Genital Herpes: Transmission, Symptoms, and Testing Concerns

Q: Genital Herpes: Transmission, Symptoms, and Testing Concerns

Xuan： Hello, I am not sure about the prevalence of herpes carriers in Hong Kong. <br>However, in Taiwan, more than half of the population are carriers. <br>When the body's immune system weakens, the virus can become active. <br>In Taiwan, herpes usually does not require aggressiv

Genital herpes

I am a female and I have had several sexual encounters with my girlfriend (who is in Hong Kong) where we only used oral and manual stimulation.
Before we got together, we both had female partners.
Last week, I provided oral and manual stimulation after brushing our teeth and washing our hands.
Afterward, she always cleans her genital area.
A couple of days later, she started experiencing itching in her genital area, and it became painful to walk and use the restroom.
She visited both a dermatology and gynecology clinic, and the doctors diagnosed her with herpes.
They prescribed medication and said it would gradually improve within one to two weeks, but it may recur.
They mentioned that it is sexually transmitted.
We have only been with each other and have not had other partners, so we are confused about how she got infected.
Additionally, we only used oral and manual stimulation and never had genital-to-genital contact.
We are both very distressed because this is the first time either of us has had a sexually transmitted infection.
The doctor suggested she go to another facility for a comprehensive check-up to see if there are any other STIs, and mentioned that there is a 50-80% chance of recurrence, which could also increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Since a visit to a gynecologist in Hong Kong costs over 1,000 HKD, I am concerned.
My mouth and genital area are normal, and I have no symptoms, so do I also need to go to the hospital (or gynecology) for STI blood tests? Could I also have herpes? Did I transmit it to her? Am I just a carrier? Is it possible that my saliva transmitted it to her? Please help me with these questions.
Thank you.

XUAN, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/08

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Xuan: Hello, I am not sure about the prevalence of herpes carriers in Hong Kong.
However, in Taiwan, more than half of the population are carriers.
When the body's immune system weakens, the virus can become active.
In Taiwan, herpes usually does not require aggressive treatment; it is typically managed with symptomatic treatment.
I personally believe that blood tests are not very meaningful in this context.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further.
Answers from the internet should only be used as a reference; if necessary, it is important to seek medical care at a healthcare facility.
This response is provided by Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department at Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/01/08

More Info

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused primarily by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which has two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Understanding the transmission, symptoms, and testing concerns surrounding genital herpes is crucial, especially in the context of your situation.

Transmission
Genital herpes is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, which can occur during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It is important to note that herpes can be transmitted even when an infected person does not have visible sores or symptoms, a phenomenon known as asymptomatic shedding. In your case, even though you and your girlfriend engaged in oral and manual stimulation without direct genital contact, HSV can still be transmitted through oral sex if one partner has oral herpes (often caused by HSV-1) or genital herpes (often caused by HSV-2).
If your girlfriend had a previous infection or was exposed to the virus, it is possible that she could have transmitted it to you or vice versa, even if you were not aware of any symptoms. Additionally, if you had any cuts or abrasions in your mouth, this could increase the risk of transmission.

Symptoms
The symptoms of genital herpes can vary widely. Some individuals may experience mild symptoms or none at all, while others may have severe outbreaks. Common symptoms include itching, burning, and painful sores in the genital area. In your girlfriend's case, the itching and pain she experienced after your sexual encounters are consistent with a herpes outbreak.
Herpes outbreaks can be triggered by various factors, including stress, illness, or hormonal changes. It is also common for individuals with herpes to experience recurrent outbreaks, as the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate.

Testing and Concerns
Given your girlfriend's diagnosis, it is advisable for you to get tested for STIs, including herpes. While you may not have any visible symptoms, it is possible to be a carrier of the virus without knowing it. Blood tests can determine if you have been exposed to HSV-1 or HSV-2.
You should consult a healthcare provider, preferably a gynecologist or a specialist in sexual health, to discuss your concerns and get tested. It is important to be proactive about your sexual health, especially since herpes can increase the risk of contracting other STIs, including HIV.

Emotional Impact
It is understandable that both you and your girlfriend are feeling low due to this diagnosis. The stigma surrounding STIs can be overwhelming, but it is important to remember that herpes is a common condition. Many people live with herpes and manage it effectively with medication and lifestyle adjustments. Open communication with your partner about your feelings and concerns is vital for both of your emotional well-being.

Conclusion
In summary, genital herpes can be transmitted through various forms of sexual contact, including oral sex. Symptoms can vary, and it is possible to be asymptomatic while still carrying the virus. Given your girlfriend's diagnosis, it is recommended that you get tested for STIs, including herpes, to understand your status. Seeking medical advice and support can help you both navigate this situation and manage your sexual health moving forward.

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