Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection through vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Symptoms of genital herpes
- Small blisters burst to leave red, open sores around your genitals, anus, thighs, or bottom
- Tingling, burning, or itching around your genitals
- Pain when you pee
- In women, vaginal discharge that’s not usual
How genital herpes spreads
One can get genital herpes;
- If a cold sore, touch your genitalia from skin-to-skin contact with the diseased area (including vaginal, anal, and oral sex)
- While there are no apparent sores or blisters
- By using someone else’s infected fingers to spread an infection to your genitals
- By exchanging sex toys with a herpes-positive person
Treatments for genital herpes
There is no remedy. The symptoms disappear, but the blisters may return (an outbreak or recurrence).
A sexual health clinic’s services can be beneficial.
Self-care for genital herpes
- Maintain the area hygienic with plain or salt water to stop blisters from becoming infected
- To relieve discomfort, put an ice pack covered with a flannel
- To lessen discomfort when urinating, apply petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) or a painkilling ointment (like 5% lidocaine)
- Before and after applying cream or jelly, wash your hands
- On relieve pain, pee while applying water to your genitalia
Prevention against genital herpes
Herpes can be prevented from spreading:
- When engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal sex, use a condom every time, but herpes can still be transmitted if the condom does not cover the affected area
- Preventing oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse if you or your partner has blisters, lesions, a tingle, or itch that indicates an impending outbreak
- Avoid sharing sex objects; if you do, wash them and cover them with a condom
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022