Genital herpes: Everything you need to know about diagnosis, symptoms and treatment

Herpes in the vagina

Fast help within 15 minutes

Have you previously been diagnosed with herpes? At Recetas Medicas, you get a quick medical assessment and prescription within 15 minutes. Answer a few questions for help with ongoing outbreaks or to receive preventative treatment – ​​a prescription to use in future outbreaks.

What is herpes?

Herpes is a very common viral disease caused by the Herpes simplex virus. There are two main types: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is usually associated with cold sores while HSV-2 is more linked to genital sores (sores in the genital area). The herpes virus causes lifelong latent infection, which means you have it in your body but without symptoms. In so-called reactivation, the virus breaks out and you get symptoms.

How is genital herpes spread?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease and is spread through direct contact with an infected area. It can either be through sexual contact, through direct contact with sores or blisters or by sharing intimate products with each other. There is also a risk that the virus can spread without symptoms. Herpes can be spread via surfaces or by sharing hygiene items, but this is very unusual as the herpes virus dies quickly outside the body.

Herpes symptoms and outbreaks

Early signs of genital herpes are tingling, itching or pain in the area where the outbreak will occur. Then come the blisters, which often sit in groups. Common locations for the blisters are on the penis or scrotum, in or around the vagina, on the buttocks, in the urethra and around the rectum. The blisters then burst, leaving behind sores that are then covered with scabs. These sores can cause a stinging, burning sensation in the abdomen which can be similar to the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. From the first symptoms until the wounds have healed, it takes about 1 week.

The first time you get genital herpes, the symptoms can be more severe than with a recurring infection. The blisters are often more, you can get a general feeling of illness, fever and swollen lymph nodes in the area. It also takes longer, up to about 3 weeks, for the infection to go away.

What can trigger genital herpes?

In general, herpes outbreaks are triggered by a weakened immune system. This makes it harder for the body to keep the virus under control which can cause outbreaks. There are various causes of a weakened immune system, for example;

• Stress. Physical and emotional stress can weaken the immune system, which makes the virus more easily activated.
• Strong sunlight or cold.
• Impaired immune system due to illness or medication.
• Fever.
• Mechanical abrasion/trauma to the area.
• Hormonal changes such as menstruation.

Sometimes there is no clear cause for the breakouts and some people are just more prone to breakouts than others.

How long is genital herpes contagious?

Herpes is most contagious in the first few days, especially with open oozing blisters or sores. As the blisters heal, the risk of spreading the infection decreases. This does not mean that the risk is completely eliminated, but it will be significantly lower. In the case of a first-time infection, this infectious period may be slightly longer compared to a recurrent infection. Viral levels are normally higher and it takes longer for the infection to clear, causing symptoms to remain longer. The virus spreads most easily when there are blisters and wounds, but the vast majority are infected by someone without symptoms as the virus can spread without the presence of symptoms. It takes about 7-10 days from the first symptoms until the infection has healed, and in the case of a first infection, it can take up to 3 weeks for the wounds to heal if not treated.

How to avoid herpes?

In general, it is difficult to avoid the virus as approx. 70-90% are infected at some point in their lives.

To avoid infecting others, there are certain things you can keep in mind in the event of an outbreak

• Avoid poking the blisters or sores. -Wash your hands often and feel free to use your own towel.
• Avoid close contact with pregnant women and babies when you have an outbreak.
• Use protection during sexual activity if you know you have an ongoing outbreak. There is a risk of spreading it to your partner or of oral herpes spreading to the vagina and vice versa. Condoms and tampons can be used, but there is still a risk of infection spreading to the areas that are not covered.

Do you need to tell your partner that you have genital herpes?

No, you are not obliged to tell your partner that you have herpes. However, you should inform your partner and especially in the case of ongoing outbreaks as genital herpes is highly contagious and can cause troublesome symptoms and repeated infections.

