Genital Herpes: Symptoms, Transmission, and Testing Explained

Genital herpes

Hello, doctor.
At the beginning of this month, I experienced a stinging sensation in my genital area when I took a shower.
After seeing a doctor, I was diagnosed with genital herpes.
However, it has been since October of last year since I had any intimate contact with my girlfriend, and I have not had any intimate relations with anyone else since then.
Why would I develop herpes on my genitals now? I found online that there are two types of herpes.
Genital herpes can also be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex if it is type 1 herpes.
If I contracted herpes on my genitals through oral sex from my girlfriend, would a blood test show that it is type 1 or type 2? If it is type 1 and the genital sores have completely healed, is the risk of transmission still high when there are no active symptoms? Do I need to seek further treatment? What is the cost of the blood test? Thank you for your response.

Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/06/24

Dr. Liu Jiaju reply Urology

The typical symptoms of herpes are recurrent episodes.
It usually begins with a red rash, followed by the formation of blisters.
Once the blisters rupture, they develop into crusts and heal on their own, with the entire course lasting about two weeks.
This is a key point for clinicians to determine whether it is herpes.
Since herpes is a viral infection, there is currently no specific medication that can completely cure it.
Recurrences are more likely when the immune system is weakened, such as due to lack of sleep or high stress.
The acute phase is contagious, while the asymptomatic latent phase is less likely to transmit the virus.
Although there are antiviral creams and oral medications available on the market, they can only shorten the acute phase or temporarily reduce recurrences.
The main way to reduce recurrences is to maintain a regular lifestyle and exercise to boost one's immune system.
It is also important to practice safe sex to lower the risk of infection.
Due to the current open attitudes towards sexuality, genital herpes can be caused not only by type 2 but also by type 1.
Since current tests cannot distinguish the source, if you have previously experienced oral herpes, testing positive for type 1 is likely.
The clinical significance of distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 may not be very important, as it does not affect subsequent treatment.
However, if there is a strong suspicion of genital herpes, a complete sexually transmitted infection screening should be conducted to rule out other potential diseases.
You can visit a urology or infectious disease clinic for assistance, and the health insurance will cover the costs.

Reply Date: 2010/06/24

More Info

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused primarily by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. While HSV-1 is typically associated with oral herpes (cold sores), it can also cause genital herpes, particularly through oral-genital contact. Conversely, HSV-2 is more commonly linked to genital infections.
In your case, it is understandable to be concerned about the timing of your symptoms, especially since your last sexual encounter was several months ago. It is important to note that herpes can remain dormant in the body for long periods. After the initial infection, the virus can lie inactive in the nerve cells and may reactivate later, leading to symptoms such as pain, itching, or the appearance of blisters in the genital area. This reactivation can occur without any apparent trigger, although factors such as stress, illness, or a weakened immune system can contribute.

If your genital herpes was diagnosed by a healthcare provider, they likely performed a physical examination and may have taken a sample from the sores for laboratory testing. Blood tests can also be conducted to determine the type of herpes virus present. If you were to have a blood test, it could potentially show antibodies for either HSV-1 or HSV-2, depending on which virus you were exposed to. If you contracted HSV-1 from oral sex, the test would reflect that, and similarly for HSV-2.

Regarding your question about the contagiousness of HSV-1 when lesions are healed, it is important to understand that while the risk of transmission is lower when there are no visible sores, the virus can still be shed asymptomatically. This means that even when you are not experiencing an outbreak, there is still a possibility of transmitting the virus to a partner. Therefore, it is advisable to discuss safe practices with any future partners and consider disclosing your herpes status.

As for further treatment, if your symptoms have resolved and you are not experiencing any new outbreaks, you may not need additional treatment. However, some individuals choose to take antiviral medications as a preventive measure to reduce the frequency of outbreaks and lower the risk of transmission to partners. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your specific situation and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Regarding the cost of blood tests for herpes, prices can vary widely depending on your location, the specific tests performed, and whether you have insurance coverage. Typically, the cost can range from $50 to $200 or more. It is advisable to check with your healthcare provider or local laboratory for specific pricing and insurance options.

In summary, genital herpes is a manageable condition, and understanding its transmission and symptoms can help you navigate your health and relationships more effectively. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.

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