STIs   Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a viral infection. There are 2 types of herpes virus. Type 1 causes sores around the nose and mouth and more rarely in the eyes or in the genital or anal area. Type 2 causes sores in the genital area and occasionally on the mouth. Genital infections caused by Type 1 are sometimes less severe and it is possible for a herpes infection to pass from the mouth to the genital area and vice versa.

The following might be noticed:

• Stinging, tingling or itching in the genital or anal area
• Flu like symptoms such as temperature or headache or pains down the legs or in the groin
• Small blisters may appear which have clear fluid inside them. These burst and leave small red ulcers which can be very painful. They usually heal within a week or two although some are more severe and take longer to heal.
• Women may have blisters hidden inside the vagina or the cervix or the blisters may also be hidden inside the rectum in both men and women.
• Passing urine may be extremely painful for both men and women.

If you suspect you might have herpes you should attend your GP or Genito-urinary medicine clinic (see the services directory) where tests for herpes can be carried out. There is currently no cure for herpes but treatment is available which can relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of an attack. Practical things you can do to relieve an attack are:

• Take a mild painkiller
• Bathe the affected area in a salt solution - a heaped teaspoonful of salt to a pint of tepid water. This can be done up to 4 times a day for 5-10 minutes at a time
• Add a handful of salt to your bath

To learn more about genital herpes click here