Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of the virus, which can affect the mouth and nose (known as cold sores) or the genital and anal area, fingers or hands.

It is passed on by unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, through sharing sex toys or through direct skin-to-skin genital contact.
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Signs and symptoms

 Often symptoms don't show or are very mild and go unnoticed, but typical signs of infection with the virus include:

• Blisters on or in the vagina, cervix, urethra, rectum, anus or penis that leave painful sores when they burst.
• Tingling or itching feeling in the affected area
• Flu-like symptoms such as swollen glands, backache and headache.

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 Tests and treatment

• A swab is taken from one of the sores and a sample of urine may be taken. The swab may feel uncomfortable but should not be painful.
• Left untreated, the symptoms may last about 2-3 weeks. Genital herpes does not cause serious health problems and it doesn't affect fertility.
• If the infection reoccurs, symptoms are usually milder. The virus always remains in the body and no treatment can remove it completely.
• Some people find that different things can trigger an attack. These include stress, tiredness, illness, alcohol and smoking. Avoiding these helps reduce the number of attacks.

For more information about herpes can be obtained from the Herpes Viruses Association on 0207609 9061 or visit www.herpes.org.uk.

For information on STI testing contact the Sexual Medicine Service on 01803 656500.