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.

After 1 to 2 weeks the skin sores will 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.

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.

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 given from a clinic or your GP. These help to speed up the healing of any skin lesions caused by HSV.

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.

HSV is easily passed on when there are blisters or ulcers to see on the skin. You should avoid having sex when you have any skin sores.

HSV can still be passed when there is nothing to see on the skin. Using condoms for sex can reduce the risk of passing it on.

It is important to tell any people you have had sex with that you have HSV. Your nurse or doctor will help you work out which partners to tell and can help you tell them (if you want help with this).

What should I do if I think I have genital herpes in pregnancy?

If you are pregnant and think you might have genital herpes, it is important to contact your GP or a sexual health clinic (Leeds Sexual Health 0113 8434495) as well as telling your midwife. You should have a check-up that will include testing, treatment and advice as well as testing for other sexual transmitted infections. This is important for your health and the health of your baby. Herpes is very common, so you don’t need to be embarrassed telling your health team about it. They will protect your confidentiality and support you.

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.

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