1. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Pictures Slideshow
2. Image Collection: Picture of Genital Warts (HPV)
3. Take the Genital Herpes Quiz

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

In this Article

• What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
• What is genital herpes?
• What causes genital herpes?
• What are genital herpes symptoms and signs?
• How is genital herpes diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for genital herpes?
• How can genital herpes be prevented?
• What is the prognosis (outlook) for genital herpes?
• Where can people get more information about genital herpes?
• Genital Herpes At A Glance
• Genital Herpes FAQs
• Patient Comments: Genital Herpes In Women - Experience
• Patient Comments: Genital Herpes In Women - Treatments
• Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town
• Genital Herpes In Women Index

Herpes can be spread from one part of the body to another during an outbreak. It is also possible to spread the herpes virus infection even if you are not having an outbreak, so no prevention method is 100% effective. Still, certain preventive techniques can reduce your chances of spreading the infection to others.

• Therefore, it is important not to touch the eyes or mouth after touching the blisters or ulcers.
• Thorough hand washing is a must during outbreaks.
• Clothing that comes in contact with ulcers should not be shared with others.
• Couples that want to minimize the risk of transmission should always use condoms if a partner is infected. Unfortunately, even when an infected partner isn't currently having an outbreak, herpes can be spread.
• Couples may also want to consider avoiding all sexual contact, including kissing, during an outbreak of herpes. It is important to avoid sexual contact from the time the initial symptoms begin (if present) until the scabs have disappeared.
• Since an active genital herpes outbreak (with blisters) during labor and delivery can be harmful to the infant, pregnant women who suspect that they have genital herpes should tell their doctor. Women who have herpes and are pregnant can have a vaginal delivery as long as they are not experiencing symptoms or actually having an outbreak while in labor.

Recurrent outbreaks are the norm for people with genital herpes. About 90% of those infected report repeat outbreaks. While some people may develop only one to two outbreaks each year, others will have up to eight outbreaks a year. The symptoms are milder in most recurrent attacks than in the primary infection. If recurrent attacks are severe (typically more than six per year), antiviral medications as suppressive therapy may be recommended.