Herpes
Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms, or symptoms mild enough to be mistaken for a pimple or an ingrown hair. Because of that, the CDC notes most people do not know they have it.
Get tested for herpes
Why test for herpes?
When can I test?
Herpes does not show up immediately after exposure.
What Is Herpes?
Herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, which comes in two types. HSV-1 most often causes oral herpes — the cold sores that appear on or around the mouth — and is usually acquired in childhood from non-sexual contact with saliva. HSV-2 most often causes genital herpes. Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms or very mild ones, and the CDC notes that most do not know they have it.
Herpes symptoms
Most people with herpes have no symptoms, or symptoms so mild they get mistaken for an ingrown hair, a pimple or chafing. When a first outbreak does happen it is usually the most pronounced: blisters at the site of infection that break and leave tender sores, often alongside fever, body aches and swollen glands. Those sores crust over and heal within two to four weeks. Later outbreaks tend to be shorter and milder, and many people notice tingling, itching or a burning feeling in the area a day or two before one appears. HSV-1 more often causes oral herpes and HSV-2 genital herpes, but either type can infect either site. Because the virus stays in the body between outbreaks and can be passed on when nothing is visible, having no sores does not mean you are not carrying it.
How is herpes spread?
Herpes spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Oral herpes caused by HSV-1 can spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex. It can be passed on even when there are no sores and the person feels completely well, which is why so many people cannot say where they got it.
How is herpes treated?
There is no cure for genital herpes. There are medicines that prevent or shorten outbreaks, and taking a daily anti-herpes medicine makes it less likely that the infection is passed to a sexual partner. Avoid touching sores or the fluid from them, which can spread the virus to another part of your body such as the eyes, and wash your hands thoroughly if you do.
Herpes, answered
Other infections
Herpes often occurs alongside other STIs. Many panels screen for several at once.
Herpes FAQs
Can I have herpes and not know it?
Yes, and it is the usual case. The CDC states that most people with genital herpes have no symptoms or very mild symptoms, and that most people do not know they have a herpes infection.
Can herpes spread when there are no sores?
Yes. You can infect a sexual partner even when you have no symptoms at all. Having sores does increase the risk, but their absence does not remove it.
What is the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2?
HSV-1 most often causes oral herpes and is usually acquired in childhood through non-sexual contact with saliva. HSV-2 most often causes genital herpes. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes when it spreads from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex.
Is there a cure for herpes?
No. There is no cure for genital herpes, but medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks, and daily medication makes passing the virus to a partner less likely.
