Genital Herpes

This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about genital herpes.

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Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a virus. There are two types of viruses that can cause genital herpes: Herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2).

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The basics

How can a person get genital herpes?

Genital herpes spreads when someone has vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected individual. Genital herpes can also pass from mother to child during birth. It can pass from sore or infected skin that does not appear to have a sore.

You can increase your risk of infection by:

Having sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom and/or dental dam
Having multiple sex partners
Having a different STI or HIV
Having sex while high on drugs or under the influence of alcohol increases your risk. It makes it less likely that you will use condoms correctly or at all

You cannot get herpes from:

Hugging
Shaking hands
Sharing food or using the same dish

What is the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2?

HSV-2 is the most common type of genital herpes. This type of virus spreads during vaginal or anal sex.

HSV-1 more commonly causes infections in the mouth and lips but can also cause genital herpes.

Who can get genital herpes?

Anyone who is sexually active can get genital herpes. Having unprotected sex increases the chance of getting genital herpes. In the US, about one out of every six people 14-29 years of age has evidence of HSV-2 infection.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

Most people do not have symptoms or have very mild symptoms that can be confused for another skin condition. If you do have symptoms or outbreaks, they usually start within two weeks after getting infected. They take between 2 and 4 weeks to heal the first time they occur. Repeat outbreaks of the genital herpes virus are usually less severe. The number of outbreaks per year usually decreases from the time a person is first infected.

For those who have symptoms, the most common ones are:

Small sores, blisters, bumps or a rash on the vagina, penis, or rectum (bum)
Pain and/or burning when peeing or during sex
Tingling or scratchy feeling in your mouth and lips or between your legs
Flu-like symptoms

How long can an infected person spread genital herpes?

Once infected with genital herpes, they can continue to spread genital herpes to others each time they have sexual contact. It is important to know that a person can spread genital herpes to others even if they do not have symptoms. If you have genital herpes, talk to your provider about decreasing how often you get symptoms.

Testing & prevention

How can I find out if I have Genital herpes?

The best way to find out if you have genital herpes is by getting tested. A health care provider may:

Examine the area during an outbreak (when blisters or bumps are present)
Test a sample from the open sore
Take a blood test

Where can I get tested?

Most health care providers offer testing for genital herpes and other STIs. To find a health care center in a neighborhood near you, call the Mayor’s Health Line (MHL) at 617-534-5050 or toll-free 1-800-847-0710 or click here.

How can you protect yourself from getting genital herpes?

The only 100% effective way to prevent genital herpes is to not have sex.

If you do have sex, you can limit your risk by taking the following steps:

Always use a latex or polyurethane condom or barrier (dental dam) when having anal, vaginal and/or oral sex
- Condoms made from "natural" materials may protect against pregnancy but NOT STIs
Reduce your number of partners if you choose to have sex
Talk with your partner about their STI status and getting tested
Talk with your health care provider about safer sexual practices and getting tested
Understand that having sex while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can increase the likelihood of unprotected sex
Contact your health care provider if you experience any symptoms

Treatment

Can you treat genital herpes?

You can treat genital herpes but you cannot cure it. Those with genital herpes can take medication to control reoccurring outbreaks and prevent spreading genital herpes to uninfected partners.