Herpes

Genital Herpes or just ‘herpes’ is caused by a virus

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What is Herpes?

Genital Herpes or just ‘herpes’ is caused by a virus called Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) type 1 or type 2. It can cause painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding area. It is a chronic (long term) condition with most people having recurrences of the infection.

  • is it
    treatable?

    There is no cure for genital herpes but the symptoms can be controlled using medication (antiviral medicines). These medicines kill the virus and help the sores to heal faster.

  • is it
    contagious?

    Yes, Herpes is contagious and can be transferred to you or partner through:

    • Skin to skin contact
    • unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
    • from a pregnant mother to baby

  • who does it
    affect?

    Genital Herpes affects both women and men and can be asymptomatic this means that you may not experience any symptoms but during an outbreak the symptoms can include flu like symptoms, painful blisters or ulcers and/or burning sensation while you pass urine.

  • common in
    Ireland?

    Herpes is the 4th most common STI in Ireland with over 1,200 cases in 2014.

What is the test
for Herpes?

The "gold standard" test for the presence of Herpes requires a swab to be taken from the blisters or ulcerated sore

Where can I
get this done?

Genital Herpes tests can be performed at a STI clinic or GP clinic.

What are the
symptoms?

Herpes can be asymptomatic. This means that you may not experience any symptoms. But when symptoms do occur they can include:

Female

Painful blisters or ulcers on the genitals or surrounding area
Stinging or burning sensation while you pass urine
Flu like symptoms

Male

Painful blisters or ulcers on the genitals or surrounding area
Stinging or burning sensation while you pass urine
Flu like symptoms

How is it
treated?

There is no cure for genital herpes but the symptoms can be controlled using medication (antiviral medicines). These medicine kill the virus and help the sores to heal faster.

Other STIs

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Ireland

Gonorrhoea

Also known as the ‘clap’ or ‘drip’ it's a very common infection in both men and women and can cause infections in the genitals, anus and/or throat.

Herpes

Genital Herpes or just ‘herpes’ is caused by a virus and can cause painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding area.

HIV

HIV is a virus called The Human Immunodeficiency Virus that causes HIV infection and over time AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

HPV (Genital Warts)

Genital warts are skin growths and can cause a lot of pain, itching and discomfort.

Syphilis

It is a bacteria passed via direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores usually occur in the mouth, vagina, anus, rectum or external genitalia.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It affects the liver and blood, it is the most common type of viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It affects the liver and can result in an acute and severe sudden illness. It can be fatal if it isn’t treated!

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It affects the liver and can result in an acute and severe sudden illness. There is currently no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C.