How All the Facts About Genital Herpes Can Help

Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus (one of the most common viruses in humankind) and in most cases causes very mild symptoms or none at all. Even when the symptoms are more severe, they are simple to treat and can usually be very well controlled.

The trouble is that most people's perceptions of the virus are based on the wide range of myths about it, rather than the facts.



If you've just found out you have genital herpes, we hope you'll find it very reassuring to know the facts about the herpes virus and what treatment option is right for you. The information in here should also help if you're dealing with a specific issue like managing genital herpes during pregnancy, or if it's your partner who has genital herpes or cold sores.

The key facts about genital herpes

  • As many as one in three adults has the virus that causes genital herpes.
  • Around 80% of people infected with genital herpes don't know they have the virus because they have very mild symptoms or none at all.
  • 75% of people who have genital herpes get it from people who are entirely unaware that they have herpes themselves.
  • The emotional impact of being diagnosed with genital herpes is often much worse than the condition and it doesn't deserve the upset it causes.
  • Oral herpes, also known as cold sores, is commonly transmitted to the genitals through oral-genital contact. Up to 50% of genital herpes is caused by the oral cold sore type of herpes simplex.
  • There is effective treatment available if herpes symptoms are problematic.
  • The symptoms of genital herpes vary enormously. It can show up as blisters or sores, but it can also just produce a mild rash. And whatever symptoms do appear may be on the thighs, back, fingers, and of course the genitals.
  • The herpes virus can be passed on when there are no symptoms present.
  • Most people who infect others with herpes don't realise they are even putting their partners at risk.
  • Using condoms reduces the risk of passing on the herpes virus but doesn't completely eliminate it.
  • Daily medication can prevent recurrences and reduce the risk of transmitting the herpes virus to partners.
  • Having genital herpes is not associated with causing cervical cancer.

Having herpes simplex (genital herpes or cold sores) is normal

Herpes simplex is no different to other herpes viruses: all of us have at least three of them. Most of us have had chickenpox (herpes zoster). Chickenpox can recur as shingles when you get older. Most of us have had herpes simplex 1 or 2, or both. At least 25% of us have cytomegalovirus (HH-5). Nearly all of us are positive for Epstein Barr (HH-4) antibodies, which causes glandular fever. Even if you have not had symptomatic disease, well over 90% of the adult population is infected. And most of us get human herpes virus (HHV) 6 and 7 by the time we are aged two years.

To be infected with a herpes virus is a state of normality, not an abnormality. It happens to all adults, some of us with symptoms and some without. The key thing is not whether you are infected or not, but whether it is causing symptoms or not – and if it is, then what can be done about it.

The infection: What is genital herpes?


What is a virus?

Understanding viruses and how they work is the key to understanding genital herpes.

A virus is a very primitive form of life. As an intracellular parasite, a virus cannot live by itself and is entirely dependent on the cellular machinery of the cells it invades.


Viral infections

The herpes virus invades the human body, often through a crack in the skin or through the lining of the mouth and genital area.

Once inside the cells, the herpes virus uses the material in the cell to reproduce itself (known as replication). In this process, the cell is destroyed. The disruption of the host cell is responsible for the characteristic signs (blisters, etc) and symptoms (tingling, pain, etc) of herpes infections and the release of thousands of copies of the virus.

Besides entering and taking over cells at the site of infection, particles of the herpes virus enter one of the many sensory nerve fibres which are found all over the body, and proceed to move upward to where the fibre begins near the spinal cord. This is a small cluster of cells known as a sensory ganglion.

In the case of facial herpes, the herpes virus settles in a large nerve centre (ganglion) at the base of the skull, known as the trigeminal ganglion.


Once the herpes virus reaches the ganglion, it lives there for the rest of our lives.

Herpes simplex isn't the only virus many of us have living with us. Anyone who has had chickenpox is host to the Varicella zoster virus, another member of the herpes virus family. This virus remains dormant for the rest of our lives; in some people, however, it can leave the nerve ganglia, travel down the nerve fibres and cause shingles. Other chronic viruses include the glandular fever virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), for example.

Once a virus enters our body, whatever the virus, antibodies are produced to fight it. Antibodies are the body's natural form of defence and continue to be produced long after the initial episode.

