How does genital herpes spread

Use a dental dam during oral sex and avoid sexual activity during an outbreak. For more information about genital herpes, call the OWH Helpline at or contact the following organizations:. Department of Health and Human Services. ET closed on federal holidays. Breadcrumb Home A-Z health topics Genital herpes. Genital herpes. Genital herpes Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection STI. What is genital herpes? But, they are different in some ways: HSV-1 most often causes infections of the mouth and lips, called cold sores or "fever blisters.

HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes. It is spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. HSV-2 can spread to the mouth during oral sex. Who gets genital herpes? How do you get genital herpes? Genital herpes is spread through: Vaginal, oral, or anal sex. The herpes virus is usually spread through contact with open sores. But you also can get herpes from someone without any symptoms or sores. Genital touching Childbirth from a mother to her baby Breastfeeding if a baby touches an open sore.

Does a cold sore on my mouth mean I have genital herpes? What is the difference between genital herpes and genital warts? But the viruses that cause genital herpes and genital warts are different: Herpes simplex virus HSV is the virus that causes genital herpes. Human papillomavirus HPV is the virus that causes genital warts. What are the symptoms of genital herpes? There are other early symptoms of genital herpes: Feeling of pressure in the abdomen Flu-like symptoms, including fever Itching or burning feeling in the genital or anal area Pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area Swollen glands Unusual vaginal discharge If you have any symptoms of genital herpes, see a doctor or nurse.

How is genital herpes diagnosed? How is genital herpes treated? During outbreaks, you can take the following steps to speed healing and prevent spreading herpes to other parts of your body or to other people: Keep sores clean and dry. Try not to touch the sores. Wash your hands after any contact with the sores. Avoid all sexual contact from the time you first notice symptoms until the sores have healed.

Can genital herpes come back? What should I do if I have genital herpes? If you have genital herpes: See a doctor or nurse as soon as possible for testing and treatment.

Take all of the medicine. Even if symptoms go away, you need to finish all of the antiviral medicine. Tell your sex partner s so they can be tested and treated if necessary. Avoid any sexual contact while you are being treated for genital herpes or while you have an outbreak.

Some people who have more than 6 outbreaks in a year may benefit from taking antiviral medicine for 6 to 12 months. If you still have outbreaks of genital herpes during this time, you may be referred to a specialist. If you have been diagnosed with genital herpes and you're having an outbreak:. Genital herpes is very easy to pass on contagious from the first tingling or itching of a new outbreak before any blisters appear to when sores have fully healed.

You may also be able to pass on the virus even if you do not have any symptoms. Genital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body.

It will not spread in your body to cause blisters elsewhere. It stays in a nearby nerve and causes blisters in the same area.

Women with herpes before pregnancy can usually expect to have a healthy baby and a vaginal delivery. If you have genital herpes during pregnancy, there's a risk your baby could develop a serious illness called neonatal herpes. The risk of your baby getting neonatal herpes is low if you have had genital herpes before. People newly diagnosed with herpes should be tested for HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections.

Patients who are infected with both herpes and HIV also may have a higher concentration of HIV viruses in their body because of the interaction between the herpes virus and the HIV virus. What You Need to Know Herpes simplex virus HSV , also known as genital herpes, is most likely to be spread when an infected person is having an outbreak, but it can also be transmitted without any symptoms being present.

Genital Herpes Overview In the United States, about 1 in every 6 people ages 14 to 49 have genital herpes. What are the different types of herpes? What causes genital herpes? Where does the herpes virus live in the body? How common is genital herpes? What does genital herpes look like? You can also have the following symptoms: Blisters on the mouth or lips Fever, headache or pain in the joints Trouble urinating The symptoms of genital herpes often go away and come back as recurring outbreaks.

The following triggers can make outbreaks more likely to occur: Viral or bacterial infections Menstrual periods Stress Recurrent genital herpes is most common in the first year after the initial infection and decreases as time goes on. How does genital herpes spread? You can also: Inform your sexual partner that you have genital herpes. Use a condom every time you have sex.

Refrain from having sex when you have symptoms. Abstain from performing oral sex if you have blisters or open sores around your mouth. Do condoms help prevent the spread of genital herpes? If you have genital herpes already, can it be spread to other parts of the body, such as the arms or legs? Can genital herpes be transmitted by oral sex? I have cold sores in my mouth.

Can I still get genital herpes? How is genital herpes diagnosed? I had lesions when I was evaluated, but my culture was negative. Can genital herpes be treated? To reduce pain during an outbreak: Sit in warm water in a portable bath or bathtub for about 20 minutes. Avoid bubble baths. Keep your genital area clean and dry, and avoid tight clothes. Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Teens who are sexually active should get tested for STDs every year or more often if recommended by their health care provider.

Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Genital Herpes? What Are STDs? The first outbreak often is the most severe. Outbreaks usually become less severe over time. What Causes Genital Herpes? People can get infected with genital herpes when: They have vaginal or anal sex with someone with genital herpes even if there are no sores.

They receive oral sex from a partner who has oral herpes cold sores. They touch a herpes sore and then touch their own genitals. Their genitals touch the skin in the genital area of someone who is infected even if there are no sores.