HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Genital herpes
Pāpaka taihemahema
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It causes blisters or ulcers on genital skin (around the vagina in women, or on the penis in men). The blisters or ulcers are like cold sores that happen around your mouth.
Genital herpes is passed on by sexual contact, including oral sex. You can pass on herpes even if you do not have any sores at the time.
Genital herpes during pregnancy can cause problems. Discuss this with your midwife or general practice team.
Symptoms of genital herpes
It will take a few weeks after you get the virus before you get any symptoms. Sometimes, you do not get sores until months or years later.
Herpes sores are usually painful, and you may have several of them. The first time you get herpes you may also feel unwell, a bit like getting the flu. Many people do not get any symptoms with herpes infection.
If you have symptoms, your general practice team will be able to tell if you have herpes. They may take a swab from a sore to be sure.
Treating genital herpes
Genital herpes is treated with antiviral tablets. The tablets help get rid of your symptoms quickly. But they aren't a cure for the virus, which may stay in your body.
This means the sores can come back. If this happens, these outbreaks are usually mild and heal up within a week.
Some people get a lot of outbreaks and may need to take antiviral tablets to stop it happening so often.
You can help yourself by not using soap or rubbing on sore skin. Bathing with mild salt water can help.
It also helps to avoid sexual contact when you have sores.
You should discuss herpes with your partner and consider both getting checked for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Using condoms will reduce the risk of passing on or getting genital herpes.
HealthInfo recommends the following videos
- Spunout – Genital herpes 101
A video explaining what the symptoms of genital herpes are, how it can be treated and how to prevent yourself from becoming infected.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Just the Facts – Genital herpes & cold sores
Information about genital herpes.
- The New Zealand Herpes Foundation – Herpes the key facts
Factsheets about genital herpes.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed June 2022.
Sources
Review key: HISYP-53679
