Version July 2025
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What is herpes? —
This is an infection that can cause blisters and open sores on the genital area. It is caused by a virus that is passed from person to person during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Sometimes, people do not know that they have herpes because they do not have any symptoms.
Herpes cannot be cured. But it usually causes most problems during the first few years. After that, the virus is still there, but it usually causes few to no symptoms. Even when the virus is active, people with herpes can take medicines to reduce and help prevent symptoms.
What are the symptoms of herpes? —
Some people never have any symptoms. But some can develop symptoms within a few weeks of being infected with the herpes virus.
Symptoms usually include blisters in the genital area. In females, this area includes the vagina, butt, anus, or thighs. In males, this area includes the penis, scrotum, anus, butt, or thighs. The blisters can become painful open sores, which then crust over as they heal.
Sometimes, people have other symptoms that include:
●Blisters on the mouth or lips
●Fever, headache, or pain in the joints
●Trouble urinating
The first time you have symptoms is usually the worst, and without treatment, symptoms can last as long as 2 to 3 weeks. After that, they come and go. A return of symptoms is often called an "outbreak." Outbreaks usually include blisters and open sores in the genital area. Outbreaks that happen after the first time are usually not as severe and do not last as long.
Outbreaks might occur every month or more often, or just once or twice a year. Sometimes, people can tell when an outbreak will happen, because they feel itching or pain beforehand. Sometimes, they do not know that an outbreak is coming because they have no symptoms. Whatever your pattern is, remember that herpes outbreaks usually become less frequent over time as you get older.
Certain things, called "triggers," can make outbreaks more likely to happen. These include stress, sunlight, menstrual periods, or getting sick.
Is there a test for herpes? —
Yes. If you have blisters or sores when your doctor or nurse examines you, they can order a test to look for herpes. There are a few different tests. For all of them, the doctor or nurse takes a sample of cells or fluid from a sore and sends it to the lab.
If you don't have symptoms when your doctor or nurse examines you, they will sometimes take a blood sample for testing. This can show if you have been exposed to the virus.
How is herpes treated? —
Your doctor can prescribe different medicines to help reduce symptoms and help you heal faster during an outbreak. You and your doctor should work together to decide which medicine is right for you.
These medicines work best when you start them as soon as possible, either:
●When you first have symptoms and think that an outbreak is about to start (such as itching or pain)
●Right after an outbreak starts (if you do not notice any symptoms beforehand)
What can I do on my own to feel better? —
To help relieve the pain during an outbreak, you can:
●Use a portable bath (such as a "Sitz bath") where you can sit in warm water for about 20 minutes. You can also do this by filling a bathtub with a few inches of water. Avoid bubble baths.
●Use a cool cloth on the blisters or sores.
●Keep your genital area clean and dry. Wash your hands before and after touching the sores or blisters.
●Avoid tight clothes.
●Take over-the-counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). Do not take aspirin.
What if I am pregnant? —
Talk with your doctor. It is possible to pass herpes on to your baby during birth, especially if your first outbreak starts near the time of delivery. Your doctor or nurse can talk to you about things you can do to help prevent this.
Can future outbreaks be prevented? —
Some people with herpes take a medicine every day to help prevent future outbreaks. But this does not get rid of the virus.
How can I prevent spreading herpes to other people? —
You are most likely to spread herpes to a sex partner when you have blisters and open sores on your body. But it's also possible to spread herpes to a partner when you do not have any symptoms. That is because herpes can be present on your body without causing any symptoms, like blisters or pain.
Telling your sex partner(s) that you have herpes can be hard. But it can help protect them, since there are ways to lower the risk of spreading the infection. The best ways to do this are:
●Using a condom every time you have sex
●Not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex when you have symptoms, such as blisters or open sores on your genitals or around your mouth
You might also be able to lower the risk of spreading herpes to a partner by taking an antiviral medicine every day. Your doctor or nurse can talk to you about whether this is an option for you.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call your doctor or nurse if:
●You have symptoms of herpes and have:
•A stiff neck, fever, or headache
•Problems urinating
•Pain, bleeding, or discharge from your anus
●You want to take medicine to help reduce symptoms and help you heal faster. These work best if you start them as soon as possible.
●You want to learn more about taking medicine to lower the risk of future outbreaks.
●You are worried or upset about your herpes – Your doctor or nurse can talk with you about your feelings or help you find a local support group for people with herpes. You can also call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") STD hotline at 1-800-227-8922.
Patient education: Sexually transmitted infections (The Basics)
Patient education: Blisters (The Basics)
Patient education: Viral culture (The Basics)
Patient education: How to take a sitz bath (The Basics)
Patient education: Herpes tests (The Basics)
