Herpes

Genital herpes is an STI which is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It is passed on through vaginal, anal oral sex and can cause symptoms like blisters in the genital or anal area, pain when urinating and stinging, tingling or itching.

Symptoms should clear up on there own but there is treatment out there to help relieve symptoms and reduce the chance of the herpes returning. It is always best to go to your local sexual health clinic if you think you have herpes. The doctor or nurse will look for genital blisters before taking a swab of the affected area using a small cotton bud. You will likely be offered antiviral tablets to help reduce the symptoms while the infection is clearing up.

Key facts:

• Herpes can affect the anal and genital area, as well as the mouth and nose.
• It is passed from one person to another during sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact.
• Symptoms can appear 4-5 days after coming into contact with the virus. However, it may be in the body for weeks or months before any signs and symptoms will appear.
• Symptoms can include feeling generally unwell with flu-like symptoms and stinging, tingling or itching in the anal or genital area.
• Other symptoms include the appearance of small, fluid-filled blisters that are painful when passing urine.
• As with other viruses, herpes can reappear after treatment.

Testing and Treatments:

• We can only diagnose through examination and confirm with a swab from the affected area.
• There is no routine test for genital infections if you do not have any signs or symptoms.
• You will be given a prescription of anti-viral tablets for 5 days and may be offered a cream to apply at home.