Hopkins 24/7

Back to ABC News

This Thursday at 10/9c

This content requires javascript and flash player version 8.

Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Close Article Browser

Genital Herpes

What is it?

Genital herpes is a viral infection characterized by outbreaks of painful sores on the genitals. Most often it spreads through sexual contact. Once infected, a person carries the virus permanently in a latent form in the nerve cells; there is no cure. An initial attack and any recurrences generally last from one to three weeks, after which the infection may go into remission for months or years. Subsequent attacks tend to be less severe, and in about one-third of cases, permanent remission follows the initial outbreak. Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms. Recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 40 million U.S. adults are infected. Genital herpes is highly contagious, and one partner may transmit it to another even when no visible sores or lesions are present. It is more easily transferred from men to women than vice versa; it may also be transferred to babies of infected mothers during childbirth, possibly causing blindness, retardation, or even death. Genital herpes is also a risk factor for HIV infection.

What Causes It?

  • Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the most common cause of genital herpes.
  • Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the virus that commonly causes cold sores around the mouth, may also cause genital herpes.
  • Recurrence in both sexes may be triggered by sexual intercourse, fatigue, injury, heat, cold, and stress. In women, recurrence may also be triggered by menstrual periods.
  • People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or those with AIDS, are more likely to have a severe case.

Prevention

  • Avoid sexual contact if symptoms are present in either partner.
  • Latex condoms during sexual intercourse reduce the risk of transmission, but they are not foolproof .

Diagnosis

  • Patient history and physical examination.
  • Culture of fluid from blisters or sores.
  • Microscopic examination of lesion samples.

How to Treat It

  • Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. The antiviral drugs acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir may be prescribed to lessen the duration and severity of outbreaks. In people who have frequent recurrences (more than six a year), these drugs may be used long-term as suppressive therapy.
  • Take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to relieve pain.
  • Frequent warm baths may lessen discomfort during an outbreak.
  • A cesarean section may be necessary for pregnant women who have active genital herpes at time of delivery, in order to avoid transferring the infection to the infant during childbirth. The mother and infant may both be treated with acyclovir.

When to Call a Doctor

  • Call a doctor if you develop symptoms of genital herpes.