What Is Herpes?

Herpes is the name for a group of conditions caused by a virus. That virus is called the Herpes Simplex Virus, or HSV for short. Unfortunately, since Herpes is caused by a virus, once you become infected, there is no cure. But, this disease can be managed and doesn't necessarily lead to serious medical complications.

Types of Herpes

There are different kinds of HSV, and each can affect you in different ways.

The first type of herpes virus is called Herpes Simplex Virus One, or HSV One. This type of herpes usually causes cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth. This generally stays in the mouth area, but it can spread to the genitals during oral sex.

The second type of herpes virus is called Herpes Simplex Virus Two, or HSV Two. This is sometimes called genital herpes, because it usually affects the sex organs and the area around them. This type of herpes spreads easily through breaks in the skin, and sexual contact. And while it is more likely to spread during an outbreak of symptoms, it can be passed from one person to another at any time.

How You Get Herpes

You may be at risk for getting the herpes virus if you have a sexual partner who is infected. You are at higher risk if you have other sexually transmitted diseases, like HIV or HIV/AIDS. Infected mothers can give the virus to their babies during birth leading to birth defects, illness and even death. Though the virus does spread easily, it's almost impossible to catch from sharing a toilet seat, bathtub or shower with somebody who is infected.

Herpes Symptoms

Talk to your doctor if you see the following signs:

Women: Look for small red bumps, blisters or open sores in and around the vagina, buttocks, and inner thighs. These symptoms can lead to pain, itching or irritation in those areas. Sometimes sores may develop inside the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. This will make urination very painful. Feeling sick, and having a fever and body aches may also be a sign of infection.

Men: Look for small red bumps, blisters or open sores on the penis, buttocks or inner thighs. Sores may also develop inside the urethra making urination painful. A feeling of sickness, fever, and body aches may signal possible infection.

In Babies: Look for blisters, red eyes, a discharge from the eyes, unusual tiredness, seizures and breathing problems.

For some people, symptoms never appear. In others the symptoms may be so mild, they often go undiagnosed. Usually the first sign of infection will show up one week to 10 days after initial contact with the virus. This first outbreak is usually the most painful, but for many—about 40 percent—a second outbreak may never happen, even though they still have the virus.

Diagnosing Herpes

Only your doctor can tell you for certain if you have herpes. A simple blood test will reveal if you have the virus.

Preventing Herpes

Talk To Your Partner. Find out if he or she is infected. If you have herpes, tell your partner. Having herpes doesn't have to stop you from having a healthy sex life and pregnancy. It just means you'll have to be even more careful by practicing safe sex.

Practice Safe Sex. Herpes can spread whether or not an infected person is having an outbreak. Use condoms and avoid sex during outbreaks, when the risk of infection is even greater.

Limit Your Sexual Partners. You reduce your chances of getting herpes when in a monogamous relationship.

If you think you've been exposed or have any of the symptoms of herpes, get tested. It's often the only way to know for sure whether you've been exposed to the virus. Knowing whether you have it will help you manage your symptoms and stop the spread of these conditions.

Treating Herpes & Reducing Symptoms

Since Herpes is caused by a virus, there is no cure, but there are some steps you can take to reduce the number of outbreaks:

Identify Triggers That Can Cause Outbreaks. Stress, illness, menstruation, an unhealthy diet, too much sun exposure and even sex can leave you more vulnerable.

Anti-viral Medications. These may be prescribed if you experience frequent outbreaks, meaning more than five or six a year. These drugs are taken daily, and will help shorten the duration of an outbreak and even lessen the number of outbreaks. They can also decrease the risk of spreading the disease by 50 percent.

Pregnant women may take these drugs around the 36th week of their pregnancy to avoid an outbreak around the time of delivery. If there is an outbreak at delivery time, some doctors may opt to perform a caesarian section to keep the baby from coming into contact with blisters or sores.

Anti-viral medications will be given to newborns who are infected during birth. Sometimes antiviral ointments can be used to shorten an outbreak.

Talk to your doctor about a treatment plan that is right for you.