With genital herpes, antibodies help ensure that recurrences are milder than the first herpes episode. It is very common to find antibodies in people who have never apparently experienced an episode of genital herpes. Either the initial infection was so mild that the person was unaware that it was taking place, or it was totally without symptoms and therefore unrecognised.

Viral shedding

When the HSV reactivates in the ganglion and travels down the nerve fibres to the skin surface, particles of the herpes virus may be 'shed' on the surface of the skin, with or without any signs or symptoms of herpes infection present. This is called viral shedding. Viral shedding also occurs when blistering and/or sores are present.

During these times, HSV may be transmitted to sexual partners. There is no way to tell when the herpes virus is being asymptomatically shed on the skin surface and therefore no way to predict when you may be infectious and at risk of transmitting the herpes virus to a sexual partner. However, viral shedding is most prevalent just before, during and immediately after the presence of symptoms. Viral shedding may occur approximately 5% of days per year.

Viral shedding does occur in association with outbreaks of genital herpes and therefore sexual contact should be avoided during these times. Between outbreaks, viral shedding may still occur (asymptomatic viral shedding) so, as with any new relationship, it is wise to consider using condoms to reduce the chance of transmission to sexual partners.

How genital herpes is spread

You can get genital herpes by having sexual contact (vaginal, oral or anal sex) with someone who carries HSV. It used to be believed that herpes transmission (passing it on) only occurred if herpes blisters or sores were present. However, it is now known that transmission can occur when herpes blisters or sores are not present. This can occur in two situations:

1. People who have recurrent genital herpes (repeated episodes) can transmit the herpes virus between recurrences (through asymptomatic shedding). This occurs on approximately 5% of days per year. (Remember it is quite possible your partner/s may already carry one or both of the herpes simplex viruses. Once an individual has the virus they cannot be re-infected.)

2. There are many people who are exposed to and infected by the herpes virus but never develop any signs or symptoms of the herpes infection. These people carry and may 'shed' the herpes virus from time to time without showing symptoms and in doing so may transmit the herpes infection to their sexual partner/s if they have sex at that time. Up to 80% of people get HSV from partners who have no signs and symptoms of HSV and are unaware they have the herpes infection.

Diagnosis of herpes


Because people’s experience of genital herpes varies so greatly and because the treatment of each sexually transmitted infection is distinctive and specific, accurate diagnosis of herpes is essential.

Accurate diagnosis of genital herpes includes taking a history, doing a physical examination and taking a swab for laboratory testing.


Laboratory confirmation

In order to confirm genital herpes, it is necessary to prove the presence of HSV-1 or HSV-2.

The usual procedure is for the doctor to take a swab from the area affected. A sample of the fluid from a blister or from ulcers is taken and sent away for analysis. The test can identify whether the virus infection is caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Because it is possible for a person with genital herpes to have another sexually transmitted infection at the same time, a full genital check for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) should be made.

Blood tests

Commercial blood tests specific for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies are now available but are not recommended for use in the general population as a routine screen. There are many reasons that a blood test to diagnose herpes is not recommended as a routine test. The blood test has many limitations and doesn't necessarily provide information that is helpful in management of the infection. The time taken to develop antibodies is usually 2 to 6 weeks after infection, but it may be up to 6 months and false positives and false negatives can occur in these tests.

Because of the limitations of a blood test to diagnose herpes, it is recommended you discuss the implications of the test with someone who has experience with requesting them and interpreting the results in light of your particular presentation.

What it means to have genital herpes

Overall health

Genital herpes is essentially a minor, sometimes recurring, skin infection; ‘cold sores’ which occur on the genitals rather than the face. It does not cause long-term ill health or affect the longevity of life. People who get genital herpes can and do lead perfectly normal lives.

A primary herpes infection can be severe and involve generalised ‘flu’-like symptoms. This, combined with the pain and discomfort of the sores and, in some cases, secondary infection, can leave people feeling very run-down. Fortunately, recovery is fast once the herpes has healed.

Sites of herpes infection and recurrences

In women, the genital areas most affected are the vulva and the entrance to the vagina. Herpes sores can sometimes develop on the cervix.

Herpes sores in men are most common on the glans (end of the penis), the foreskin and shaft of the penis. Sometimes, sores can develop on the testicles.

Less commonly, both men and women can experience herpes sores on the anus, buttocks, and tops of the thighs.

