In an effort to create awareness about GENITAL HERPES please make sure you know the facts. It is important to ask your physician about all STD’s including herpes which is NOT typically a routine test that in a regular STD screening panel.
Quick Facts on Genital Herpes:
Herpes cannot not be cured.
Herpes can be spread even when you are not having an outbreak.
Herpes can be spread through skin to skin contact and condoms only protect the area they cover.
You can take medication to reduce your chance of spreading herpes.
You can contract genital herpes in your mouth.
More facts on Genital Herpes:
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes virus type II. Herpes virus type I can result in “cold sores” or “fever blisters” on the mouth, but can also cause lesions in the genital area. Genital herpes can be spread from mother to child at the time of delivery.
Symptoms
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Small grouped blisters (clusters) on the genitalia that are often painful. This is referred to as an “outbreak.”
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Fever and flu-like symptoms (only with the first outbreak).
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Many people have no symptoms; however they can still spread the virus to their sexual partners (asymptomatic shedding).
*The lesions will go away within 1-3 weeks regardless of treatment.
*Herpes is a virus that cannot be cured or eliminated from the body.
Testing
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A blood test can determine if you have herpes type II.
Treatment for Herpes
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The most commonly used medication is Acyclovir (Zovirax).
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Famciclovir (Famvir) or Valacyclovir (Valtrex) are other medications that can be used.
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Treatment is given during an outbreak to shorten the duration of the outbreak. However, it is not curative and future outbreaks are common.
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Avoid unprotected sex. Always use a condom. However, condoms do not totally prevent the transmission of herpes.
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Have only one sex partner.
If you have questions or think you may have herpes, stop having sex and come to the SE STD Clinic for a free and confidential assessment.
Source: DC Department of Health
