Frequently asked questions

• What is genital herpes?
• What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
• How do you get genital herpes?
• Can genital herpes be treated?
• Can I go on having sex if I have genital herpes?
• Can I pass genital herpes to my partner?
• How can I prevent future outbreaks?

What is genital herpes?
Herpes is a family of viruses that cause cold sores, chicken pox and shingles. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most common of the herpes family of viruses. It occurs in two forms: herpes simplex virus type 1 HSV-1 Glossary: HSV-1
Herpes simplex virus type 1. The virus that usually causes cold sores. , which usually causes cold sores and herpes simplex virus type 2 HSV-2 Glossary: HSV-2
Herpes simplex virus type 2. The virus that usually causes genital herpes. , which usually causes genital herpes. Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2 , but is increasingly being caused by HSV-1 because of the rising popularity of oral sex.
Back to top

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
Genital herpes symptoms can vary from one person to the next and isn't necessarily restricted to the genital region. The symptoms can also range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include tingling, itching and redness (which are fairly mild symptoms), which can be followed by localised chafing, a rash, small cracks in the skin, tiny sores, or blisters that burst and become painful ulcers (which are more severe symptoms).
Back to top

How do you get genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that can be transmitted via vaginal sex, anal sex or oral sex.  In rare cases it can also occur through close skin to skin contact with the genital region, so you don’t necessarily have to have sex to get it.
Back to top

Can genital herpes be treated?
Genital herpes can be treated with antiviral therapy Glossary: Antiviral therapy
The use of medication that aims to reduce outbreaks and symptoms of genital herpes. . As the name suggests, antiviral therapy works on the virus itself by stopping it from multiplying. This reduces the length and severity of an outbreak and reduces viral shedding Glossary: Viral shedding
The shedding of the herpes virus from the skin surface – even if there are no symptoms present. . This can reduce the risk of passing on the virus. Anti-viral therapy can be used in a number of ways and is usually tailored to suit an individual’s lifestyle.  For further information speak to your doctor.
Back to top

Can I go on having sex if I have genital herpes?
Genital herpes shouldn’t stop you from having a healthy and fulfilling sex life and there are a number of precautions you can take to reduce the risk of passing the virus on to your partner.  Firstly, don’t have sex during a genital herpes outbreak.  Secondly, always use condoms during sexual activity.  Thirdly, speak to your doctor about suppressive therapy.
Back to top

Can I pass genital herpes to my partner?
If you are sexually active, there is a risk of passing genital herpes to your partner.  There are a number of precautions you can take to reduce the risk of passing the virus on to your partner.  Firstly, don’t have sex during a genital herpes outbreak.  Secondly, always use condoms during sexual activity.  Thirdly, speak to your doctor about suppressive therapy.
Back to top

How can I prevent future outbreaks?
Genital herpes outbreaks can be triggered by different things for different people.  Make note of the diet and lifestyle factors that trigger an outbreak for you and avoid these where possible.  Take care of your overall health and wellbeing by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting plenty of sleep.  Speak to your doctor about antiviral therapy .
Back to top