What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a type of sexually transmitted infection caused due to herpes simplex virus. This virus can affect both males and females. The infection causes painful blister sores that can break up and ooze fluid. The herpes virus can be in a dormant state after the initial infection and may reoccur. There is no particular cure for genital herpes, but antiviral medications can help to reduce symptoms and decrease the risk of infecting others.

What are the signs of genital herpes?

The occurrence of blisters is the main sign of herpes. General symptoms for males and females include blisters around genitals. The following are a few of the symptoms of herpes:

• Vaginal discharge
• Pain & itching
• Fever
• Feeling unwell
• Pain during urination
• Cold sores around the mouth
• Red blisters on the skin
• Enlarged tender lymph nodes
• Blisters and ulceration on the external genitalia (vagina, cervix)

What are the types of genital herpes?

There are two types of herpes simplex virus that can cause genital herpes and they are:

• HSV-1 - cold sores and fever blisters occur around the mouth. It can spread through skin to skin contact. Recurrence of infection is less frequent than HSV-2.
• HSV-2 - this type of virus causes genital herpes. It can spread through sexual contact or skin to skin contact. It is the common type of virus and highly contagious.

What can be the complications of genital herpes?

Complications associated with genital herpes may include:

• Sexually transmitted infections
• Meningitis
• Bladder problems
• Rectal infection
• Newborn infection 

How can herpes be diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose herpes with the help of the below tests:

• Blood test
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test
• Viral culture

What are the preventive measures of the herpes virus?

Following are few of the preventive measures to lessen the risk of developing genital herpes:

• Do not kiss when there is a cold sore around the mouth
• Do not have sex while symptoms are present (genital, anal, or skin-to-skin)
• Do not have multiple sexual partners
• Use condoms during intercourse sex