Most people have a general idea about what herpes is. However, it’s easy to access false information, whether it’s from friends or pop culture. In fact, many people are confused by exactly what herpes is and who is at risk of contracting it.*

 

What Is Herpes?

So, what exactly is herpes? Well, it’s a bit more complicated than what pop culture might have you think. Herpes can refer to either herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2).

 

What Is HSV-1?

HSV-1 most commonly causes cold sores or fever blisters. It is sometimes known as herpes simplex virus type 1. How can you get this strain? Usually people get it through direct oral contact, such as kissing or sharing eating utensils. However, it can be spread to the genitals during oral sex.

 

What Is HSV-2?

HSV-2 causes genital herpes in most cases. It is sometimes known as herpes simplex virus type 2. This is the strain most people think about when they talk about a herpes infection. How do you get it? Usually people get genital herpes through sexual contact with someone who already has it. HSV-2 can also less commonly cause oral herpes.

 

How Common Is Herpes?

The truth is, almost everyone has had at least one type of herpes in their lifetime. HSV-1 is the herpes virus that most commonly causes cold sores. Genital herpes is also incredibly common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than 1 out of 6 adults in the United States have it.

 

How Is Genital Herpes Spread?

There are a lot of myths about sexually transmitted infections (STDs) like genital herpes. A common one is that you can only get them by having lots of unprotected sex with multiple partners. That simply isn’t true! It only takes one encounter with someone who has herpes to contract the virus.

 

While less common, it is also possible for someone with a cold sore to spread the infection to their partner’s genitals via oral sex. So, if you have a cold sore, you should use a condom or dental dam until the outbreak clears up. You can also abstain from sex completely until the outbreak ends.

 

Why should I take extra precautions during an outbreak?

An outbreak greatly increases your chances of passing genital herpes on to someone else. However, it is still possible to pass the virus on even when the infection is dormant.

 

What Are Some Risk Factors for Getting Herpes?

Our FREE STD Risk Calculator discusses common risk factors experts associate with a higher risk of getting an STD.

 

How Can I Reduce My Chances of Getting Herpes?

Make sure you know the health status of any intimate partner. After all, you cannot get herpes from someone who does not have it. (But remember: no noticeable herpes symptoms does not necessarily mean a clean bill of health.) Using condoms correctly and taking anti-viral medications can also greatly reduce–but will not entirely eliminate–the chances of infection.

 

There is currently no available vaccine for herpes. There are, however, a few vaccines in development.

 

How Do I Use a Condom Correctly?

Below is a simple step-by-step diagram for how to use a male condom.

 

1. Check beforehand that the condom is not expired. Be careful as you remove the condom to avoid tearing or otherwise damaging it. Check for tears or other signs of damage.
2. When placing the condom on the penis head, hold the tip.
3. When rolling down, do so carefully and go all the way down the penis.
4. Have safe, consensual sex.
5. When pulling out, hold the condom at the base. This will keep it in place.
6. Dispose of the used condom. Do not reuse a condom for any reason, even if it is with the same sexual partner.

Using condoms consistently and correctly can greatly reduce your chances of getting herpes and other STDs. However, even correctly used, condoms will not always protect against STDs. Say, for example, the STD is spread through a sore, like genital herpes or syphilis. It’s possible for a sore to be outside the condom’s protective barrier. In this case, the condom isn’t providing protection against contact with the sore.

 

For more information on using a male condom correctly, you can visit the CDC or talk with a health care professional.

 

For more information on how to practice safer sex—including using various types of condoms—go here.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Herpes?

What is common for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are outbreaks of blisters and painful sores.

 

How Do You Know When a Genital Herpes Outbreak Has Happened?

What shows first are usually small red bumps. Blisters can then appear before breaking. The result? Painful sores. Fortunately, these sores should not cause permanent scarring.

 

These outbreaks alternate between active and dormant periods. Active or outbreak periods are what the name implies: periods when outbreak symptoms are present. Dormant periods are when you experience no symptoms but still have the virus. Cold sores typically happen around the mouth. Genital herpes affects the genitals and anus, as the name implies.

 

Note that this is not a complete list of symptoms, and symptoms vary by individual. Many people are asymptomatic, or show no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may be mild enough that the afflicted person mistakes them for something else. In other words, you can have herpes even if you or your partner has never noticed an outbreak.

 

What Is a Genital Herpes Outbreak Like?

