Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a common viral STI caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 or type 1. Symptoms can vary from painful sores to no symptoms at all.
Symptoms
Blisters or sores on or around the genitals, burning or pain, tingling before outbreaks, and mild flu-like symptoms during a first episode.
Causes and risk
Sexual contact with someone shedding the virus. HSV-2 is the more common cause of genital herpes; HSV-1 increasingly causes genital infection.
How it is evaluated
Swab testing of active lesions is most accurate. Blood testing for antibodies can detect infection between outbreaks.
Treatment
Antiviral medication can reduce symptom severity, shorten outbreaks, and lower transmission risk. Daily suppressive therapy is an option for frequent outbreaks.
When to seek care
Seek care for a first outbreak, frequent recurrences, or if a partner has been diagnosed.