The most serious of these other conditions are neonatal herpes and herpetic encephalitis, both of which are relatively rare but can be deadly. The causes of herpetic encephalitis are not fully understood, but having genital herpes doesn't seem to make you more or less likely to develop it.

The initial herpes infection

The initial infection that causes herpes symptoms is usually most severe as the body’s immune system has not yet come into contact with the herpes virus.

An initial herpes infection can last more than 20 days and it’s not uncommon for someone to experience a range of generalised symptoms, such as fever, aches, and pains, as well as specific genital symptoms. For others, an initial infection can be mild with minimal symptoms and often is unrecognised and undiagnosed.


Herpes symptoms can start with tingling, itching, burning or pain (these are warning symptoms also known as the ‘prodrome’) followed by the appearance of painful red spots which, within a day or two, evolve through a phase of clear fluid-filled blisters which rapidly turn whitish-yellow.

The herpes blisters burst, leaving painful ulcers which dry, scab over and heal in approximately 10 days.

Sometimes the development of new herpes blisters at the early ulcer stage can prolong the herpes episode. On the other hand, the blister stage may be missed completely, and ulcers may appear like cuts or cracks in the skin.

Some women with genital herpes may also notice a vaginal discharge.

The severity and range of herpes symptoms differ from person to person. Women with genital herpes frequently experience painful urination, and when this happens, it’s important to avoid the problem of urinary retention by drinking plenty of fluids to dilute the urine and thereby reduce pain and stinging. Sitting in a partially filled bath when urinating also helps.

Both women and men can experience generalised fever, aches and pains, and a depressed run-down feeling.

Herpes recurrences

Some people do not experience symptomatic herpes recurrences, but for those who do, recurrences are usually shorter and less severe than the primary herpes episode. Recurrences are often preceded by warning symptoms (also known as prodromal symptoms) such as tingling, itching, burning or pain.

As with the initial herpes episode, there is a large variation in people’s experience of herpes recurrences. Approximately 80% of people having a first herpes episode caused by HSV-2 will have at least one recurrence, while only 50% of people with HSV-1 on their genitals will experience a recurrence. Genital herpes caused by HSV-2 recurs on average four to six times per year, while HSV-1 infection occurs less often, only about once per year. A minority will suffer more frequent herpes recurrences.

Recurrences are more likely to recur in the first year or two after acquiring genital herpes, but for many people become less frequent and less severe over time.

Genital herpes can be elusive

In many people, the diagnosis of genital herpes can be hard to establish.

The severity of herpes symptoms can vary greatly from one person to another. An initial episode can, at times, be so mild as to pass unnoticed and a first herpes recurrence may take place some months or even years after the first herpes infection.

Up to 80% of people who have been infected with genital herpes are unaware they have the herpes infection. These people may, however, transmit HSV to others.

In such cases genital herpes can lead to confusion and bewilderment in people, unable to understand the sudden appearance of the herpes infection and apparent transmission from someone else.

What triggers genital herpes?

A recurrence takes place when HSV reactivates in the nerve ganglion at the base of the spinal cord and particles of the herpes virus travel along the nerve to the site of the original herpes infection in the skin or mucous membranes (e.g. the skin in or around the genital area). Sometimes, the herpes virus travels down a different nerve causing recurrent symptoms at another site such as the buttocks or thighs.

Although it is not known exactly why the herpes virus reactivates at various times, the cause can be separated into the physical and the psychological.

  • Physical: Physical factors that have been anecdotally identified differ among people. Being run-down, suffering from another genital infection (compromising the local skin area), menstruation, drinking too much alcohol, exposure of the area to strong sunlight, conditions that weaken the immune system, prolonged periods of stress or depression, are all factors that can trigger an episode. Less commonly, friction or damage to the skin, such as may be caused by lack of lubrication at the time of sexual intercourse, can lead to a recurrence. In summary, anything that lowers your immune system or causes local trauma (damage) can trigger recurrences.
  • Psychological: Recent studies have demonstrated that periods of prolonged stress may precipitate more frequent recurrences. It is also common to experience stress and anxiety from having recurrences.

LGBT and having herpes

Obviously, the herpes virus doesn't care what sort of sexual activity is creating the right conditions for infection, but different sexual practices create different risks.

Gay women are slightly less likely to become infected than heterosexual women, but for those who do, the impact of the herpes virus is exactly the same.

