Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection, and therefore, in most cases it is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, without penetration being necessary.. However, in some cases, it can also be transmitted through the mouth or hands, for example, which have been in direct contact with the wounds caused by the virus.
Furthermore, although it is rare, transmission of the herpes virus can also occur even when there are no symptoms of the disease such as blisters or itching, when there is intimate contact without a condom with a person who has the virus. If a person knows they have herpes or if their partner has genital herpes, they should speak to their doctor so that strategies can be defined to avoid passing the disease on to their partner.
Genital herpes is an infectious disease caused by a virus that can lead to the appearance of blisters or ulcers with liquid present on the genitals, thighs or anus, which cause pain, burning, discomfort and itching. Learn about other symptoms of genital herpes.
How to get genital herpes
The main routes of transmission of genital herpes are:
- Unprotected sexual intercoursethat is, without a condom;
- Counted directly with the liquid present in herpes sores or ulcers present in the genital region;
- Contact with vaginal, penile or oral secretions from an infected person by the herpes virus;
- During or after childbirthif the woman has herpes lesions that have not been properly treated.
Transmission through toilets, bathtubs, swimming pools and damp towels is considered unlikely.
Read too: Herpes: what it is, symptoms, types, transmission and treatment
How to avoid getting genital herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that can be easily acquired, but there are some precautions that can prevent catching the disease, such as:
- Always use a condom in all intimate contact;
- Avoid contact with fluids from the vagina or penis of people who carry the virus;
- Avoid sexual contact if your partner has itching, redness or liquid wounds on the genitals, thighs or anus;
- Avoid having oral sex, especially when your partner has symptoms of cold sores, such as redness or blisters around the mouth or nose, as although cold and genital herpes can be of different types, they can pass from one region to another;
- Avoid sharing hygiene products, such as soap or bath sponges, when your partner has redness or liquid wounds in the genitals, thighs or anus.
These measures help reduce the chances of catching the herpes virus and other sexually transmitted infectious agents.
How to know if it’s genital herpes
Most people do not experience signs or symptoms of genital herpes, however, in some cases, mild symptoms may be noticed that can be confused with other skin conditions.
The main symptom of genital herpes is the appearance of blisters in the genital region that have liquid inside. Know how to recognize the symptoms of genital herpes.
Online symptom test
To find out the chances of having genital herpes, please indicate the symptoms you present:
This test is a guidance tool and is not intended to provide a diagnosis or replace consultation with a urologist, gynecologist or infectious disease specialist.
What to do in case of suspicion
If signs or symptoms indicative of genital herpes are noticed, such as blisters and sores in the genital region, which itch, hurt and burn, it is important to consult a urologist or gynecologist to carry out tests and confirm (or rule out) the infection.
If a herpes infection is confirmed, treatment must be followed according to the doctor’s instructions, and it is important that the person and partner undergo treatment, even if one of them has no apparent signs or symptoms. Treatment typically involves the use of antiviral medications, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir. Check out more details on the treatment for genital herpes.
In the case of pregnant women, it is important that they are monitored by an obstetrician so that the chances of the virus reaching the baby during pregnancy can be reduced. See more about genital herpes during pregnancy.
Bibliography
- CDC. Genital Herpes – CDC Basic Fact Sheet. Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm>. Accessed on April 13, 2023
- NHS. Genital herpes. Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes/>. Accessed on April 13, 2023
- PENELLO, Angelo M. et al. Herpes Genital. J bras Diseases Sex Transm. Vol.22(2). 64-72, 2010
- BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF INFECTOLOGY. Herpes Simples. Available at: <https://www.infectologia.org.br/pg/985/herpes-simples>. Accessed on June 28, 2019
- DIVE – EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE DIRECTORATE. Herpes Genital. Available at: <http://www.dive.sc.gov.br/index.php/da/item/herpes-genital>. Accessed on June 28, 2019
