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Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. It can cause painful blisters, but many people have mild or no symptoms. It is manageable, though not curable.
Causes & risk factors
- The herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2)
- Skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex
- Contact with a cold sore during oral sex
- Passed on even when there are no visible sores
- Sharing sex toys
Common symptoms
- Small painful blisters or sores around the genitals or anus
- Tingling, itching or burning before sores appear
- Pain when passing urine
- Flu-like feelings during the first outbreak
- Swollen glands in the groin
- Recurring milder outbreaks over time
Tests & diagnosis
- Examination of the sores
- A swab taken from a blister or sore
- Testing for other STIs
Treatment & management
- Antiviral medicines to ease and shorten outbreaks
- Pain relief and keeping the area clean and dry
- Longer-term antivirals for frequent outbreaks
- The virus stays in the body, but outbreaks usually lessen over time
- Condoms reduce but do not fully remove the risk of passing it on
When to see a doctor urgently
- Painful genital blisters or sores, especially a first outbreak
- Very frequent or severe outbreaks
- Symptoms during pregnancy — tell your maternity team
Frequently asked questions
Can genital herpes be cured?
No, the virus stays in the body for life, but it is very manageable. Antiviral medicines control outbreaks, which usually become milder and less frequent over time.
Can I pass it on without symptoms?
Yes. The virus can sometimes be passed on even when there are no visible sores. Condoms and avoiding sex during outbreaks reduce the risk.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.