Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is transmitted by having sex with an infected partner. There is no cure for genital herpes but the symptoms can be managed. Patients infected with herpes don’t necessarily have symptoms. Most people will get mild symptoms at most, but others will get painful and frequent symptoms.
If you experience recurrent symptoms or are worried about passing on the infection to your sexual partner, make an appointment at Sexual Health North in Joondalup to discuss your concerns.
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What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus. While there is no cure for herpes, your sexual health specialist can manage the symptoms if you are infected. Genital herpes, or the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is acquired by having oral, vaginal, anal sex or sharing sex toys with an infected partner. It can also be passed on just by having genital contact or direct skin-to-skin contact when the virus is present.
As one can have herpes without symptoms, people can unknowingly pass the virus on to their partner. Genital herpes is normally caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV 2) although it is possible for HSV Type 1 also known as the cold sore virus to cause sores on genitals especially through oral sex.
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Genital herpes symptoms & complications of not testing and treating
You can have genital herpes without any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may experience a ‘flu-like illness with your first ever episode, including fever, tiredness, headache and swollen glands.
This may be followed by symptoms of:
- tingling, stinging or itching in the genital or anal area
- blisters in the genital, anal or buttocks area which break open and leave painful sores
- stinging while urinating caused by urine running over the sores
- vaginal discharge
- urethral discharge
Subsequent recurrence of herpes may begin with symptoms of tingling and or itching (prodrome symptoms) followed on by an ulcer. Complications of herpes although rare can include bladder problems, and inflammation around the brain or spinal cord.
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How common is genital herpes and who should get tested?
Genital herpes is very common, affecting about 1 in 8 Australians. Yet many people with the virus don’t know they have it and never recognize the symptoms if they have symptoms at all.
A check-up for herpes infection is recommended if:
- you or your partner have a new diagnosis of herpes
- you or your partner think you might have symptoms
Herpes lesions do heal without any treatment but can recur. Treatment can help reduce the number of days you have symptoms. In some people, frequent herpes recurrences can be problematic causing troublesome symptoms and impacting on the quality of life and mental well-being. Occasionally herpes symptoms may have nothing to do with sores but are caused by prodromal symptoms which can make you feel ill or have nerve-pain symptoms.
Herpes can be triggered by tiredness, illness, stress, friction/trauma, the onset of menstruation and exposure to UV light. A person with frequent symptoms may see a pattern to the cause of outbreaks so as to prevent them. Sometimes outbreaks may be prevented by taking antivirals early, as soon as you feel the onset of prodrome symptoms.
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How do we test you for genital herpes?
If you have symptoms of genital sores, splits or itchy spots, a swab can be taken to test for herpes.
The best test to determine if you have genital herpes is a swab when you have symptoms. Occasionally your sexual health specialist may recommend doing a blood test.
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We can offer treatments and prevention advice
Because herpes can’t be cured, our sexual health team focuses on managing your symptoms and preventing your sexual partners from getting the virus. If you have no further symptoms you may not need treatment. But if you experience outbreaks frequent enough to have an impact on your daily life, symptoms can be controlled by suppressive treatment - going on daily antiviral tablets. Get a referral from your GP and make an appointment to see our STI specialist to discuss your symptoms to get a tailored management plan.
To prevent the virus from spreading, sex should be avoided when a genital or oral sore is present. However, herpes can be transmitted by people who have no symptoms and this is more common in individuals who have frequent recurrences or a new infection. Using condoms with new or casual partners is advisable as it lowers your risk of acquiring herpes but does not guarantee 100% protection as the condom does not protect the whole genital area.
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Genital herpes is common and can cause recurrent symptoms. Recurrent symptoms can have a psychological and emotional impact on individuals as well as affecting their ability to have fulfilling relationships.
Symptom management of herpes is important as it shortens the duration of attacks as well as reducing your risk of passing on the virus. Serious complications from herpes are rare.
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3/5 Regent's Park Road,
Joondalup 6027
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