Herpes
Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The CDC estimated there were 572,000 new genital herpes infections in the United States in a single year. Type 1 (HSV‑1) generally affects the lips and mouth, while genital herpes is usually caused by type 2. The virus is spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Symptoms
- •Painful blisters or sores
- •Itching or burning in the genital area
- •Flu‑like symptoms during the first outbreak
- •Painful urination
Maternal and Newborn Health Risks
Women with active herpetic infection in the last trimester of pregnancy are at high risk of transmitting the infection to the baby during vaginal birth. Neonatal herpes can be lethal, so doctors may recommend operative delivery.
Diagnosis
Genital herpes is diagnosed through a physical exam and laboratory tests such as viral culture or a blood test.
Treatment
There is no cure for genital herpes, but antiviral medications can reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.
Prevention
Practicing safer sex—using condoms during sexual activity, limiting the number of sexual partners, and avoiding genital, oral or anal sex during a partner’s outbreak—can reduce the risk of contracting genital herpes.
Sources
- Written by Love Hurts, Inc. and Kecia Gaither, MD (March 31, 2024)
- CDC: “Genital Herpes -- CDC Fact Sheet.”
- WebMD: “The Basics about Genital Herpes”
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