What is genital herpes and how common is it?

Herpes genitalis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both types of viruses can cause genital herpes, with vesicles forming in or around the genitals, anus or mouth. The herpes virus (usually HSV-1), in addition to genital herpes, can also cause herpes labialis. Herpes labialis is better known as the cold sore. However, a cold sore is not an STD, unlike genital herpes. Once infected with the herpes virus, then the virus remains in your body for life. Therefore, symptoms can come and go. About 28,840 people were diagnosed with genital herpes in 2019.

How do you get infected with genital herpes?

Herpes is spread through direct contact between open skin (in the case of a blister) or bodily fluids of someone infected with herpes and the mucous membranes of the other person’s penis, vagina, anus or mouth. Transmission of the virus is many times less easy if the skin is completely intact. The transmission of an STD is also known as transmission. Transmission of the virus is more likely from men to women than vice versa.

Who is at risk of infection?

Everyone who has unprotected sex is at risk of contracting the STD genital herpes. But beware, even when having protected sex (with a condom), there is a risk of infection through direct skin-to-skin contact. This happens, for example, when the skin with (open) blisters of a person infected with herpes, comes into contact with the broken skin of an uninfected person. At risk of a more serious course of genital herpes are people with impaired immune systems and people with an existing skin condition such as eczema.

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

When infected with the herpes simplex virus, this virus remains present in the body for life. That means that after infection, symptoms will occur for a first time (‘primo-infection’) and then may return occasionally (‘the recurrence’). A primo-infection is often more severe than a recurrence. Incidentally, an infection with herpes simplex does not have to be accompanied by symptoms. A significant proportion of people experience no symptoms. In people who do experience symptoms, the complaints sometimes start (in 40% of men, in 70% of women) with general symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headaches and not feeling well. In women, this may be followed by symptoms such as vaginal discharge, pain and a burning sensation bii urination. In men, urination may also be painful. About a week after the first symptoms, the typical vesicles appear in the area in or around the genitals, anus or in the mouth. These vesicles are filled with clear fluid. The blisters disappear within a maximum of 4 weeks. You can find a clear overview of symptoms under the ‘symptoms’ tab.

How and when do you test for genital herpes?

In most cases it is not necessary to diagnose herpes with a test. Herpes can often already be diagnosed by the typical blisters and symptoms (by a doctor). If in doubt, do a herpes STI test. A PCR test is suitable for this purpose, but is only suitable at the time of vesicles. A PCR test can detect the herpes simplex virus in the body material being tested. Herpes cannot be detected by a test immediately after contracting it. This takes some time. The time between the moment of contracting and the moment herpes is detectable with a test is also called the incubation period. The incubation period for herpes is between 2 and 12 days, on average 4 days. See below for information on when it is best to test.

What are the consequences of genital herpes?

Herpes genitalis rarely causes serious complications. In a few cases, meningitis may develop as a result of a herpes infection. People with reduced immunity and those with pre-existing skin conditions, are more at risk of a more serious course with a complication as described above.

Pregnants infected with herpes can transmit it to their baby. Transmission usually occurs during labour, but can also occur during pregnancy and shortly after delivery, although this is quite rare. A herpes infection in a baby is also called neonatal herpes and can have serious consequences. An infection can affect the baby’s skin and eyes, central nervous system and organs such as the liver, adrenal glands and lungs.

How is genital herpes treated?

If you have tested positive for herpes, you can be treated. However, this is not necessary in all cases. In cases of severe symptoms, treatment will be chosen. In that case, it is important that treatment starts within 5 days of symptoms or as long as the condition continues to grow in severity. Herpes can be treated with an antiviral drug: valaciclovir. This is a drug against viruses.

Treatment aims to shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce the severity of symptoms, however, treatment will not completely cure herpes. After all: herpes remains in the body for life.

Partner warning in case of genital herpes?

A partner warning of previous partners is not useful, but informing the current sex partner is.

Do you want more information about genital herpes?

Please refer to the following websites:

• Home doctor
• Soa-Aids-Netherlands

What are symptoms consistent with genital herpes?

Common genital herpes symptoms in women:

• Blisters in or around the vagina, in or around the anus, or in the mouth.
• Fever and general feeling of being sick.
• A burning sensation when urinating.
• Discharge from the vagina.
• Puffy lymph nodes, for example in the neck or groin.

Many common genital herpes symptoms in men:

• Blisters on or around the penis, in or around the anus, or in the mouth.
• Fever and general feeling of being sick.
• Pain or a burning sensation when urinating.
• Extended lymph nodes, for example in the neck or groin.