What is Herpes?
Genital Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), specifically HSV-1 and HSV-2. It can be passed on via oral, anal and vaginal sex. There is no cure, but treatment is available, most people who have the virus are unaware until they get an outbreak.
This page focuses on Genital Herpes only, and not cold sores or other strains of the virus.
Where to get help in Bexley?
If you are showing symptoms, you can visit your local sexual health clinic or GP in the London Borough of Bexley. They can provide a confidential examination of your symptoms and confirm whether you have herpes or another infection.
For more information, visit the NHS website or contact your local healthcare provider.
HSV-1 is transmitted through vaginal or anal sex, whereas HSV-2 is transmitted through oral sex. Most infections occur when a person is asymptomatic but passes on the virus through ‘viral shedding’ (the release of viral particles into the bodily fluids).
Symptoms present the same in both sexes and they may not appear for months, or even years after infection. Only 1 in 3 people develop symptoms after infection. It is recommended that you book an appointment in a sexual health clinic if you are showing symptoms for Herpes, even if you haven’t had sex in a long time. Symptoms include:
- Sores or blisters on or around the genitals and inner thigh
- Sores or blisters on or around the anus (including the buttocks)
- Unusual discharge
- Pain or irritation when you urinate (wee)
- You can see a GP, but they'll probably refer you to a sexual health clinic if they think you might have genital herpes.
- Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system.
- Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.
- They'll often get test results quicker than GP practices and you do not have to pay a prescription fee for treatment.
There is currently no screening available for genital herpes. The only way to know if you have it is upon diagnosis when you present with symptoms.
- Use condoms when you have vaginal or anal sex.
- Use a condom to cover the penis, or a latex or plastic square (dam) to cover the vagina if you have oral sex.
- Complete the full treatment if you or your sexual partner have an outbreak.
- Avoid sex whilst having an outbreak.
- Do not share sex toys (if you do, wash and cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them).
Treatment differs depending on if this is your first outbreak or not.
First outbreak:
You will be prescribed anti-viral medications to stop your symptoms getting worse, along with medication to ease the pain (generally a cream or ointment). First outbreaks are the most painful due to your body not developing an immune response.
Second and further outbreaks:
You may be prescribed antiviral medications if caught early as this can shorten the symptoms by a few days. Most people do not require treatment as symptoms are milder and disappear on their own. Over time outbreaks become milder and less frequent, with some people not ever having an outbreak.
If you have 6 or more outbreaks a year you may either, be referred to a specialist, or prescribed anti-viral medication long term for between 6-12 months.
A doctor or nurse will ask you about your most recent sexual history and any symptoms you are experiencing. They may need to examine your genitals, inner thighs or anus, depending on where the outbreak occurs. A swab of the sores or lesions may be taken to confirm Herpes diagnosis before treatment. You may also be offered a HIV test, and a test for other STIs.
Most people have the HSV virus in their bodies lying dormant, so you do not have to tell your partner(s), but we will always recommend having an open and honest conversation with them. This can help them make an informed decision or take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.
You may be able to use a partner notification service at your local sexual health clinic after your appointment. A doctor or nurse will take the details of your most recent sexual partner(s) and inform them anonymously. They will not know the message is from or about you.
If you are living with HIV, Herpes can be a more serious condition. You will be referred to a specialist team if you are confirmed to have the HSV virus. People with both HIV and HSV-2 are more likely to transmit HIV to others and people with an HSV-2 infection are three times more likely to get HIV.
If you are immunocompromised, you are more likely to have frequent outbreaks with more severe symptoms. Rare complications for HSV-2 include brain infection, or the spread of the infection around the body. Rare complications for HSV-1 include a brain infection or eye infections.
If you have Herpes and become pregnant you can usually have a vaginal delivery, and the baby will generally be healthy. If you have your first outbreak during when you give birth, or get it for the first time during pregnancy, there is a chance you can pass this onto your baby (neonatal Herpes).
Neonatal Herpes can be fatal; however, most babies recover well with treatment. If you have had a Herpes outbreak before falling pregnant, the risk of transmission is low. Transmission of neonatal Herpes is estimated to occur in around 10 out of 100,000 births.