Table of Contents
What is the proper name for genital herpes?
| Genital herpes | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Anogenital herpesviral infection, herpes genitalis |
| An outbreak of genital herpes affecting the vulva | |
| Specialty | Infectious disease |
| Symptoms | None, small blisters that break open to form painful ulcers, flu-like symptoms |
What does it look like when a girl has herpes?
Genital sores vary in size and number, but as with oral herpes, they look like pimples or blisters filled with fluid. They will burst and develop a yellowy crust as they heal. Females are more likely to have trouble urinating during a genital herpes outbreak than men.
What happens when a woman has genital herpes?
After the initial infection, the virus lies dormant in your body and can reactivate several times a year. Genital herpes can cause pain, itching and sores in your genital area. But you may have no signs or symptoms of genital herpes. If infected, you can be contagious even if you have no visible sores.
Should I be worried if I have genital herpes?
Herpes isn’t deadly and it usually doesn’t cause any serious health problems. While herpes outbreaks can be annoying and painful, the first flare-up is usually the worst. For many people, outbreaks happen less over time and may eventually stop completely.
How can I prevent spreading herpes to my partner?
Always use condoms and dental dams during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Talk with your doctor about taking herpes medication every day, which can lower your chances of spreading herpes. Don’t have sex during a herpes outbreak, even with a condom. There may be sores on places the condom doesn’t cover.
Can one partner have herpes and the other not?
It is definitely possible that you have genital herpes and that your partner does not.
Can I date someone with herpes?
People who have active herpes can start dating and engaging in sexual contact once they have been treated and recovered (after at least 7 days after the rash goes away), but it is important that they are honest with their partners.
Can you sleep with someone with herpes and not get it?
Yes. Herpes can be passed on even if a partner has no sores or other signs and symptoms of an outbreak. And if a partner has a herpes outbreak, it’s even more likely to be spread. Even when a person doesn’t have visible sores, the only surefire way to protect against getting genital herpes is abstinence.
Can I find out who gave me herpes?
We didn’t discuss complicated stories that make it impossible to know which person gave herpes to the other person. Most commonly, the doctor is not able to make this determination. The take-home message is this: don’t be quick to judge, and don’t assume your partner has cheated on you.
Can you be with someone who has herpes and never get it?
Yes. Even when no sores are present, the herpes virus is still active in the body and can spread to others. If you or your partner has herpes, reduce the risk of spread by: using a condom every time you have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal).