Medical Questions » Venereal Diseases (STD) Questions » Question No. 1014
| Question: | I have heard that genital herpes can be caused by the same herpes virus that causes cold sores. If my partner has a cold sore on his lips, but no genital herpes, can I get genital herpes by kissing him? Is oral sex safe in this situation? |
| Answer: | Herpes simplex type two is the virus that causes genital herpes. It is closely related to Herpes simplex one that can cause the distressingly painful blisters of cold sores on the lips and nostrils. It is possible by direct contact with a sore to catch genital herpes from Herpes simplex one, and sores on the lips from Herpes simplex type two. The blisters they form appear similar. Oral sex can therefore transmit both forms of virus from lips to genitals and vice versa.
The majority of cases of genital herpes are caught by sexual contact with someone, male or female, who already has the disease. It is possible, but unlikely, for the virus to be caught in hot spa baths and from a shared wet towel, but these and similar incidents are not common.
Once a person is infected with the virus, it settles in the nerve endings around the vulva, penis, lips etc. and remains there for the rest of that persons life.
If sores are present, there is a very good chance of passing the disease on to your sexual partner. A victim is also infectious for a few days before a new crop of sores develop, as the virus is rapidly reproducing at this stage. An absence of sores does not guarantee that the infection will not be transmitted, but condoms will give some protection against spreading the disease.
At times of stress, illness or reduced resistance, the virus starts reproducing, and causes the painful blisters and ulcers that characterise the disease. The first attack may occur weeks or years after the initial infection. The attack will last for a few weeks and then subside. After weeks, months or years, a further attack may occur, but the usual pattern is for the attacks to become less severe and to occut furthet apart.
Antiviral tablets can be prescribed by a doctor to conttol an attack of genital herpes, and if taken for several months, will prevent further attacks. They are quite expensive, but are subsidised by the Phatmaceutical Benefits Scheme under certain circumstances.
The most serious side of genital herpes, is the effect it may have on the babies of women who develop an attack of the disease at the end of their pregnancy. If a baby catches the infection during delivery, it can cause severe brain damage in the child. For this reason, if a woman has a history of repeated herpes infections, she may be delivered by Caesarean section so that the baby does not come into contact with the virus particles that may be present in the birth canal.
Thete is some evidence that the incidence of gynaecological cancer is increased in women with genital herpes. All women should have regular Pap smear tests, but particularly so if they have this annoying, but rarely serious disease.
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