Treatment genital herpes

Genital herpes can be very painful, especially if you have widespread sores. Herpes goes away on its own, but there is treatment in the form of virus-inhibiting tablets, so-called antiviral medicine. The tablets relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of the outbreak. The tablets help both against herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2. It is best to use the tablets as soon as you get the slightest symptoms and no later than 72 hours after the first symptoms. At Recetas Medicas, we can help you with treatment both through an outbreak and to have at home for preventive purposes to be able to treat immediately at the slightest symptoms.

In addition to tablet treatment, you can use painkillers and lubricate the wounds/blisters with a numbing ointment that can be bought without a prescription at the pharmacy.

When the blisters have burst, they become open sores. To avoid getting infection in the wounds, you can wash with water and mild soap.

Avoid tight fitting clothing or abrasion to the area such as cycling.

In some people, the herpes blisters return frequently, several times a year. If you are affected 5-6 times a year, prophylactic treatment may be appropriate.

Is genital herpes dangerous?

Generally speaking, genital herpes is not dangerous. However, herpes can affect other parts of the body, including the eye. Herpes in the eye causes an inflammation of the cornea which causes pain, red eye and sensitivity to light. If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek physical care as herpes in the eye must always be treated. Most often the infection is superficial, but it can become deep and cause permanent vision problems.

In rare cases, the virus can affect the brain or the membranes around the brain, so-called inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or inflammation of the meninges (meningitis). If you have a herpes outbreak and at the same time feel very unwell with a fever, severe headache or stiffness in the neck, you should seek medical attention immediately as these are very serious conditions.

Pregnant women and newborns are groups where you should be careful when it comes to herpes. If you are pregnant and get oral or genital herpes for the first time, you should seek treatment and inform your midwife. It can also be good to inform if you know you have problems with genital herpes. A first outbreak of genital herpes during childbirth risks infecting the newborn, who can get a serious infection.

Is herpes hereditary?

Herpes is not hereditary. Herpes is a viral disease that is transmitted through contact with an infected area. The disease is therefore not hereditary like other genetic diseases, but you have to be infected by the virus to get it. However, different individuals may be more or less susceptible/sensitive to herpes outbreaks, which may be due to hereditary factors.

How to make herpes heal faster?

If you start treatment with tablets, antivirals, you can shorten the time with symptoms or completely avoid outbreaks if you start immediately in connection with the first symptoms. At Recetas Medicas, you can have tablets prescribed to keep at home for preventive purposes in order to quickly start the treatment.

If you have visible blisters with sores, it is important to practice good hand hygiene and avoid picking at the blisters. Partly so that they can heal in peace, but also to avoid spreading the virus to another part of the body.

Can herpes be transmitted through glass?

It is very unusual for herpes to be transmitted through glass as the virus is very sensitive and dies quickly outside the body and on surfaces. Herpes spreads via direct contact with skin or mucous membranes and is therefore transmitted through close contact, kissing or sexual contact.

What does genital herpes look like?

Genital herpes looks much the same as oral herpes. The blisters often sit in groups with white/pinkish contents. The blisters then burst open, leaving a sore surface that then becomes crusted. The skin is tender and red and it may sting when you urinate.

How do you know if you have genital herpes?

Herpes has a classic appearance and course. Symptoms often begin with tingling, itching and a burning sensation. There may be tenderness and redness in the area. Then there are blisters that often sit in groups. The blisters then burst open and form sores that then crust over. The cysts are usually on the scrotum, penis, around the anus, in the vagina or in the urethra. Because of this, it may sting when you urinate, similar to the sting of a urinary tract infection. The blisters usually heal within 7-10 days.

Is genital herpes always contagious?

Contagiousness is at its highest at the beginning of an outbreak with a high risk of infection through direct contact with skin or mucous membranes. There is a very low risk of being infected by objects as the herpes virus dies quickly outside the body and on surfaces. However, one should not take any risks, which is why one should avoid sexual activity during an ongoing outbreak. You should be aware that herpes can be transmitted without symptoms and that it is not possible to give someone a herpes outbreak if the person already carries the virus from before.