Genital Herpes

Learn about genital herpes and find information on symptoms, testing, and more.

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Genital herpes is a viral infection that is spread through close skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual contact. Genital herpes is caused by two viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes and spreads through vaginal or anal sex. HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes but can also infect the genitals. You can treat genital herpes and reduce your symptoms by taking medication as prescribed.

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How to Prevent Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It can also be passed from a birthing parent to a baby during birth. Herpes can spread even when there are no visible sores, through contact with infected skin. To help prevent genital herpes:

Use a new barrier method every time (like a condom or dental dam) for each sexual act, partner, and when switching between oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
- Condoms made from “natural” materials (such as lambskin) can help prevent pregnancy, but they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For STI protection, use latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms. Check the product label to confirm what type of condom you’re using.
Visit a healthcare provider if you develop painful oral, genital, or anal sores. Individuals with oral or genital herpes can take medication to improve their symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission to partners.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, follow cleaning instructions for toys and check for damage, and use condoms on toys.
Understand that having sex while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can increase the likelihood of unprotected sex.

You cannot get genital herpes from:

Hugging
Shaking hands
Sharing food or using the same dish

Testing

Testing for genital herpes is usually done with a swab from a sore, a pelvic exam, or a blood test if no sores are present. While there is no cure for herpes infection, medications are available to that can reduce the severity and frequency of episodes and reduce the chance of passing herpes to sexual partners. The best way to find out if you have genital herpes is by getting tested.

If trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant, talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Free or low cost and confidential testing is available at clinics throughout Boston.

Learn More

If you don't have health insurance or don't want to use your health insurance, you can still get tested. Call your healthcare provider to confirm the schedule. Find additional information and locations.
If you are a Boston Public High School student, your school may have a School-Based Health Center or Health Resource Center. According to Massachusetts State Law, if you are 13 or older you can get a confidential STI test without your parents' permission.

Treatment

You can treat genital herpes but you cannot cure it. Those with genital herpes can take medication to control reoccurring "episodes" and prevent spreading genital herpes to their partner(s).

Symptoms

Some people with genital herpes don't have symptoms, or have symptoms that are mistaken for another skin condition. It is estimated that 1 in 8 US adults is living with genital herpes, but many people are not aware of their diagnoses.

If symptoms do appear:

They usually start within two weeks of infection.
The first episode can take 2–4 weeks to heal.
Repeat episodes are usually milder and shorter.
Over time, the number of episodes typically decreases.

Common symptoms include:

Small sores, blisters, bumps or a rash on the vagina, penis, or rectum (bum)
Pain and/or burning when peeing or during sex
Tingling or scratchy feeling in your mouth and lips or between your legs
Flu-like symptoms

How long can a person spread genital herpes?

Once a person gets genital herpes, they can continue to spread genital herpes to others each time they have sexual contact. It is important to know that a person can spread genital herpes to others even if they do not have symptoms. If you have genital herpes, talk to your healthcare provider about managing your symptoms.