What is herpes?

Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus
(HSV). There are two types of HSV:

 HSV-1 - causes cold sores around the mouth and lips

 HSV-2 - causes cold sores around the genitals and rectum - known as 'genital
herpes'.1

How do you get genital herpes?

Genital herpes is passed on via sex (vaginal, anal and oral), close genital contact and
through sharing sex toys. The virus is most infectious when there are visible sores, but
it can also be passed on through cuts in the skin (e.g. fingers, hands, knees) or moist
skin (around the genitals, mouth and anus) even when there are no symptoms.2

The best way to avoid genital herpes (and other STIs) is to use a condom. However,
condoms do not provide full protection as the virus can be spread by skin-to-skin
contact in areas not covered by it. Avoid oral-genital and oral-anal sex with someone
who has cold sores on the mouth, or use a dental dam. You shouldn't kiss your partner
if either of you have a cold sore around your mouth.3

If you are worried, or think you have genital herpes, see a healthcare
professional.

What do genital herpes symptoms look like?

Most people don't experience symptoms when first infected and they can take months
or years to develop. If symptoms do occur when first infected, they usually develop in
four to seven days. Symptoms are normally more severe the first time than in re-
occurring infections.4

The first time you are infected with HSV is called the primary infection. Symptoms
for the first time include:

 small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores around your genitals, rectum,
thighs and buttocks
 blisters and ulcers on the cervix (lower part of the womb) in women
 vaginal discharge in women
 pain when passing urine
 feeling unwell, with aches, pains and flu-like symptoms.

These symptoms can last up to 20 days.5

Though symptoms of genital herpes clear up, the virus may occasionally reactivate
causing outbreaks. Symptoms of a recurrent outbreak include:
  a tingling, burning or itching sensation around your genitals, and sometimes
down your leg, before blisters appear
 painful red blisters that burst to leave sores around your genitals, rectum,
thighs and buttocks
 blisters and ulcers on the cervix in women.

Recurrent outbreaks are shorter and become less severe as your body learns to fight
the virus more effectively.6

You can't diagnose genital herpes by looking at pictures because symptoms vary
from person to person. Only a doctor or healthcare professional can diagnose it.