Genital herpes is a common virus that affects about one in five people, ages 15 to 49, worldwide. That amounts to about 846 million adults who live with symptoms on a daily basis. If you think you may have the HSV virus that causes genital herpes, you don’t have to face it alone. We can help with confidential testing, treatment, and prevention. Find out the facts on preventing, testing for, and treating genital herpes.
Understanding Herpes
The HSV infection, or herpes simplex virus, that causes genital herpes is common and contagious. The virus spreads from skin-to-skin contact, mostly during sex.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 Explained
There are two main types of the herpes virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. The first causes oral herpes, or cold sores, around your mouth. The second, HSV-2, causes genital herpes.
You usually get HSV-1 in childhood through the exchange of saliva. In contrast, you usually get HSV-2 from adult sexual contact. HSV-2 causes sores on the genitals, anus, buttocks, hips, or thighs.
What Are the Symptoms to Look For?
You catch HSV-2 from sexual contact, mouth-to-genital contact, or other types of skin-to-skin touching. The virus gains access to your body through broken skin.
Between two and 12 days after you are exposed, small bumps or blisters may come out on your genitals or anus. In some cases, they may appear in your mouth. During your first outbreak, you may have a fever, feel sore all over, or get a headache.
The blisters usually develop into sores that scab over in a few days. They can be painful, red, or itchy. It may hurt to pee, and you may notice some discharge. For men, the discharge comes from the penis. In women, it comes from the vagina.
If you already have the flu or an infection, your herpes outbreak may occur sooner than you expect. In women, a menstrual cycle may trigger an outbreak. In both men and women, stress can bring on an episode.
Sometimes, though, genital herpes does not cause symptoms. In these cases, testing is the best way to find out if you have the virus. Then, you can take steps to keep from passing it to your intimate partner.
How Long Does It Take for Herpes to Come Back?
Herpes is a recurring condition. The virus stays viable in your body. Once your sores have cleared up, they will come back.
The time it takes between outbreaks depends upon the person, but usually, the first time is the most severe. After that, you may get milder episodes of blisters and other symptoms a couple of times each year. As time passes, the time in between outbreaks typically gets longer.
What to Do If You’re Exposed to Herpes
If you think you’ve been exposed to herpes, you should get tested. If sores have already broken out, you can get a tissue sample tested for the virus. If you don’t have symptoms, a blood test will reveal if you are infected.
Acting Quickly Matters
Take action as soon as you suspect an HSV infection has occurred. Whether you’ve been with an intimate partner who has the virus or you spot blisters around your genitals, get in touch with your healthcare provider. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can get medication and avoid infecting someone else.
How Long Testing Takes and When to Test
How long does a herpes test take? Sometimes, a physical exam is all you need to confirm you have herpes. Other times, you may need lab testing. The time it takes to get a doctor’s appointment can delay diagnosis. Also, waiting for your lab results lengthens the timeline.
If you’re looking for convenient online sexual health support, MISTR provides access to discreet at-home STI testing and HIV prevention options like PrEP and DoxyPEP.
Please note: MISTR does not provide testing, diagnosis, or treatment for herpes (HSV) infections.
Prevention and Exposure Risk
Any time you have intimate contact with a herpes carrier, whether the virus is currently active or not, you can catch genital herpes. Can you get herpes from fingering? Yes, if a cut on your finger touches infected skin.
How to Protect Yourself
- Wash your hands after finger to genital contact.
- Wear a condom every time you have sex.
- Abstain from sexual contact with an infected partner, especially during an outbreak.
Reducing Risk and Building Immunity
Anti-viral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir reduce the risk of passing on the virus. They prevent outbreaks from happening. Chances are greater of catching HSV-2 during these outbreaks. Some people take one of these anti-virals daily as a way to manage their virus.
Prevention and Health Habits
Your immune system fights the virus, especially if you stay healthy and strong. Over time, herpes outbreaks usually happen less often. However, the virus stays in your body.
While MISTR doesn’t treat herpes, you can take proactive steps to protect your overall sexual health. You can access at-home STD testing, PrEP, and DoxyPEP (as part of your PrEP care plan) to reduce your risk of other infections and stay informed.