How Can I Know If I Have Genital Herpes

Why Genital Herpes Comes Back

What You Need to Know About Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body.

It will not spread in your body to cause blisters elsewhere. It stays in a nearby nerve and causes blisters in the same area.

If you can, avoid things that trigger your symptoms.

Triggers can include:

surgery on your genital area
a weakened immune system for example, from having chemotherapy for cancer

Is It Safe To Breastfeed If I Have Genital Herpes

Yes as long as there isnt an open lesion on your chest or breast. If you have an active outbreak while breastfeeding, its possible to spread the infection to your nipples through touch. Careful hand-washing can prevent this spread. You shouldnt nurse from a breast that has herpes sores. You can pump breast milk until the sores heal. Dont give your baby expressed breast milk if the pump comes into contact with an open sore.

Could I Have Genital Herpes And Not Know

Unless no one has ever kissed you, and unless youve never had sex, it is possible that youve picked up a herpes virus.

Oral herpes, usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 , shows up as cold sores or fever blisters on the mouth. Even a casual peck on the lips from someone with a cold sore can give you the virus. Thats why its so common: As many as 50% to 80% of adults in the U.S. have oral herpes.

Genital herpes, most often caused by the second type of herpes virus , is less common, but plenty of people still have it. Roughly one in five U.S. adults has genital herpes. But up to 90% of those who have it dont know they are infected. You could be one of them.

Testing For Genital Herpes

If you think you may have genital herpes you should make an appointment with your GP or local sexual health services.

If there are symptoms present such as blisters, sores and ulcers, your doctor or nurse may be able to make a diagnosis straight away.

If you have visible blisters, your doctor or nurse may take a swab for testing, to check if this is herpes and what type. This swab can also test for another STI which causes blisters called syphilis.

The genital herpes swab tests is very reliable, though if the ulcer is too dry then the result may be less likely to find a positive result.

Choose The Right Moment

Its good to initiate this conversation when you and your partner are alone and free from distractions. There may not be a perfect time, but some moments are better than others. Avoid times when other major conflicts or stressors are occurring.

Once youre alone and comfortable, broach the subject with your partner. Stay focused and use the following techniques to help you share the information clearly and succinctly.

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What Are The Types Of Herpes Viruses

Herpes is a group of contagious viruses. All of these viruses cause blisters and sores. Some of the more common herpes viruses include:

Type 1: HSV-1, or oral herpes, causes cold sores to form on lips, gums, tongue and inside the mouth. It can cause genital herpes in some cases This type usually spreads through saliva when you kiss someone with open herpes sores. You can also get HSV-1 by sharing items like toothbrushes, lipsticks or eating utensils.
Type 2: HSV-2 causes genital herpes.
Herpes zoster: This virus causes chickenpox and shingles.

How To Recognize Genital Herpes

Overview

Genital herpes is a very common sexually transmitted disease . It is so common that many people, when they find any skin lesion around the genital areas, are likely to think that it is herpes. They are not entirely wrong to think that way. Genital herpes is the main cause of genital ulcers worldwide.1 And the condition is usually associated with a stigma that can itself cause anxiety and even depression2 and might influence the affected personâs decision to disclose the infection to others or seek care.3

A genital sore is not great news regardless of what is causing it. However, many other conditions causing genital sores have a prognosis different from that of herpes. Some can be worse, but others, unlike herpes,4 can be completely cured. Thatâs why weâre beginning this article with an explanation of how to recognize genital herpes and differentiate it from other genital skin lesions.

A sleeping virus

The herpes virus is known for staying âasleepâ in the body for a long time without showing symptoms. This feature is called latency: once the virus infects a person, after an initial phase that does not necessarily manifest with symptoms, it remains hidden in the body for many years, reactivating every now and then.4 Its reactivation is usually triggered by weakness of the immune system, such as in times of sustained stress, accumulated fatigue, heavy physical activity, or fever, but may not have any apparent cause.5, 6

Herpes skin lesions

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How Can I Protect My Sex Partners

You can take steps to protect others from herpes. Keep in mind that you can spread it even when you dont have symptoms.

Avoid sex during outbreaks: Youre more likely to give your partner herpes while you have an outbreak. Avoid sexual contact from the time you notice the first signs, such as tingling or pain, until the scabs fall off and your skin is back to normal.

Try not to touch your sores: If you do, wash your hands right away. A good cleaning may stop the spread to another part of your body or to your partner.

Use condoms: They wont totally protect your partner, but they can lower the chances of spreading the virus.

Talk to your doctor: They might prescribe a drug to make it less likely youll give herpes to someone else. As with condoms, the medicine wont 100% protect your partner.

