Most people have a form of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV does not always cause symptoms, but it’s important to get tested if you develop unusual pain, swelling, or sores around the genitals or anus.
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). When symptoms occur, it’s considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Herpetic sores are painful blisters (fluid-filled bumps) that can break open and ooze fluid.
Two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) cause genital herpes:
- HSV-1 usually causes cold sores, but it can also cause genital herpes.
- HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes, but it can also cause cold sores.
The virus is usually transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. However, it can also be spread through bodily fluids, including:
- breast milk
- saliva
- semen
- vaginal secretions
The viruses enter the body through skin abrasions or mucous membranes. Mucous membranes are the thin layers of tissue that line the openings of your body. They can be found in your nose, mouth, anus, and genitals.
Once the viruses are inside the body, they incorporate themselves into the cells. Viruses tend to multiply or adapt to their environments very easily, which makes treating them difficult.
Herpes sores initially look like small pus-filled bumps, similar to pimples or blisters. These sores can break open and ooze liquid, which forms a crust. One sore might be on its own, or there might be a cluster of sores.
Herpes sores can occur on the skin in or around the mouth (cold sores) or around the genitals or anus.
The appearance of blisters is known as an outbreak. Some people experience an initial outbreak anywhere from 2 to 20 days after exposure to HSV.
The affected area may start to itch or tingle before blisters appear on or around the:
The blisters may become ulcerated (open sores) and ooze fluid. A crust may appear over the sores within a week of the outbreak. You may also develop swollen lymph glands, headaches, body aches, and fever.
However, many people do not experience any symptoms for months or even years.
If symptoms do occur, an initial outbreak usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks. The length of an outbreak usually lessens over time.
It’s important to understand that even if the symptoms disappear, the virus is still present in the body and can be transmitted to others.
Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if you suspect that you’ve been exposed to HSV or develop unusual sores. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.
A blood test can detect HSV before a potential outbreak occurs.
However, if you’re experiencing visible symptoms, a healthcare professional may be able to make a diagnosis based on a visual exam. They may also swab the affected area to collect a sample for testing.
If an in-person appointment isn’t an option, an at-home test kit is another option to consider.
Although there’s no cure for herpes, it can be treated with medication.
Antiviral drugs may help speed up the healing time for sores and reduce pain. Medications may be taken at the first signs of an outbreak (tingling, itching, and other symptoms) to help reduce the symptoms.
Use mild cleansers when bathing or showering in warm water. Keep the affected site clean and dry. Wear loose cotton clothing to keep the area comfortable.
According to the World Health Organization, about 3.8 billion people under age 50 have HSV-1. Around 520 million people ages 15 to 49 have HSV-2.
Condoms, dental dams, and other barrier methods can help reduce the risk of STI and STD transmission during sexual activity. Long-term use of antiviral medication can help reduce the risk of transmission between an HSV-positive and an HSV-negative partner.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional as soon as you know you’re pregnant. HSV can be transmitted to a newborn if you have an active outbreak during a vaginal delivery.
Your healthcare professional will discuss what to expect before, during, and after birth. They can prescribe pregnancy-safe treatments to ensure a healthy vaginal or cesarean delivery.
HSV is primarily transmitted through sexual activity. The virus stays dormant within the body until something triggers an outbreak. Outbreaks can happen due to stress, sickness, or fatigue.
It’s important to get tested if you have unusual symptoms or suspect that you’ve been exposed. You may be able to get free or lower cost STI screening at your local health department, community clinic, or Planned Parenthood.
There isn’t a cure for HSV, but the condition can be managed with antiviral medication. Many people do not experience symptoms after an initial outbreak, if at all.