Herpes Simplex

Usually known as just herpes, this infection is caused by a virus. Women with herpes have often been made to feel guilty or bad about it. This means they have to deal with the psychological effects of the infection as well as with the physical symptoms.

The virus exists in two types. Herpes simplex type 1 is usually the cause of recurring cold sores around the mouth, and herpes simplex type 2 is usually the cause of symptoms in the genital area. However, type 1 can cause genital infection and type 2 can cause infection around the mouth. This crossover is usually the result of the virus being passed on during oral sex.

During the first outbreak of the infection, painful sores appear on the vulva and vagina and sometimes also on the top of the thighs and buttocks. It may hurt to urinate as urine is acidic and stings when it touches the sores. The sores, also called blisters or lesions, usually heal after seven to twelve days but in some women healing can take up to six weeks. Other symptoms include a tingly and itchy vagina (this is the first sign of the start of an attack in 50% of women with herpes), swollen glands in the groin and general flu-like symptoms. Subsequent outbreaks of the infection are usually milder and shorter than the first outbreak, and the sores tend to heal more quickly. The time between outbreaks can vary from weeks to years and some people only ever get one attack. Swollen glands or flu-like symptoms only happen during the first attack.

Herpes is spread through direct skin contact between the sores and the mouth or genital skin of another person. You risk passing the virus on from the first sign of infection until the sores have healed and the current advice is not to have intercourse or oral sex during this time.

A doctor may be able make a diagnosis by looking at the affected skin but a swab is sometimes taken to be absolutely sure. Treatment consists of antiviral drugs aimed at reducing the severity and length of the attack and should be taken as soon as the first signs of an outbreak are felt. Painkilling creams can help to ease the vulval symptoms. As with many viral infections, there is no permanent cure for herpes and its recurrence can be very upsetting.