Herpes how can u get it

Be aware that not all herpes sores occur in areas that are covered by a latex condom. Also, herpes virus can be released shed from areas of the skin that do not have a visible herpes sore. For these reasons, condoms may not fully protect you from getting herpes. If you are in a relationship with a person known to have genital herpes, you can lower your risk of getting genital herpes if:.

If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, it is very important for you to go to prenatal care visits. Tell your doctor if you have ever had symptoms of, or have been diagnosed with, genital herpes. Also tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to genital herpes. There is some research that suggests that genital herpes infection may lead to miscarriage, or could make it more likely for you to deliver your baby too early.

Herpes infection can be passed from you to your unborn child before birth but is more commonly passed to your infant during delivery. This can lead to a potentially deadly infection in your baby called neonatal herpes. It is important that you avoid getting herpes during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, you may be offered anti-herpes medicine towards the end of your pregnancy.

This medicine may reduce your risk of having signs or symptoms of genital herpes at the time of delivery. At the time of delivery, your doctor should carefully examine you for herpes sores. Most people who have genital herpes have no symptoms, or have very mild symptoms. You may not notice mild symptoms or you may mistake them for another skin condition, such as a pimple or ingrown hair. Because of this, most people who have herpes do not know it. Herpes sores usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth.

The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal. People who experience an initial outbreak of herpes can have repeated outbreaks, especially if they are infected with HSV Repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak. Although the infection stays in the body for the rest of your life, the number of outbreaks may decrease over time.

You should be examined by your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms or if your partner has an STD or symptoms of an STD. STD symptoms can include an unusual sore, a smelly genital discharge, burning when urinating, or for women bleeding between periods. Your healthcare provider may diagnose genital herpes by simply looking at your symptoms. Providers can also take a sample from the sore s and test it.

In certain situations, a blood test may be used to look for herpes antibodies. Have an honest and open talk with your health care provider and ask whether you should be tested for herpes or other STDs. Recurring infections tend to be much milder, and the sores usually erupt on the edges of the lips.

Some people never have any additional outbreaks beyond the initial infection. The following are the most common signs and symptoms of a recurring oral herpes simplex virus infection.

Painful, fluid-filled blisters may appear on the lips or under the nose. The blisters and fluid are highly contagious. The signs and symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis. Since oral herpes can be confused with many other infections, including allergic reactions, a virus culture PCR , blood test or biopsy are the only ways to confirm your diagnosis.

However, your health care provider may also diagnose your condition based on the location and appearance of the blisters. Although the specific triggers that cause oral herpes to recur are unclear, several factors may play a role.

These include:. While recurrent outbreaks are more common in the first year after the initial episode, they tend to lessen as the body builds antibodies to the virus. Taking antiviral oral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir these medications are traditionally the most effective. Sores appear where the infection entered your body. You can spread the infection by touching a sore and then rubbing or scratching another area of your body, including your eyes.

Men and women can develop sores on the: Buttocks and thighs Anus Mouth Urethra the tube that allows urine to drain from the bladder to the outside Women can also develop sores in or on the: Vaginal area External genitals Cervix Men can also develop sores in or on the:. Genital herpes is different for each person. The signs and symptoms may recur, off and on, for years.

Some people experience numerous episodes each year. For many people, however, the outbreaks are less frequent as time passes. However, recurrences are generally less painful than the original outbreak, and sores generally heal more quickly. If you suspect you have genital herpes — or any other sexually transmitted infection — see your doctor. Because the virus dies quickly outside of the body, it's nearly impossible to get the infection through contact with toilets, towels or other objects used by an infected person.

The suggestions for preventing genital herpes are the same as those for preventing other sexually transmitted infections: Abstain from sexual activity or limit sexual contact to only one person who is infection-free. Short of that, you can:. If you're pregnant and know you have genital herpes, tell your doctor.

If you think you might have genital herpes, ask to be tested for it. Your doctor may recommend that you start taking herpes antiviral medications late in pregnancy to try to prevent an outbreak around the time of delivery. If you're having an outbreak when you go into labor, your doctor will probably suggest a cesarean section to reduce the risk of passing the virus to your baby.

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