Do I Have Genital Herpes?

Do you have small red bumps or tiny white blisters around your mouth, genitals, anus, thighs or buttocks?

Do you have pain, itching, tingling, or burning in the affected area?

Do you have blisters that rupture and ooze or bleed?

Do you have painful ulcers in the affected area that may take two to four weeks to heal?

Do you have scabs in the affected area?

Do you have pain while urinating?

If you are a woman, do you have vaginal discharge that's not usual for you?

Do you have pelvic pain?

Do you have pain in your lower back, buttocks and legs?

Do you have swollen lymph nodes in your groin?

Do you have a fever, body aches, or a headache?

Do you have multiple sexual partners?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have genital herpes. Genital herpes is a very common sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every sixth person in America between the ages of 14 and 49 has genital herpes. It is more common in women than men. There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV): HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is linked to cold sores around your mouth (oral herpes), and HSV-2 usually affects your genital area. Many times people infected with HSV have no symptoms and do not know they have the virus.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have genital herpes. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection, so sexual contact is the way the virus enters your body. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes. After the first infection, the virus remains in your body and can become active several times during your life. Like any other STI, genital herpes is more common in people who have multiple sexual partners or do not use latex condoms as protection. A diagnosis of genital herpes is based on a physical exam and the results of specific laboratory tests. Treatment includes antiviral medicines.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have genital herpes. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Genital herpes can be passed on through vaginal, oral and anal sex. Once you get the virus, it stays in your body forever. The first outbreak of genital herpes is usually the worst, and over time the symptoms become milder and occur less frequently. An infected person can spread the virus even if there are no symptoms. Genital herpes cannot be cured. Treatment includes antiviral medications to relieve your symptoms and shorten an outbreak.