Genital Herpes

  What Is Genital Herpes?

Herpes is a common virus that can cause sores on the mouth (cold sores) and in and around the genital area (genital herpes).

How Do I Get Herpes? 

By direct contact with the sores or blisters of an infected person. For example:

• Having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone with genital sores. 
• If a mother has genital sores during childbirth, herpes can be passed to the baby. 
• The virus can be spread when you cannot see any sores. 
• This happens by viral shedding right before an outbreak, or if sores are hidden inside the vagina.

How Do I Know If I Have Herpes? 

You may have:

• Tingling or itching of the skin around the genitals.
• One or a group of painful, watery blisters in or around the genitals, or wherever there is skin to skin contact (hips, nipples, anus).
• These blisters break and form open sores that crust or scab lasting 7 - 21 days.
• Burning when you urinate (pee). 
• Flu-like symptoms (usually during the first outbreak). 
• Tender, swollen glands in the groin. 
• Symptoms that start 2 - 21 days after contact with an infected person, but may take weeks or months to appear. 
• Outbreaks of herpes that vary and can return as often as every month or as rare as once a year or longer. 
• Stress, illness, diet, fever, sun exposure, your period, pregnancy or vigorous sex may cause outbreaks.

How Do I Get Tested? 

• Visit a doctor as soon as you have an outbreak. 
• A doctor can diagnose the herpes by looking at the sores or by taking a swab of the sore to check for the virus.
• Sometimes, during a pelvic exam, herpes can be seen on the cervix.

How Do You Treat Genital Herpes? 

• Medicine can help shorten or prevent outbreaks and ease the pain, but there is no cure for herpes. 
• Keep the area clean and dry, as this will help healing.

How Can I Prevent The Spread Of Herpes?

• Herpes can be passed between partners even when there are no signs of the disease.
• Abstinence (not having sex) may be your best choice. 
• If you think that you have been infected, get checked out. 
• Do not have any sexual contact with someone who has sores on the genitals. 
• Do not have any sexual contact if you have sores on your genitals. 
• Practice “Safer Sex”. Always use condoms but remember that condoms will not protect you if the sores are not covered. 
• Limit the number of sexual partners you have. 
• Ask your partner about his/her sexual history. 
• Tell your partner if you have an infection. 
• Get education, guidance and support.

For  more information call or email the Sexual Health Program:
Ph: 578-2513
E-mail: sexualhealthprogram@brandonrha.mb.ca