Genital herpes is an infection
caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus can cause painful blisters and
sores on the genitals (sexual organs) and/or on the mouth.
How is it spread?
Genital herpes is spread by having unprotected sex - not
using a condom - with someone who is infected with the herpes virus, whether
the person has sores or not. Herpes can be spread from the mouth to the genitals
when one partner has cold sores and engages in oral-genital sex. Even very small
breaks in the skin allow the virus to enter and start an infection.
What are the symptoms?
Most people with herpes don't recognize the symptoms. Sometimes,
symptoms may not become visible for months or years. You can have herpes and
not know it.
Symptoms of genital herpes can include painful red dots or tiny
blisters on the genitals, swollen glands, fever, and body aches. Other warning
signs include itching, burning, tingling and leg pain.
If you have symptoms, you need to be examined by a doctor or nurse and have lab tests done.
Usually, symptoms begin 2-14 days after having sex with someone who has herpes. The first outbreak of blisters is usually longer and more severe than outbreaks that may occur later.
After the first outbreak,
the virus withdraws into the nerves below the skin in the area where the sores
first appeared. During this time, the virus does not cause symptoms and remains
inactive. Once a person is infected with the virus, it remains in the body for
life. In most people, the virus becomes active from time to time, causing repeated
blisters and sores.
What are the complications?
Complications are generally
rare and usually occur with the first genital herpes outbreak. Women who are
newly infected late in pregnancy can pass the infection to their baby during
childbirth. If the virus travels to another part of the body, it may cause disease
in that part of the body.
What is the treatment?
Medication is prescribed when herpes first develops or
if the blisters continue to appear. Treatment will help to reduce discomfort from
the symptoms, but there is no cure for herpes.
A healthy lifestyle, such as a good diet, rest and exercise,
may help reduce the number of outbreaks.
To ease discomfort when
you have symptoms, try the following:
Wear loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear;
Soak in warm water baths;
Keep the infected area dry;
Do not use ointments or creams, medicated or non-medicated.
Do not have sex until you and your sexual partner(s) have finished all the medication.
Take all of the medication exactly as instructed.
Should I be tested for other sexually transmitted infection (STIs)?
If you have different sexual partners, or if your partner has different partners, you should be tested for other STIs including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV (the virus linked to AIDS). You should also consider getting a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B infection.
The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk of getting a STI.
Ways to reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection
Have sex with only
one partner who has been tested for sexually transmitted infection (STIs),
who has been treated if necessary and who is having sex only with you. The
more partners you have, the higher your risk of getting an STI.
Use a female or male
condom every time you have sex. Condoms offer protection against STIs, but
they must be used properly.
Have regular check-ups for STIs.
Decide not to have sex.
Important facts about condoms
A condom
acts like a barrier that helps prevent the exchange of body fluids, the
transmission of sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy.
A new
condom should be used each time you have sexual intercourse (anal, vaginal,
or oral sex).
Check the expiry date on the condom package.
Use
only water-based lubricants with the male latex condom. Oil-based lubricants,
such as petroleum jelly, lotion or baby oil, can weaken and destroy latex.
Female
condoms are made of polyurethane. This material can be used with any type
of lubricant, water-based or oil-based.
Some
lubricants contain chemicals called spermicides to help protect against
unwanted pregnancy. If they irritate your genitals, don't use them.
Do
not use a male condom together with a female condom as the friction created
may cause tearing of either product.
If
a condom breaks during sex remove it immediately and apply a new condom.
Remember!
Condoms do not offer 100 per cent protection from STIs and unwanted pregnancy.
It will not consistently prevent transmission of STIs passed through skin-to-skin
contact - for example, syphilis, human papilloma virus (warts) and
herpes. However, if used properly, they are very effective and can reduce
the risk of transmission of these STIs.
Putting on a male condom
Take the condom carefully out of the packet.
Place the condom on the
tip of the penis when it is hard and erect, but before it touches the partner's
body. Make sure that the rolled-up condom rim faces outward.
With the other hand,
pinch the tip of the condom to remove any trapped air, and unroll the condom
to the base of the erect penis.
After intercourse and
before the penis becomes soft, withdraw the penis carefully, holding the rim
of the condom against the penis, so that semen does not spill out.
Slide the condom gently off the penis, and knot the open end.
After using the condom, throw it in the garbage.
Putting on a female condom
A condom can be inserted up to eight hours before sexual intercourse.
Open the package carefully.
Hold the small ring at the closed end of the condom between the thumb and
middle finger.
Find a comfortable position,
either lying down, sitting with your knees apart or standing with one foot
raised on a stool, squeeze the small ring and insert it into the vagina as
far as you can.
Put a finger inside the
condom and push the small ring inside as far as possible. It is also possible
to insert the condom by putting it onto the erect penis before intercourse.
Make sure that the part
of the condom with the outer ring is outside the body. The outer ring will
lie flat against the body when the penis is inside the condom.
When the penis enters
the vagina, make sure that the penis is inside the condom.
Immediately after sexual
intercourse, remove the condom by gently twisting the outer ring and pulling
the condom out, making sure that no semen is spilt and throw it in the garbage.
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