Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a virus called herpes simplex. It can affect anyone and may cause painful blisters on your genitals. However, you may have it mildly or you could have no symptoms at all. 

Once you have the virus it stays in your body, but you can manage the symptoms with medication. They often get better on their own over time. While it can be difficult to deal with, genital herpes is not life threatening, and it’s way more common than you might think. 

You might not get symptoms for weeks or even years after you're infected with the virus. Some people will not have any. 

If you do get them, symptoms can include: 

  • small blisters around your penis or vagina (genitals), bottom (especially your anus) and upper legs, which burst to leave open sores
  • pain when you pee
  • unusual vaginal discharge
  • a burning or itching feeling on your genitals

These symptoms can be upsetting, but they will not last for ever. While you cannot get rid of the virus your symptoms will usually come in waves called ‘flare-ups’. Most of the time you will feel fine. Some people only get one or two big flare-ups while others never get any. 

Genital herpes is most often passed on by vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom. But you can also catch it through: 

  • skin-to-skin contact with an infected area (which means you can sometimes catch the virus through sex even if you use a condom) 
  • a cold sore touching your genitals through oral sex (cold sores are also caused by the herpes simplex virus) 
  • being touched on the genitals by someone who has the infection on their fingers 
  • sharing sex toys with an infected person without cleaning them and putting a new condom on them first. 

You cannot test for genital herpes unless you have blisters or sores. If you do get symptoms, it is best to go straight to a sexual health clinic rather than to your GP. A clinic can confirm your diagnosis and advise you on treatment much more quickly. 

You might feel uneasy about reaching out for support or embarrassed about your symptoms. But we will never judge you and going to a clinic can give you peace of mind. No matter the outcome you should feel better once you’ve spoken to someone.

Once you have been diagnosed, you may need support to manage future outbreaks. Your GP can help find the best treatment for you.

Once you have the virus, your body cannot get rid of it. But you can manage flare-up symptoms using antiviral medicines and cream for your pain. The blisters will often clear up by themselves over time. If you have been diagnosed with genital herpes you can get treatments from a pharmacist. You may need a prescription for this.

You can also try some self-care tips to soothe any soreness or pain such as bathing the infected area in warm, salty water. Drinking plenty of fluid to dilute your pee and make it less painful to pass can also help.

While infrequent outbreaks are normal, contact your GP or head to one of our sexual health clinics if you have 6 or more outbreaks in a year. You may need longer-term antiviral medicine or to see a specialist doctor. 

It can also help to avoid certain triggers: 

  • sunbathing or sunbeds
  • tight clothes
  • smoking and alcohol 

Illness, stress and your period cycle can also play a part, but you cannot do much about these. Living a healthy lifestyle can make outbreaks less likely. 

Life Life Better Derbyshire have some great resources and sources of support if you’re looking for ways to get healthier. 

Most pregnant women with genital herpes will have a healthy baby. There is a small chance that your baby could get a life-threatening illness called neonatal herpes. The risk is higher if you get genital herpes for the first time while you are pregnant. 

Speak to your GP or midwife if you are pregnant and either know or suspect you might have genital herpes. They may decide to offer you antiviral treatment to help protect your baby.

If you have genital herpes, it’s a really good idea to let your current sexual partner know. While there is no screening test for herpes they need to be prepared for what to do if they get symptoms.

We know how tough it can be to tell partners about an STI, but we can contact them by text for you. We do not give out your name. You can also call us on 0800 328 3383 for details of this service if you're being treated elsewhere. 

As with all STIs the best way to avoid getting or passing on genital herpes is to use condoms for vaginal, anal or oral sex. It is also best not to share sex toys unless you wash them and put a new condom on them first. 

If you know you have genital herpes, or that your partner has it, you can reduce the risk of the virus passing between you by using condoms and not having sex while one of you has sores. 

Learn more about preventing STIs, and safer sex.