Herpes

 

Type of infection

 

Viral infection, caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV

for short.

There are 2 types of virus Type-1 and Type-2 and genital

herpes is caused by both.

 

Symptoms

 

• Burning, tingling or itching sensations around the genitals  

• Painful, itchy blisters on and around the infected area

• Maybe some discharge

• Pain when you pee

• You may get flu-like symptoms

 

Cause

​

• Sharing sex toys without using a condom each time or washing them between partners

• Unprotected sex, be it vaginal, anal or oral, with an infected person

• Between mother and baby

• Kissing someone with a cold sore

• Oral sex with someone who has a cold sore

• Skin to skin contact

• Remember…..they may not know that they have it because they haven’t had any symptoms.

 

Treatment

 

There is no cure for herpes, treatment is will only help to suppress the virus and help reduce further outbreaks.

The initial outbreak may last up to 20 days before the sores eventually scab and heal without scarring.

Once the area is healed it will be safe to have sex again

You can get recurrent outbreaks which mean that the virus is reactivated 

Each outbreak you get will usually be shorter and less severe

 

Remember…..use a condom to help reduce the chance of getting or passing on the virus, however, if the virus is on or around the asshole or vagina then it can still be passed onto someone else.

 

Don’t have sex during an outbreak.