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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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Hi, I have just found out I have genital Herpes, I was very shocked and upset. I know now never to have unprotected sex with someone you don't know properly especially. I am curious to find out the treatments that are available and also I understand that with this virus there are recurrent infections, what types of infections do come up. I want to know more information about this virus. I'm so annoyed that I have it. Does it really clear up itself and how long does it take to clear up. Thanks





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Hey Ive Got Spots All Around The Lips Of My Vagina, Ive Had Unprotected Sex 3 Times, The Spots Look Like Ones You Get On Skin, And Sometimes They Can Be Squoze And Puss Will Come Out Of It, I Dont Know What To Do, Im Close To This Guy And He Wants Sex And I Dont Want Him To See Them And Im Too Embarrassed To Get Them Looked At... HELP! Please :/





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hello i was raped when i was younger and as a consicence of the mans actions i was diagnosed with vaginal herpes at the ages of 10! me being inresposible i forgot and we had unprotected sex more than once! i would like to know his chances of contracting it! it makes things hard as im only 17 PLZ help me im in a corner here thank you





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I have been sore down below recently and so I checked myself out and noticed that nearer to the end of my vagine inside is a tiny red lump that is extremely painful then to the side looks like an ulcer but not sure if it is yet. What do you think this is?





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i was told afew months ago i have genital herpes, now i am im a relationship with a new guy and im so scared that i might pass it on to him. , so i wont have sex with him. soon he is going to wonder what the problem is but im so scared to tell him... will i definitely pass it on to him even if we use a condom.





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im so sorry to hear your problem i hav the same and i find it shameful im 17 and i had unprotected sex and i dnt know wat to do ?

im really worried the last couple months ive noticed a gathering of small white hard lumps collecting around the inside of my vagina all down one side and starting to come up the top they dont really hurt unless they aare touched but recently ive been bleeding after sex and the spots just seem to keep on coming im way to embaressed to go to my local Gp please help :(





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When My boyfriend and I have sex,I see we're both covered in blood. We have genital herpes and I'm not sure if it's a cut or a sore, but the blood definitely comes from inside, its not painful at all, i just wondered if it was due to the STD or something else? please help!!





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Hi, I've literally just noticed a red little lump on my left vagina lip today which looks like a lump but the top bit looks a bit like a blister. I've been with my boyfriend for 2 years and and have never had a problem. We havent had sex for about two weeks and im not sure if this could be related to shaving or not? It hurts when i sit down or walk as its rubbing. I know my dad and sister get coldsores quite often could this be a case of herpes in the genes?





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hello im 15 years old and i was raped but i recently noticed that i have this red lumps appearing down in my virginal area and they look a little like blisters but they come to a head and end up busting and is very sore and recently ive been discharging brown stuff after going to the toilet and im really concerned please can you help me :'(





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hi, sorry to hear about what happened to you, but it does sound like you do have herpes, but im not sure what the brown stuff is, it could be another STI, i think you should go to the clinic and get checked out, i hope this helps :)

My boyfriend gets coldsores,and yesterday I noticed that I'm getting very painful little sores around my vagina. I've just come on my period and am also suffering with flu type symptoms, I'm scared it is herpes, as I don't know who to tell or what to do. There are no special clinics near by and so I dont know how to reduce the pain. I'm only 16 and I'm so scared.





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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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