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Conditions

Genital Herpes

Herpes sores on a penis (Photo courtesy of the CDC)

Genital herpes is an infection of the genitals caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and is the most common ulcerative sexually transmitted disease in the UK. There are two subtypes of the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 (which causes facial herpes, including cold sores on the lips, but has increasingly been implicated in cases of genital herpes), and HSV-2 (which almost exclusively causes herpes on the genitals). Around 80% of people with genital herpes don’t even know they have it, as there are often no symptoms. However, even without symptoms, it’s possible to pass genital herpes on to a sexual partner because the virus may sometimes be present in your genital area. And once you get the herpes virus, it’s with you for life, which means you will have recurrent infections. Over-the-counter treatments for cold sores will not treat genital herpes, so smearing your genitals with Zovirax is an ineffective alternative to visiting your local GP or GUM clinic.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

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is there a permanenet cure for <a href="http://www.genitalherpesalert.com">genital herpes</a> or atleast is one being developed?





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i am 18 years old and am in a faithfull relationship but noticed about a month ago that i have afew pimple like lumps on my shaft, also had afew sores on my testicles but i think they were from shaving as they have now gone. The pimples are still there and i am getting worried, also after having a closer look i have found lots of smaller white pimples all over the base of my shaft going up the right hand side and all over my testicles although these are only realy visible by stretching the skin and looking closely. i really hope i have not got herpes or genital warts and do not know how to go about telling my girlfriend as we have only been together afew months. please help if anyone knows what it may be as im panicking alot.





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i have been diagnosed with herpes 2 months ago, since i have been diagnosed i have been free from sores/blisters for one week only and its really getting me down, im a very clean person and no matter what i do its still there! Is it normal to have it al the time, and what can i do?





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Kerri, go and see your Dr or go to your local GUM clinic. I was diagnosed with herpes around 4years ago and was given Aciclovir tablets by my GP to take when I had an outbreak I started seeing a new boyfriend in March and went to the GUM clinic for a general once ove before I slept with him. I told them how I was getting an outbreak that would last a week very time I was on my period. He has now prescribed me daily Aciclovir to take as a preventative. That was in May and I haven't had a flare up since then. Good luck

Can I still get herpes from my partner even if he doesnt have it at that moment of time? And can you still have oral sex? Thanks





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Hiya, I got a new boyfriend a few weeks ago and he told me he had herpes, I don't really know much about it, i know it comes and goes through out the year, but even if it's not "active" at a certain time can I still get it? and can you still have oral sex? thanks





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hi. im 16 and have not had any sexual contact with anyone. on my penis i have a few very small white dots around the base of my penis. also, on the inside of my foreskin there are a few there as well. i have read all the sympotms and they aren't like hsv-2 because they don't cause me any discomfort or anything of the sympotms of hsv-2. i'm unsure as to what i should do as i don't know if its is hsv-2 or not. please reply





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I'm 14 and I caught herpes. I really don't know what to do ): it's hard for me to live a normal life with it. My boyfriend doesn't have it but he gets cold sores. How did I get it ?





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I only just found out i have herpes today and when the doctor told me i broke down, and wanted to die! Im only 16 and for me to have this at such a young age is terrifying. I been with my boyfriend a month and im not sure if he gave me it or a previous partner (not that iv been with many). But im to scared to tell him incase he thinks i have slept around. Im so worried if i tell him he will hate me and tell everyone. What do i do. im so scared i cant stop crying. Reading the comments has put my mind at rest. Is this as common as Clymedia?? Thanks x





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Hi i have just contracted Herpies and am wondering does this mean i can no longer have sex, i have informed my new partner and he has been lovely, but this is a very new relationship,also how long does this first attack last for ? i am on my second course of antibiotic for it and am still feeling very uncomfortable...





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Does it mean that if you want to have kids, you can't have them, because your partner will get herpes? What about a child? Does it mean it will have herpes as well?





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Dont worry! Having children is perfectly safe! As long as your partner knows you have herpes and you are both safe when you are having an outbreak, then trying for children is perfectly fine! Of course there are risks with this virus, but if your partner loves you and wants to have children with you,I am sure he or she will understand. As for children getting the virus, it is unlikely, however, if you are having an outbreak when you go into labour, you may be required to have a C-section. This is because the baby will come into contact with the soars/blisters when it is being born and this could mean it contracts the virus. If you are not having an outbreak then giving birth normally will be fine. It is best to go to your doctors and plan the pregnancy to make sure you are taking all the right precautions





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Genital herpes is an infection of the genitals that is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The herpes simplex virus can also affect the skin on the face, causing cold sores to develop, usually around the mouth area. Read More »

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