Download a factsheet on genital herpes (PDF 64 KB) What causes genital herpes? Herpes simplex virus type 1 (generally causes cold sores on the mouth) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (generally affects the genital area).
How are genital herpes spread?By vaginal, oral and anal sex or skin-to-skin contact with someone who already has the virus.
Cold sores on the mouth can spread the virus to the genitals during oral sex.
What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
- infected part of the genitals feeling sore or
- feeling generally unwell as if you are getting the flu
- appearance of small blisters
- blisters burst and become ulcers or sores.
Females: Blisters can be anywhere on the genital area, usually around the vagina, urethra, cervix, or anal area.
Males: Blisters usually occur on the penis and under the foreskin, and sometimes inside the urethra, on the scrotum, or around the anal area.
How do you get tested for genital herpes? Swabs are taken from the infected area. It is best if the blister or sore is less than 4 days old.
What is the treatment for genital herpes? Genital herpes can be controlled but cannot be cured. Paracetamol or aspirin can reduce pain and soreness. You may be given antiviral drugs for a severe episode of genital herpes.
How can you minimise the risk of contracting genital herpes?
- avoid vaginal, oral and anal sex while there are herpes sores or blisters (you may also be infectious even when you don’t have any sores)
- always use a condom (condoms reduce the risk of infection, but only from/to the area of skin protected by the condom)
- avoid sex with casual partners and/or decrease the number of partners
- have sex in ways that don’t spread STIs (e.g. mutual masturbation).
Have a check-up for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you have had:
- unsafe sex
- a new partner
- symptoms.
Visit the "Where can I go for help?" webpage to find out where you can get an STI check-up
