STIs 3: Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is an STI transmitted through direct contact with the painful ulcers (sores) the infection causes, but herpes can also be passed to a partner even after the sores have healed or before an outbreak has occurred.
Herpes can be transmitted from the mouth to the genitals or from the genitals to the mouth during oral sex.
Herpes sores heal on their own after 10 to 14 days, but the virus stays in the body after the sores are healed.

Blisters or ulcers (sores) on the mouth, lips, genitals, anus, or surrounding areas
Burning or pain during urination
Itching or tingling in the genital area

There is no cure for herpes, but there are ways to relieve pain caused by the sores.
Some people experience repeated outbreaks (in other words, the sores return after they have healed).
Genital herpes can be transmitted to a baby during pregnancy and delivery. If infected, the baby can become very sick and possibly die.

If available, certain medicines can shorten the time it takes the sores to heal and can help prevent them from coming back.
Clients can get relief from the sores by:
- Sitting in a bathtub or basin filled with warm water and some baking soda two times a day.
- Keeping the sores and the areas around them clean and dry.
- Using pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol or Panadol) or aspirin.

To reduce the chances of infecting their sexual partners, partners should avoid any contact with the sores until they are completely healed. The easiest way to avoid contact is not to have sex until the sores are fully healed or to use a male or female condom during anal, oral, or vaginal sex (however, transmission can still occur if the condom does not cover the sores).
Some people have outbreaks during stressful times. Sunlight can also increase outbreaks, so it is best to stay out of the sun or use protection from the sun while outdoors.
A person with herpes infection often feels a tingling or itchy feeling at the site where an outbreak is about to occur. The risk for transmission is highest just before and during an outbreak. If possible, the client should avoid sex at these times.
An infected client should inform all sexual partners about the infection (if possible) and encourage them to come to the clinic for more information—even if a partner does not have any symptoms.