Genital Herpes Infection

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

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What is a genital herpes infection?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV has 2 types. A genital HSV infection is usually caused by HSV type 2. HSV type 1 usually affects the oral area but may also affect the genitals.

What increases my risk for a genital HSV infection?

• Close contact with someone who has an HSV infection
• Unprotected sex, more than 1 sex partner, or being a man who has sex with men
• Being female (HSV passed during vaginal sex)
• A weak immune system caused by an illness or condition such as a cold, flu, or HIV
• Shared personal items, such as towels or razors
• Broken or torn skin on your genitals or buttocks

What are the signs and symptoms of a genital HSV infection?

You may not have any signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms that do develop may appear suddenly and last 8 days to 3 weeks. Symptoms will go away and may come back again. Your blisters may burst or join together to form large open sores. Sores on your skin will then dry up (crust over). You may also have any of the following:

• Pain, itching, or tingling at the affected area
• Blisters or small, round, shallow sores on the thighs, genitals, or buttocks
• Fever, headache, or muscle pains
• Swollen lymph nodes in your groin
• Loss of appetite
• Vaginal discharge that is not normal for you
• Pain when you urinate

How is a genital HSV infection diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine your blisters or sores. Your provider may ask if you have other medical conditions. Tell your provider when your blisters or sores started, and about your other symptoms. Tell your provider about any STIs you or your partner may have. You may also need any of the following:

• Skin or fluid samples may be sent to a lab to be tested for HSV. Your provider may swab fluid from a blister. Your provider may also scrape skin from a sore. Skin scraping needs to be done within 48 hours of the first symptom, when the outbreak is most severe.
• Blood tests may show you have developed antibodies from exposure to HSV. Blood tests may also show which type of HSV you have.

How is a genital HSV infection treated?

An HSV infection cannot be cured. The blisters or sores may heal on their own within 8 days. The following may be used to treat or prevent symptoms:

• Antiviral medicine helps relieve symptoms and shortens the amount of time you have blisters. You may also need to take it daily to prevent blisters.
• Numbing cream or ointment may help decrease pain.

How can I manage my symptoms?

• Keep your blisters and sores clean and dry. Do not wipe or scrub your blisters or sores. Rinse the area with clean, warm water and gently pat the area dry.
• Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing to prevent irritation. Cover open sores with a bandage to prevent your clothes from sticking to them.
• Use ice to help reduce your swelling and pain. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you place it on your skin. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour, or as directed.
• Use heat to help decrease your muscle pain. Use an electric heating pad set on low, a hot water bottle, or a warm compress. Always put a cloth between your skin and the heat pack to prevent burns. A warm bath or shower may also help decrease your muscle pain. Apply heat for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours, or as directed.

How can I prevent the spread of HSV?

• Tell your partner you have genital HSV. Ask your healthcare provider for ways to tell your partner about your infection. Your partner may also need to be tested for genital HSV even if no symptoms develop. Do not have sex while you or your partner have symptoms.
• Use a male or female condom during sex. This includes oral, genital, and anal sex. Use a new condom each time. Use a polyurethane condom if you are allergic to latex. Do not use male and female condoms together. Ask for more information about the correct way to use condoms.
• Do not share personal items with others. Examples include towels, razors, and clothing.
• Do not touch your sores, blisters, or scabs. The virus may spread from your fingers.
• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Use germ-killing gel if soap and water are not available.
• Tell your healthcare providers if you are pregnant. HSV can spread to your baby during your pregnancy or during vaginal delivery. You may need to take antiviral medicine before you give birth. Antiviral medicine can help prevent the spread of infection to your baby. You may need a cesarean section (c-section) if your symptoms are severe. Do not breastfeed if you have blisters or sores on your breast. Do not give your baby pumped breast milk if the pump or milk touches a blister or sore.
• Get tested for STIs if you are sexually active. HSV type 2 increases your risk for HIV. You should get tested after you have sex with any new partner or if you have sex without a condom. This includes oral, genital, or anal sex.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You have changes in your vision or sudden eye pain.
• You have eye pain when you look into bright lights.
• You have sores on your eyes.
• You have a severe headache or are confused.

When should I call my doctor?

• You see blood or fluid that is not clear coming out of your sores, penis, or vagina.
• Your symptoms get worse, have not gone away within 8 days, or come back again.
• You have trouble urinating.
• You know or think you are pregnant, and you are bleeding from your vagina.
• Your eyes feel irritated, or you feel like you have something in your eye.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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