Genital Herpes

Many people with genital herpes don't know they have it because they have no symptoms when they are first infected.
Later on, people may notice:

• painful, tingling or itching blisters or ulcers around the genital area
• aching muscles and fever.

Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, including vaginal, anal or oral sex. Cold sores on the mouth can spread the virus to the genitals during oral sex if a condom or dam doesn't cover the entire genital area.

Although herpes sores heal, the virus stays in the nerves of the infected area of skin, so you can have more outbreaks. The first outbreak is usually the worst. Outbreaks after that should happen less often and be less painful. Some people can have very frequent episodes, some only occasionally, and some people can have the virus without having any blisters at all.

There is no cure for herpes. Medications can be taken during an outbreak, which reduce the duration and severity of the outbreak.

• Avoid any contact with the infected area.
• Always use condoms or dams and water-based lubricant. But remember, they only protect the area of skin that they cover.
• Before you have sex, talk with your partner about the importance of safe sex.
• Be open with your partner and make sure you or they don't have any other sex partners.
• Limit your sex partners.
• Get regular STI tests.