Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by two varieties of viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 frequently causes oral herpes (fever blisters, cold sores). Oral herpes can spread from mouth to the genitals through oral sex. This is why some cases of genital herpes are due to HSV-1
Symptoms
Herpes genitalis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by two varieties of viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 frequently causes oral herpes, manifesting as fever blisters or cold ulcers on or around the mouth. However, the majority of individuals with oral herpes do not exhibit symptoms. Oral herpes is typically contracted during infancy or early adulthood through non-sexual contact with secretions.
How do you get it?
You can contract genital herpes by having oral, anal, or vaginal sexual contact with someone infected. Herpes can be acquired by contacting A herpes lesion; Saliva from a partner with an oral herpes infection; Genital secretions from a partner with a genital herpes infection; Skin from a partner with oral or genital herpes; or Skin from a partner with genital herpes. You can also contract genital herpes from a sex partner who has no visible lesions or is ignorant of their infection. If you have oral intercourse with a partner with oral herpes, it is also possible to contract genital herpes. Herpes cannot be acquired from toilet seats, bed linens, or swimming pools. Also, you cannot contract the disease by handling objects like silverware, detergent, or linens.
How do you protect yourself?
STIs can only be avoided totally by not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
If you are sexually active, you can lower your chances of getting vaginal herpes by doing the following:
When you have sex, you should always use condoms the right way.
Be aware that not all spots caused by herpes can be covered by a condom. Also, the virus can be shed from parts of the skin where there is no visible herpes sore. Because of these things, condoms may not keep you from getting herpes 100%.
If your sex partner(s) have genital herpes, you are less likely to get it if you:
Your partner takes a medicine every day to treat herpes. This is something that your partner should talk to their doctor about.
When your partner has herpes signs (during a "outbreak"), you shouldn't have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
For additional information, visit cdc.gov
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