective it is likely to be. Pills can be taken continuously for people experiencing regular outbreaks of herpes in an attempt to prevent outbreaks.
Women who are pregnant need to advise their obstetrician or midwife that they have herpes. Although repeating outbreaks rarely affect the baby in the uterus (womb) it is important to discuss precautions to prevent herpes being passed onto the baby during birth.
Women who have a first episode during pregnancy need to immediately seek medical attention as it can pose an immediate risk of transmission to an unborn baby, including causing your baby to be born early.