Genital Herpes Genital herpes are sores that appear on or around the genitals, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of viruses that can cause genital herpes: herpes simplex I, which is often referred to as the common cold sore and herpes simplex II, which is responsible for the majority of genital herpes cases. Genital herpes can easily be spread from the mouth to the genitals and visa versa through oral sex. They can also occasionally be spread to other body parts such as the eyes, which can cause serious damage. While there is no cure for the viruses, genital herpes can be kept well under control with the use of medication. Am I at risk for getting Genital Herpes? Genital herpes can be passed from one sex partner to another through the following ways: • Performing oral sex on your partner’s vulva, penis or anus • Receiving oral sex from your partner • Having vaginal sex • Having anal sex • Coming into direct contact with sores i.e. if you and your partner are rubbing your genitals together or spooning. • Cold sores on the mouth can be transferred to a partner’s mouth through kissing. *Genital herpes are more likely to be transmitted when there is an obvious outbreak of sores; however, the virus can also be passed even when there are no sores present. There are medications that can be taken, which reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to a partner and also help to control outbreaks in people who have the virus. Genital herpes can not be spread through casual contact or from objects such as toilet seats or swimming pools. How can I avoid getting Genital Herpes? If you are sexually active and engaging in any of the listed risk activities, you are at risk for contracting genital herpes; however, there are ways to reduce the risk. You can……. • Talk about safer sex with your sex partners • Use a condom every time you have anal or vaginal sex • Use a condom every time you perform oral sex on your partner’s penis • Use a dental dam (made out of a condom or purchased separately) every time you perform oral sex on your partner’s vulva or anus • Get regular testing for sexually transmitted infections. • If your partner is experiencing an outbreak of genital herpes or has a cold sore on their mouth, avoid having sex with them until the sores heal. How do I know if I have Genital Herpes? People who have genital herpes often do not have symptoms or their symptoms are very mild and difficult to detect. If you do have symptoms you may experience the following: • Painful blister-like sores on or around your genitals. They may appear on the anus, perineum, penis, scrotum, vulva, in the vagina or cervix or on your thighs or buttocks. • An itching or tingling sensation, which often occurs right before an outbreak. Outbreaks tend to be more common when you are sick, tired or stressed out. People who have lowered immune systems are also more prone to outbreaks such as people who have HIV. • Flu-like symptoms are very common with a first initial outbreak. • Pain during urination because of painful sores. For those who have symptoms, the first outbreak tends to occur approximately 2-20 days after the onset of infection. The first outbreak may be very painful and cover a larger surface area of skin. With time, the outbreaks tend to occur less frequently and be contained to a smaller area. They also tend to be less painful and easier to treat. Even though you may not experience an outbreak for years, the virus is still in your body. There is currently no cure for herpes. How can I get a test for Genital Herpes? You can get tested for genital herpes at your doctor’s office, walk-in clinic or sexual health centre. There are sexual health clinics located throughout Canada. The Canadian Federation for Sexual Health has several members that provide both testing and treatment. The services provided are confidential and youth friendly. To find a member close to you: http://cfsh.ca/ppfc/find.asp How is the test for Genital Herpes done? When possible, herpes is tested for by taking a scraping of the skin or by taking a swab from an open sore and sending it to a lab for testing. Blood tests can also be done to test for the virus, when no sores are present. How are Genital Herpes Treated? While there is no cure for genital herpes, there are medications that can minimize symptoms and help prevent future outbreaks. Symptoms can be treated more easily if you treat them as soon as you spot an outbreak. There are topical medications available, which can be applied directly to sores. There is also oral medication available, which can control outbreaks and reduce the chances of transmitting the virus to sexual partners. If you have genital herpes, the following steps can also be taken, to limit outbreaks and relieve symptoms: • Follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise. This can help boost your immune system and relieve stress, which can help prevent outbreaks. • When you are experiencing an outbreak, wash your hands after every time you touch the infected area. This will avoid spreading the infection to other parts of your body. • Wash towels, washcloths, and underwear frequently. • Try to keep the infected area clean and dry. When drying off after a shower, pat the area dry or use a hairdryer at a low setting. • If urination is painful, you can try urinating in the bath as this may be less painful. What happens if I get Genital Herpes and don’t get treated? Genital herpes does not usually cause any serious complications. Outbreaks can be unpleasant but with the use of medication, they can generally be kept under control. Herpes is not considered to be life threatening; however the following complications, while rare, are possible: • In pregnant women who choose to parent, herpes can sometimes be passed on to the baby during delivery. The risk of passing on the infection increases when there is an outbreak around the time of delivery, especially if a woman experiences a first initial outbreak during that time. The infection can cause the baby to have lesions or possibly infections which affect the baby’s central nervous system. • In rare cases, herpes can be transmitted to a person’s eye, which can cause vision problems or blindness.