GENITAL HERPES (HERPES SIMPLEX)



Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas.


General Information:

  • Genital herpes is caused by a virus called Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
  • The most common symptom is a cluster of painful blisters or sores, usually on the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis or anus.
  • Symptoms may last several weeks, go away and then return, weeks, months or even years later.
  • They are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the infection.
  • It is possible to transmit the virus even if there are no open sores present.
  • The majority of cases of herpes are transmitted when there are no obvious skin lesions present. 
  • It is very unlikely to get herpes from touching a toilet seat, towel or doorknob.
  • Contact with herpes on other parts of the body (e.g. a cold sore) may cause genital herpes.
  • Herpes may appear weeks, months or years after sexual relations with an infected person, or they may never appear at all. This makes it difficult to know exactly when or from whom an infected person got the virus.

Treatment:

  • Avoid sexual contact if you feel tingling, burning or itching where sores were before. This may be a sign of a new outbreak.
  • Do not have intercourse until all sores and scabs are gone.
  • Condoms do not offer complete protection.
  • Do not touch the sores and wash your hands well after going to the bathroom.
  • Wash your hands carefully before touching contact lenses.
  • A variety of creams and pills are available.
  • Please talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
  • For more information send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Herpes Resource Center, American Social Health Association, P.O. box 1327, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, Phone: (919) 361-8488, or go to their website by clicking here.