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Genital Herpes

What is it?
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection.

When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the first outbreak. Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years.

In 1996 16,615 new cases were reported in Britain – this rose to 21,698 in 2006 – a rise of 31%.

Symptoms
Both men and women may have one or more symptoms including:

• Itching or tingling sensation in the genital or anal area.
• Small fluid-filled blisters. These burst and leave small sores, which can be very painful. In time, they dry out, scab over and heal. With the first infection, they can take between 2 and 4 weeks to heal properly.
• Pain when peeing, if pee comes into contact with any of the open sores.

• A flu-like illness, backache, headache, swollen glands or fever.
  When there are symptoms, the virus is very infectious.
  Repeated infections are usually not as bad. The sores are fewer, smaller, and less painful and heal more quickly.

How do people get it?
You usually catch herpes by direct contact with sores during sex, though you can also catch it even when there are no sores present. The virus affects the areas where it enters the body. This can be by:

• Kissing (mouth to mouth).
• Penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina or anus).

• Oral sex (from mouth to the genitals or genitals to the mouth).

How is it diagnosed and treated?
At your sexual health (GUM) clinic, a doctor or nurse will take a sample from any visible sores using a cotton wool or spongy swab.

You should get the results in about two weeks. However, if the doctor or nurse thinks you may have herpes, you may be given tablets to reduce the severity of the infection straight away, as these are only effective within 72 hours of the start of symptoms.
A doctor, nurse or health adviser will tell you about what you can do to feel better and how to avoid passing the virus on to others.

Looking after yourself and partner
During an episode of herpes, the blisters and sores are highly infectious and the virus can be passed on to others by direct contact. To prevent this from happening you should avoid:

• Kissing when you or your partner have cold sores around the mouth.
• Having oral sex when you or your partner have mouth or genital sores.
• Having any genital or anal contact, even with a condom, when you or your partner have genital sores.
• Sharing towels and face flannels.

• Using saliva to wet contact lenses if you have sores around your mouth.

If you have frequent episodes of herpes, you should go to your local sexually health (GUM) clinic to discuss possible treatments. Treatment isn’t always necessary, but it’s best to check.

What if it is not treated?
Herpes does not affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant, but if you get infected or have a herpes episode in the first three months of pregnancy there is a small risk of miscarriage. You should tell your midwife you have had genital herpes so they will be aware of and can help you with any potential problems through your pregnancy and birth.

Also, if you get a herpes episode towards the end of pregnancy it can cause the baby to be born early and may mean that it is necessary to give birth by Caesarean section. However, most women with genital herpes have an entirely normal pregnancy and a normal delivery.

It is very unusual for babies to be infected with herpes.

Where to get help
If you think you may have genital herpes, contact your local sexual health (GUM) clinic and make an appointment. It’s easy and completely confidential.

For more information on sexual health (including HIV), call the Sexual Health Line free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123, textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521 361 or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.

Links and contact details

Name: NHS Direct Wales
Web: NHS Direct Wales – Health Encyclopedia
Email:
Tel: 0845 46 47
Info: NHS Direct Wales is a health advice and information service available 24 hours a day, every day that was set up by the Welsh Assembly Government.

GUM Clinics in South East Wales

ABERDARE
Aberdare General Hospital
Aberdare, CF44 0RF
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening Times: Tue & Thu, 9.30am – 12.30pm

CARDIFF
Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0SZ
Tel: 029 2033 5207 / 8
Opening times: Mon, Tues, Thurs 8.40 a.m – 5.00 p.m; Wednesday – Closed; Friday Afternoon – Closed (Closed for lunch 12.15 – 1.15 p.m.)

NEWPORT
Royal Gwent Hospital
Cardiff Road, Newport, NP2 2UB
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon – Fri, 9.00am – 12.30pm; 1.30pm – 4.30pm

PONTYPOOL
Panteg County Hospital
Coed-Y-Cric Road, Griffiths Town, Pontypool, NP4 5YA
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon, 5.00pm – 7.30pm

PONTYPRIDD
Students Health Centre
Dewi Sant Hospital
University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening times: Tue, 9.00am – 12.30pm

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