In the past, genital herpes was much more prevalent among gay men than in heterosexuals. That's no longer the case, partly because more heterosexual couples are having oral sex and becoming infected that way. However, infection through anal sex remains more common among gay men.

It has also been shown that having the herpes virus makes men more susceptible to infection with HIV.

The good news is that there is less stigma attached to all STIs in the gay community, that safer sex practices are widely accepted, and that there is a range of sexual health services specifically aimed at gay men and women.

Transmitting the herpes infection

People with herpes can be infectious either at the time of symptoms or sometimes when there are no symptoms present. People who experience an episode of herpes, either oral or genital, should consider themselves infectious from the first symptoms to the healing of the last ulcer.

Oral herpes lesions (cold sores) are also an important source of infection through oral sex and this should be avoided if one partner has an oral cold sore. People worry a great deal about transmitting genital herpes infection, but are less concerned about oral herpes (cold sores). The main way women get genital herpes infection is from cold sores, via oral sex. One is considered to be a nuisance; the other is associated with a degree of stigma. This is unhelpful, and both should be considered as a “manageable nuisance”.

People with no obvious herpes lesions can still have infectious herpes virus present at certain times through a process known as “asymptomatic viral shedding”. Asymptomatic viral shedding cannot be predicted but is known to occur on at least 5% of days each year.

Occasionally one partner in a long-term relationship may develop symptoms of herpes for the first time. Often this is due to one or both of the partners being carriers of HSV and not knowing it. It does not necessarily imply recent transmission from someone outside the relationship.

By avoiding sex when the signs of herpes are present, and by using condoms with sexual partners between herpes outbreaks, the chance of passing on herpes is reduced. Taking daily oral antivirals, known as suppressive treatment (see Information on 'suppressive therapy'), as well as using condoms, makes the chances of passing on herpes extremely low.

It is highly unlikely that HSV will be passed on to other people by the sharing of towels or toilet seats. Outside the body, the herpes virus cannot survive for more than a few seconds. The herpes virus is killed by the use of soap and water.

Sexual relationships and herpes

People with recurrent genital herpes may reconsider some aspects of sexual intimacy. For example, using non-genital forms of sexual contact when skin blisters or herpes ulcers are present. It also means considering, if, how and when you are going to tell a sexual partner (see Herpes and Relationships). Many people do not understand what it means to have genital herpes or realise how common it is. Most people react supportively when told and appreciate and respect your honesty. People who choose not to tell a sexual partner risk the burden of fear, guilt, and secrecy.


In a long-term monogamous relationship, when one person gets herpes and the other person is not symptomatic, it is most likely both parties have the virus, so practising safe sex is not necessary as they cannot re-infect each other.

For people who experience very frequent herpes recurrences, suppressive antiviral therapy, which reduces the frequency of herpes recurrences, can help reduce the impact the herpes recurrences can have on sexual activity and may reduce the risk of herpes transmission (see Information on 'suppressive therapy').

Fertility, pregnancy and being a parent


Genital herpes is not hereditary. HSV (HSV-1 and HSV-2) has no effect on fertility and is not transmitted via men’s sperm or women’s ova (eggs).


See Herpes and Pregnancy

Women with genital herpes can experience a safe pregnancy and vaginal childbirth. This is especially so when a woman has a diagnosis of genital herpes prior to becoming pregnant. In the situation when the mother already has a history of genital herpes, she will have antibodies circulating in her blood which will protect the baby during the pregnancy and delivery.

Being a parent

Genital herpes in either parent does not affect babies/children and there is little risk of herpes transmission as long as normal hygiene is ensured.

Parents should be aware, however, that HSV can be transmitted from oral cold sores simply by kissing and can cause serious, widespread (disseminated) herpes infection in the newborn. Fortunately, by the time a baby is about six months, the immune system is well able to cope with exposure to the herpes virus. Initial exposure to HSV in babies and young children, after being kissed by someone with a cold sore, can cause gingivostomatitis, an infection of the mouth and gums which goes largely unrecognised and untreated.

Free Download Resources on Genital Herpes

You can also download our guides in pdf form:

PDF-download.png  Genital Herpes - The Facts 
PDF-download.png  Genital Herpes – Myths Vs Facts 
PDF-download.png  Herpes and Relationships 
PDF-download.png  Herpes and Pregnancy 
PDF-download.png  Facial Herpes 
PDF-download.png  Summary of Genital Herpes Guidelines 

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