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Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (genital herpes) is a member of the Human Herpesviridae family. HSV is a virus that is spread by direct contact with an infected person's saliva or sores.

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There are two "types" of herpes. HSV-1 is commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters that are most often around the person's mouth. HSV-2 is when HSV-1 is transmitted to the genital area by any type of sex. Genital Herpes affects 1 out of every 6 people from ages 14-49 in the US. Women are more likely to contact HSV-2 than men.

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Herpes can live in the body without causing symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they include a group or groups of blisters/sores that can burn, itch, or be painful. These blisters/sores appear mostly on the pelvic area, but can also appear on the butt and thighs. These blisters/sores are referred to as an "outbreak". Other symptoms can include blisters/sores on the mouth area, "flu-like" symptoms, and trouble urinating. Viral/bacterial infections, stress, and menstrual periods can trigger outbreaks.

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Genital herpes can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms aren't always present. Blood tests aren't recommended to test for HSV-2 because the blood test can't tell the difference between HSV-1&2. The most common way to diagnose genital herpes is to have a doctor swab an open blister/sore. The doctor will then do testing on the fluid from the sore.

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While there is no cure for genital herpes, treatment is highly effective. A doctor will prescribe a medication to take for 1-3 days at onset of an outbreak. This will help reduce symptoms and speed up the healing process of the blisters/sores. To help reduce any discomfort or pain during an outbreak the person can take a warm bath, take Tylenol or Ibuprofen, keep the genital area clean and dry, and avoid tight clothing.

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Abstinence is the only way to prevent herpes. To help reduce the risk of obtaining and transmitting the virus condoms should be worn every time. Even with condoms a person with herpes should refrain from having sex during an outbreak in the genital area or on the mouth. An infected person can talk to their doctor about starting a daily medication to help lower outbreaks and transmission. If engaging with a new partner, it is respectful to tell the person that you have the virus, even if you aren't experience an outbreak.

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Once a person has genital herpes, they have it for life. The long term effects include outbreaks, the risk of acquiring and transmitting other STIs, and in rare cases can cause meningitis. The longer a person has the virus, outbreaks usually become shorter, less severe, especially with suppression therapy, and can ever become dormant.

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A woman with herpes can have a normal, successful pregnancy. The most crucial time is if the pregnant woman is pregnant when the first initial outbreak happens. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive and you or your partner has herpes, let your doctor know. If an outbreak is present within the last few weeks of pregnancy, the doctor will start suppressive therapy to reduce the risk of transmission to the fetus and the need of a c-section.

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HSV-1. This cold sore can be transmitted to the genital area during oral sex which can result in HSV-2.

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A cluster of blisters/sores on the genital area. This is the best time to go to a doctor to get a diagnosis.