Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes. There are two virus types (HSV 1 and 2) and they can both infect the genital and anal area, and the mouth (cold sores).
HSV can get into your body through small cracks in the skin or lining of the mouth, or any genital surface.
Having sexual contact, including oral sex, with someone who has the virus can mean that HSV passes to you.
Only some people will notice symptoms when they get HSV.
If HSV has passed to your genitals or anal area, you might feel tingling, itching or stinging. You might see small, fluid-filled blisters, and these can burst to become painful ulcers (sores). Passing urine (having a wee) might cause you pain. You might feel generally unwell, a bit like you have flu.
Usually, after 1 to 2 weeks HSV symptoms heal. HSV stays in the body, and you may see the sores or ulcers again in the future at the same place on your body.
How do I test for it?
A swab is taken from the skin where a blister or ulcer is. If you have no obvious blisters or ulcers, there is no routine test for HSV, but please talk to us if you have concerns.
You can use the service finder below to find a testing service near you.
Service Finder
How do I get treatment?
Always seek help urgently if you have severe pain or if you are unable to pass urine (go for a wee).
Antiviral tablets (aciclovir) can be prescribed by a clinic or GP. They help reduce viral activity, which can shorten outbreaks and speed healing if taken during symptoms. When taken regularly, they can also help prevent outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission
If you don’t have any pain or discomfort, there is no need to take antiviral tablets. If you have only one or two spots, these will likely heal by themselves.
Other things you can do:
Gently bathe the area with diluted salt water (dissolve one tablespoon of cooking salt in a washing up bowl or a bathroom sink filled with warm water and bathe the affected skin 2 to 3 times a day).
Go for a wee in a warm bath or in the shower.
Use simple painkillers such as paracetamol.
Should I tell the people I have sex with?
HSV is most easily passed on when sores or warning symptoms are present, so avoiding sexual contact at these times reduces the risk. Outside of outbreaks the risk is much lower, though occasional transmission without symptoms can occur.
HSV is most likely to be passed on when symptoms are present, but it can occasionally be passed on when there is nothing to see on the skin. Using condoms can reduce the risk because the virus cannot pass through latex, though they do not eliminate risk entirely because only the penis is covered and symptoms could be outside of this area.
It is a good idea to discuss HSV with a current or recent sexual partner as part of a normal discussion about sexual health. Open conversations can help reduce anxiety and support informed choices about reducing transmission risk.
Herpes in pregnancy
What should I do if I think I have genital herpes in pregnancy?
“If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, or think you might have it, do let your midwife, GP or sexual health clinic know (Leeds Sexual Health 0113 8434495) . Herpes is very common, and in most cases pregnancy and birth are completely straightforward. If you had herpes before pregnancy, you are actually a ‘safer’ mother because your baby is usually protected by antibodies passed on from you. The main concern is a first infection late in pregnancy, so your healthcare team can advise on any treatment or extra care if needed.
What if I had genital herpes before pregnancy?
After you develop herpes, your immune system makes antibodies (a protein) that help fight the virus. When you fall pregnant, these antibodies cross the placenta and go into your baby, and will provide protection to your baby. If you get genital herpes before you become pregnant, your immune system will provide protection to your baby in pregnancy. Flare-ups of genital herpes during pregnancy do not affect your baby.
To reduce the chance of you having a flare up of genital herpes around the time of delivery you will be offered antiviral tablets from 32 weeks of pregnancy until your baby is born. If you are at high risk of preterm labour, these tablets will be offered to you from 22 weeks of pregnancy until your baby is born.
Even if you have a flare-up when you go into labour and give birth, the risk to your baby is extremely low. Most women who have recurrent genital herpes will be able to have a vaginal birth. Your obstetrician (pregnancy doctor) or midwife will talk to you about this.
If you have a flare up when you give birth your baby will need to have some tests done. If you are not having a flare up, then you will be able to take your baby home once they are feeding.
If you need further information about opening times and how to contact us please visit the contact us page.
Contraception Choices
There are many types of contraception available and none are perfect. The Contraception Choices website provides honest information to help weigh up the pros and cons.
