What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, or HSV. There are two types of HSV, and both can cause genital herpes.

Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 most commonly infects the lips and oral area, causing sores known as "fever blisters" or "cold sores" HSV type 1 can also infect the genital area and produce sores.

Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 is the most common cause of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth. A person who has genital herpes infection can easily pass or transmit the virus to an uninfected person during oral, vaginal, or anal sex, the most common modes of transmission.

What do I look for?

Both Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 can produce sores (also called lesions) in and around the vaginal area, on the penis and scrotum, around the anal opening, and on the buttocks or thighs. Occasionally, sores also appear on other parts of the body where the virus has entered through broken skin. Some common symptoms of genital herpes can include:

• A rash, small red bump(s), blisters, cuts, or sores in or around the genital area (vagina, vulva, anus, penis, or scrotum)
• Irritation, itching, burning, tingling, or swelling in or around the genital area
• Aches or pains in or around the genital area
• Discharge from the penis or vagina
• Burning and/or pain when urinating
• Flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, and swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the groin

How long will it last?

HSV remains in certain nerve cells of the body for life, and can produce symptoms off and on in some infected people. You can often go several weeks or months without visible signs or symptoms of HSV, depending on stress levels and treatment methods. Currently, there is no cure for either form of the herpes simplex virus strains.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 45 million people in the United States ages 12 and older, or 1 out of 5 of the total adolescent and adult population, are infected with HSV-2.

Herpes simplex virus infections are steadily on the rise. Nationwide, since the late 1970s, the number of people with genital herpes infection has increased 30 percent. Studies show the largest increase is occurring in young, actively dating teens. HSV-2 infection is more common in three of the youngest age groups that include people aged 12 to 39 years.

How is it detected?

Because the genital herpes sores may not be visible to the naked eye, a doctor or other health care worker may have to do several laboratory tests to try to prove that symptoms are caused by the herpes virus. Testing for the herpes simplex virus usually involves a general physical examination and a variety of laboratory tests to determine the presence of herpes simplex virus strains. It is possible to carry the infection without a positive lab test. Some of the more recent blood tests are able to distinguish whether a person has type 1 or type 2 of the infection.