What is genital herpes?

What is genital herpes? Genital herpes is a common problem. One in five people in the USA are infected with the virus that is the common cause of genital herpes (HSV-2). It is caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Symptoms vary from person to person. Some patients have pain in the genital area, followed by the appearance of small, fluid-filled blisters. The blisters burst and feel raw and painful, before they begin to crust over. Along with the blisters, you may feel headache, fatigue and muscle pain. Other patients experience more minor symptoms such as itching or irritation in the genital area.

Untreated, the first outbreak can last one to four weeks. Subsequent outbreaks are generally less severe and shorter in duration.

Unfortunately, once you are infected with the genital herpes virus, it will stay with you. It migrates to nerves at the base of the spine, and remains there in an inactive form until the next outbreak. The virus usually flares up again periodically, either causing another outbreak of symptoms or producing only mild or even no symptoms.

During a repeat outbreak, or 'recurrence' of genital herpes, the virus leaves its resting place in nerves at the base of the spine (ganglia) and travels along the nerve. It usually travels back to the spot where it entered the body, but sometimes causes new blisters to pop up.
Side view of the female body


The virus can still be transmitted to a sexual partner, regardless of whether symptoms are present or not. If you think you have genital herpes then it is important to see your doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment. See Also -
Consulting your doctor
Treatment options

What is genital herpes?

Side view of the female body

See Also -
Consulting your doctor
Treatment options

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