Share the knowledge if it was easy to understand

Is genital herpes curable?

No, that is the bad news and why it is stigmatized. There is good news, though. You can manage it.

Fact #1: Herpes is for life.

My patients with a herpes diagnosis often feel imprisoned on sexual death row. They believe that they can never be intimate again. This is not the case.

“This blog will help you understand what Herpes Simlpex Virus is and accept this difficult diagnosis.”

Knowledge is power, so read on …

Eight other facts are highlighted throughout this article.

So, let’s dive deeper into HSV facts and fiction. Topics we will touch on are:

  1. What is Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)?
  2. How was I infected?
  3. What are the signs and symptoms?
  4. Why do HSV sores come and go?
  5. When was I infected?

What is Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)?

It is a virus that causes skin or mucosal infections. There are two types of HSV: Type 1 and Type 2. It is part of the broader family of Herpes Viruses. Other viruses in this family cause glandular fever (Mono), chickenpox, and shingles.

Fact #2: It is not true that:

  • Type 1 only causes oral (around or in the mouth) herpes, which you might know as cold sores.
  • Type 2 is only found in genital or anal infections.

Because it is spread by contact, HSV 1 and 2 can be found anywhere on the skin surface and even the eyes.

To prevent spread, don’t touch active lesions unnecessarily. If you have to, wash your hands with soap and water immediately.

Fact #3: You are not alone.

“HSV is surprisingly common. Because of the stigma, no one discusses it around the dinner table.”

Photo by Eak K.

WHO’s last estimate is that 67% of the global population under 50 had HSV 1, and 13% HSV 2. 1

Women are more commonly affected. 1

How was I infected?

Fact #4: You did not catch it in a public restroom.

I am often asked, “Could I have caught this from a public toilet seat?” 3 The answer, according to experts at the CDC, is no.

HSV can not survive out of the body long enough to be transmitted from surfaces or towels. 4

Fact #5: HSV is transmitted by contact with skin infected with HSV.

herpes but no sores
Photo by cottonbro studio

In the case of genital herpes, this could be oral, vaginal, or anal sex.

But HSV 1 or 2 can be found on any body surface, including eyes and fingers.

Incubation is from 2 to 12 days from the first contact.

What are the signs and symptoms?

An active lesion, a painful blister, or an ulcer usually sends people to the doctor’s room in a panic.

This is a symptomatic infection.

Fact #6: You do not always develop a sore when contracting the virus.

This sore is usually preceded by a sensation on the skin often described as tingly, prickly, itchy, or a burn. This ‘warning’ is called the prodrome.

Some people may only have the prodrome and never develop sores.

“The confusing thing is that most infections have no symptoms. We call this asymptomatic.”

Why do HSV sores come and go?

This is because, as explained beautifully in the YouTube video below, herpes is the most talented virus ever.

  • After the first infection, the herpes simplex virus becomes dormant. It goes to sleep in nerve roots around the spinal cord.
  • The virus travels down the nerve toward the skin if it becomes active. This is when patients feel the prodrome.
  • Once the virus reaches the surface about two days later, it forms a blister filled with virus particles.

When was I infected?

“This is the most challenging question to answer.”

Fact #7: It is almost impossible to know when and from whom you caught it.

Photo by Gerd Altmann

Herpes is a piece of work, and this is where it starts to get tricky.

The only way of knowing that you caught HSV from your current sexual partner will be if he/she is your first sexual partner, in and shape and form, ever.

Fact #8: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) can last a lifetime without sores or symptoms.

As mentioned, you do not always develop a sore when contracting the virus.

The first infection may be asymptomatic. This means you have no itch, burn, pain, or a sore to indicate exposure to HSV.

Even more mind-blowing is that reactivations can also be asymptomatic.

“This is why the virus might have infected you 20 or 30 years ago, and you have no clue.” 1,2

Fact #9: It is not only transmitted during a flare or the prodrome.

An active ulcer or blister contains a high concentration of the virus.

This makes it the most likely time for the infection to spread. However, there is a risk of transmission at any time. This is because you might not know when you have a silent flare.

“Asymptomatic infection transmission risk is, however, minuscule.” 2

How is it diagnosed and treated?

I cover all these topics in another post HSV – Positive Meaning ∣ Diagnosis, Testing & Management

Fact sheet recap

  1. Herpes is for life.
  2. It is not true that Type 1 only causes oral lesions, and Type 2 is only found in genital or anal infections.
  3. You are not alone.
  4. You did not catch it in a public restroom.
  5. HSV is transmitted by contact with skin infected with HSV.
  6. You do not always develop a sore when contracting the virus.
  7. It is almost impossible to know when and from whom you caught it.
  8. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) can last a lifetime without sores or symptoms.
  9. It is not only transmitted during a flare or the prodrome.

This video is informative and very valuable to watch.

Towards the end, however, it is an example of ‘too much information‘ in your context. HSV meningitis, encephalitis, and neonatal herpes are rare and irrelevant to most of you.

the patient dr

References

  1. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Herpes simplex virus. World Health Organization. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus 
  2. Ohwovoriole, T. (2022, June 10). Cold sores: Symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention. HealthMatch. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://healthmatch.io/cold-sores 
  3. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, November 11). Genital herpes: Can you get it from a toilet seat? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/expert-answers/genital-herpes/faq-20058506 
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, January 3). Std Facts – Genital herpes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm 
Dorianne Green