How Is Genital Herpes Spread

Herpes (oral & genital) – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Saliva from a partner with an oral herpes infection
Genital fluids from a partner with a genital herpes infection
Skin in the oral area of a partner with oral herpes or
Skin in the genital area of a partner with genital herpes.

You also can get genital herpes from a sex partner who does not have a visible sore or is unaware of their infection. It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a partner with oral herpes.

You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools. You also will not get it from touching objects, such as silverware, soap, or towels.

If you have more questions about herpes, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider.

How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Herpes Simplex

Preventing HSV-1

You can reduce your risk of contracting HSV-1 by avoiding physical contact with someone who has a cold sore. People can still spread HSV-1 when cold sores arent present, but its less likely.

If someone has an active HSV-1 infection, avoid:

Sharing utensils, cups, lip balms or other personal care products.
Touching the skin near their mouth.

Preventing HSV-2

If youre sexually active, you can take these steps to protect yourself and others from the herpes virus and other STIs:

Be monogamous with one sexual partner or limit your number of partners.
Get tested for STIs and complete any prescribed treatment.
Tell your sexual partners if you have genital herpes so they can get tested.
Use condoms during intercourse and dental dams during oral sex.

Wash your hands often if you have an outbreak or are around someone with symptoms.

If your sexual partner has genital herpes, these actions can lower your risk of getting the virus:

Dont have sex when your partner has active symptoms. Condoms may not cover all sores, so you may still get the virus.
Make sure your partner takes antiviral medication as prescribed.
Wait to have sex until scabs fall off active lesions.

What Should I Know If I Am Pregnant And I Have Genital Herpes

Its normal to be concerned about the health of your baby when you have any type of STI. HSV can be transmitted to your baby if you have an active outbreak during a vaginal delivery.

Its important to tell your doctor that you have genital herpes as soon as you know youre pregnant.

Your doctor will discuss what to expect before, during, and after you deliver your baby. They can prescribe pregnancy-safe treatments to ensure a healthy delivery. They may also opt to deliver your baby via cesarean.

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Learn How To Manage Outbreaks

While thereâs no cure for genital herpes, there is a lot that can be done to reduce the length and severity of outbreaks.

A number of proven medications speed up the healing process and reduce discomfort. Antiviral medications like acyclovir and valacyclovir offer a simple way to control and minimize herpes outbreaks.

Start taking acyclovir as soon as you notice the first signs of an emerging outbreak. This medication stops the herpes virus from growing and spreading during an outbreak, though it canât remove the virus from your body completely. Most people experience relief within just a few days.

Improving lifestyle habits may also prevent future herpes outbreaks:

Stay rested to support a strong immune system
Eat nutritious foods to support your bodyâs innate healing response
Use the Luminance RED

The Luminance RED nourishes the skin with red light, which is metabolized to accelerate the bodyâs healing process and to strengthen its defenses against future attacks. Regular use of the Luminance RED not only shortens the healing time of active outbreaks, but can also prevent future outbreaks altogether!

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Be Open With Your Partner Before Sex

If you have a confirmed or suspected HSV-2 infection, it’s important to make sure your partner is informed before becoming sexually active.

Condoms can help keep the virus from spreading, but they don’t prevent all types of transmission. In fact, the transmission of HSV-2 via oral sex is possible even if there are no sores present on the genitals or mouth.

Though it’s impossible to completely eliminate the chances of transmission, prevention techniques are very effective. For example, one large study reported that only 1.9% of susceptib l e partners became infected with clinically symptomatic HSV-2 when given the antiviral valacyclovir as a precautionary treatment.

It’s essential to be open and honest with your partner. By improving communication, educating yourselves, and managing expectations, you can better reduce the risk of spreading a genital herpes infection to your partner.

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Myth: If You Get A Cold Sore You Have Genital Herpes

Cold sores and genital herpes are two distinct strains of the herpes simplex virus. Many people get cold sores, but that doesn’t mean they have an Sexually transmitted diseases .

Herpes simplex virus type 2 is the form of herpes categorized as a sexually transmitted infection , and is the main cause of genital herpes. It doesn’t usually cause cold sores, which are caused by HSV-1. There is no cure for HSV-2, so it’s a lifelong disease.

What If I Am Pregnant

It is important to tell your obstetrician that you or a partner have had genital herpes, so that they can monitor you for symptoms and manage your pregnancy safely. There is a risk you can pass the virus on to your baby if you have a vaginal delivery during a first attack of genital herpes. If this happens you may be recommended to have a caesarean delivery.

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Can Genital Herpes Be Treated

Your physician can prescribe different medications to help reduce your symptoms and speed up the healing of an outbreak. These medicines work best when you start them soon after an outbreak occurs.

