Friendly Print preview

... see also   Herpes sheets

Herpes: genital herpes 

What is genital herpes?

It is a form of sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It produces painful ulcers on and around the genitals of both sexes.

How is it caught?

It can be caught by direct contact through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Rarely is it transferred to the genitals from other areas of the body by the fingers, and it has never been proved that it can be transferred from places or objects such as toilet seats, towels, spas or swimming pools.

Contact is from person to person.

What are the symptoms?

With the first attack there is a tingling or burning feeling in the genital area. A crop of small blisters then appears; these burst after 24 hours to leave small, red, painful ulcers. The ulcers form scabs and heal after a few days. The glands in the groin can become swollen and tender, and the patient might feel unwell and have a fever.

The first attack lasts about 2 weeks.

Males

The virus usually affects the shaft of the penis, but can involve the glans and coronal sulcus, and the anus.

Females

Blisters develop around the opening of, d just inside, the vagina and can involve the cervix and anus. Passing urine might be difficult, and there can be a vaginal discharge.

In both sexes, it can affect the buttocks and thighs. A serious but uncommon complication, especially in females, is the inability to pass urine.

Does it recur?

After the first infection, the herpes virus remains deep in the nerves that supply the affected area of the skin. Half of those who have the first episode have recurrent attacks; the others have no recurrences.

Fortunately attacks gradually become milder, less frequent and usually stop eventually. Recurrences after many months or years can be precipitated by menstruation, sexual intercourse, masturbation, skin irritation or emotional stress.

What should you do?

If you think you have herpes, see your doctor or attend a clinic specialising in STD. You should not have intercourse during an attack, because you are likely to transmit the infection to your partner.

What is the treatment?

• Rest and relax as much as possible. Warm salt baths can be soothing.
• Antiviral ointments can help if they are used as soon as symptoms start.
• Other agents that help are Betadine lotion or 10 per cent silver nitrate solution.
• Icepacks or hot compresses can help.
• Pain-killers such as aspirin or paracetamol give some relief.
• If urination is painful, pass urine under water in a warm bath.
• Keep the sores dry; dabbing with alcohol or using warm air from a hairdryer can help.
• Leave the rash alone after cleaning and drying; do not poke or prod the sores.
• Wear loose clothes and cotton underwear. Avoid tight jeans.
• Your doctor can prescribe a special antiviral drug (acyclovir) for a severe infection.

How can it be prevented?

Spread of the disease can be prevented only by avoiding sexual contact during an attack. If you are not sure whether you are infective or not, use a condom (however, this is not absolutely protective) and wash your genitals with soap and water immediately after sex. Condoms should always be used where a partner has a history of this infection.

Can herpes cause cancer in women?

There may be a connection between genital herpes and cancer of the cervix, but that cancer is treatable if diagnosed early-'a smear a year' is the rule.

Copyright 1995: John Murtagh, Professor of General Practice
Monash University, Melbourne, Australia