Everyone’s experience during an outbreak is different. For some, the pain may be mild. For others, it may be more intense. Generally, though, the first outbreaks are the most painful as well as the most frequent. With time, outbreaks tend to be less painful and less frequent. Outbreaks after the first are called recurrent outbreaks.

 

How Long Do Genital Herpes Outbreaks Last?

The first outbreak can last 2-4 weeks. Later ones generally take about a week to heal. Someone can have multiple outbreaks a year.

 

What Triggers a Herpes Outbreak?

You can’t always control outbreaks. But there are some factors that can greatly increase your chances of experiencing one. These include factors that weaken your immune system, such as illness, sleep deprivation, AIDS, and chemotherapy. Other factors include stress, menstruation, and certain medications. Living a healthy lifestyle and taking certain medications can help reduce outbreaks.

 

Outbreak Triggers (Partial List)

• Illness
• Sleep deprivation
• AIDS
• Chemotherapy
• Stress
• Menstruation
• Certain medications

 

Is there a Herpes Cure?

There is currently no cure for herpes. There is some good news, though. Even though there is no cure, there are options for managing the symptoms.

 

What Does Herpes Look Like?

Below are images of herpes infections of the mouth, vagina, and penis. These images are graphic and may be disturbing to some people. Do not attempt to diagnose any symptoms you have based on the following images.**

 

What Does Herpes Look Like on the Mouth?

What Does Herpes Look Like on the Vagina?

What Does Herpes Look Like on the Penis?

How Can I Test for Herpes. . .

. . . with a Sample from a Sore?

An easy way for a professional to diagnose herpes begins visually, through the presence of an outbreak. The patient describes her symptoms to a doctor and undergoes a physical exam. To confirm the visual diagnosis, a doctor will take a sample from an open sore. It will then be examined for the presence of the herpes simplex virus.

 

There are limits to a testing method that uses a viral culture, though. The largest one is that you cannot take a culture from a sore if a sore isn’t present. Also, smaller or healing lesions might not provide enough of the virus in a sample to result in an accurate diagnosis. If you suspect you are having symptoms of a herpes outbreak, go see a healthcare provider immediately so they can test sores and lesions as soon as possible. This will increase the chances that your test yields an accurate result.

 

A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) also involves swabbing a suspected infected area. However, DNA tests on run on these samples. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are the most common types of NAAT screenings. They provide swift results and are more likely to deliver accurate results if you’ve shown symptoms longer than 2 days.

 

. . . with a Blood Sample?

Another testing method is for a doctor to perform a blood test, known as a herpes serologic test.

 

What Is the Herpes Blood Test?

A blood test is another way to test for herpes. It works by checking for antibodies (immune response) in the body. There are currently a few types of antibody tests for this condition, the most common being IgG and IgM. The best part about a blood test is that it can be used whether or not a person is experiencing symptoms.

 

However, blood tests that show antibodies are not always recommended. One drawback is that it can take time for herpes simplex antibodies to show up in the blood (up to several weeks or even months after exposure). This means that someone who was recently exposed might test negatively despite actually having herpes. It also can’t tell a person how recently they were exposed or who might have given them the virus.

 

Furthermore, many people have been exposed to oral herpes in their lifetimes. This means they could test positively for herpes using an antibodies test, as their bodies have mounted an immune response to the virus before. However, the presence of HSV-1 antibodies (which could mean a positive result from type-specific testing methods) does not necessarily mean that the person has had an outbreak herpes. A positive HSV-1 antibodies test result also does not indicate whether or not someone might have a genital or an oral infection.

 

All in all, herpes antibody blood tests might not be the most reliable form of testing for this condition. It is important to first discuss your sexual history and any symptoms with a licensed healthcare provider to determine if this type of test would be right for you.

 

How Much Is a Herpes Test?

Although some insurance plans cover STD testing, many people prefer to pay for testing out of pocket. The price will depend on the clinic and whether you are doing multiple tests at once. It is not uncommon to pay a minimum of $50 for herpes tests.

 

If you are sexually active, you need to take a responsible approach to sexual health. That can include talking with your doctor to decide which STD test(s) is/are right for you.***

 

Where Can I Find a Herpes Testing Clinic?

You can find an STD testing facility here.

 

What Happens If I Test Positively for Herpes?

You should receive instructions on what to do next when you get your diagnosis. This should involve speaking to a licensed medical professional about getting treatment. You should also contact past partners you may have exposed as well.