To reduce pain during an outbreak:

Sit in warm water in a portable bath or bathtub for about 20 minutes. Avoid bubble baths.
Keep your genital area clean and dry, and avoid tight clothes.
Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid aspirin.

Let your physician know if you are worried about your genital herpes. He or she can recommend a support group to help you cope with the virus.

Can Genital Herpes Be Prevented

I have herpes: Should I Worry?

Practising safe sex is the best way to help prevent genital herpes infection.

It is safest to:

always use condoms and dental dams, even when there are no sores or blisters present
avoid sex when there are sores or blisters present you are most infectious at this time
avoid sex with someone who has any blisters, sores or other symptoms of genital herpes
avoid oral sex when there is any sign of a cold sore

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What Causes Genital Herpes How Does It Spread

The herpes viruses enter the skin or mucous membrane through tiny, even microscopic, breaks in the tissue when there is skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Because an infected person may spread the disease even when he or she does not have signs or symptoms of herpes, avoiding sexual contact with someone with active blisters does not guarantee protection against the infection. Even normal appearing skin can spread the infection. Clothing that touches genital skin ulcers may transmit herpes simplex virus to others that wear the clothing.

The average incubation period after exposure is 4 days, but symptoms may develop anywhere from 2 to 12 days after you have been exposed to the virus.

Individual outbreaks of herpes vary among affected people in terms of their frequency and severity. Outbreaks can be related to the function of the immune system and are typically worse in cases in which the immune system is suppressed. For example, at times of physical or emotional stress, during illness, or when taking certain medications, genital herpes outbreaks may be more likely.

Can I Breastfeed If I Have Genital Herpes

Yes, you can breastfeed if you have genital herpes, but not if you have a herpes sore on one of your breasts. If you have genital herpes, it is possible to spread the infection to any part of your breast, including your nipple and areola.

If you have any genital herpes sores on one or both of your breasts:

You can keep breastfeeding as long as your baby or pumping equipment does not touch a herpes sore.
Do not breastfeed from the breast with sores. Herpes is spread through contact with sores and can be dangerous to a newborn baby.
Pump or hand-express your milk from the breast with sores until the sores heal. Pumping will help keep up your milk supply and prevent your breast from getting overly full and painful. You can store your milk to give to your baby in a bottle for another feeding. But if parts of your pump also touch the sore while pumping, throw the milk away.

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Preparing To Tell Your Partner

What you say and how you say it is going to depend on your own personal style.

Your attitude will influence how this news is received. Psychologists have observed that people tend to behave the way you expect them to behave, and expecting rejection increases the chances of an unhappy outcome.

When I finally told my partner I had genital herpes, he was relieved, he thought it was something much worse AH

A straightforward and positive conversation about herpes issues is the best approach and may be helped by forward planning.

How long should you know someone before you tell them? If it appears the two of you could end up in bed on the first date, thats probably a good time.

Ideally, though, its best to give it a few dates before telling. Allow the relationship to develop a little. Its going to be easier if the two of you enjoy a degree of comfort and trust in each others company. Its probably better to wait until you know and trust each other.

There are good and bad times to bring up the topic of herpes. Some of the less appropriate moments include the crowded bar or party scene, travel en route to a romantic weekend, or a talk when youve just finished having sex. Talking just prior to love-making is not a good idea either.

Bring up the issue when you are not already in the mood for sexual intimacy, when youre feeling good about yourself, and when you both have an opportunity to have a discussion.

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How Are Genital Herpes Diagnosed

Other STIs, like syphilis, cause similar symptoms. In addition to a physical exam, your healthcare provider will take a fluid sample from the blisters to test for the herpes virus. If your blisters are healed or you dont have blisters, a blood test can check for HSV-2 antibody, a marker that shows you have been exposed to the virus.

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Where Does The Herpes Virus Live In The Body

The herpes simplex viruses are latent, meaning they can live in the body without causing symptoms. After the initial infection, the virus gets into the nerve roots and spreads to the sensory nerve ganglia, the junctions where nerves from different parts of the body come together. For the genital area, the ganglia are adjacent to the spinal cord in the lower back. For orofacial herpes , the ganglia are located behind the cheek bone.

Genital herpes can be treated, but it cannot be cured.Anti-viral medicines can make outbreaks:

Living with genital herpes causes some people to:

Feel embarrassed or ashamed
Worry about infecting a sexual partner
Worry that having herpes will affect relationships with sexual partners
Avoid dating or sexual relationships

Most people with herpes are able to live with the virusand manage their outbreaks. Talking to trusted healthcare providers and friends can help. Your health careprovider can talk to you about medicines that treatoutbreaks and about ways to reduce the chance ofpassing the virus on to a sexual partner.

Medicines can help lower the chance that you will pass the virus to others.