Genital herpes fact sheet

​​​​​​Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection. There is no cure but symptoms can be managed with medicine. Antiviral medicines can be used to help heal sores more quickly and reduce the risk of spread. 

​​​​What is genital h​erpes​?

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmissible infections (STI) in Australia. Around 1 in 8 sexually active people have genital herpes. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) most commonly occurs around the mouth, leading to blisters or cold sores, but can also cause genital herpes. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) almost always occurs on the genital area. 

​​​How does genital herpes sprea​d?

Genital herpes is spread by skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Genital herpes can also spread from mother to baby during childbirth.

It is most easily spread when there are blisters or sores, but it can sometimes be passed even if a person has no active blisters, sores or other symptoms (known as asymptomatic viral shedding). ​

​​What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

Many people who have genital herpes may have no symptoms and might not be aware they have the infection.

Symptoms can start days, weeks or months after being exposed to the virus. The first 'episode' or outbreak of genital herpes can cause considerable pain.

Symptoms include:

  • flu-like symptoms
  • small blisters around the genitals. These blisters will break open to form shallow, painful ulcers, scab over and get better after 1 to 2 weeks
  • skin redness or a distinct rash
  • swelling in the genital area making it difficult to pass urine
  • small cracks in the skin.

If you have symptoms that keep coming back (repeated outbreaks), this may be triggered by:

  • stress
  • menstruation
  • sexual activity
  • general illness
  • low immunity (due to treatment that suppresses your immune system).​
Repeated outbreaks will generally be milder, less painful and shorter. Symptoms tend to return more often for HSV-2 than HSV-1.
​

​​Who is most at risk of genital herpes?

All sexually active people are at risk of infection. In Australia, people at highest risk of getting a herpes infection are:

  • people who have unprotected sex (without a condom or dental dam) with someone who has genital herpes
  • people who have recently changed sexual partners
  • people who have multiple sexual partners
  • babies born to mothers who contracted genital herpes during the last 3 months of pregnancy.​

​How do I protect myself from genital herpes?

Genital herpes can be prevented by:

  • always using condoms and dental dams for vaginal, anal and oral sex
  • not having skin-to-skin or sexual contact with anyone who has visible blisters or ulcers
  • using a lubricant with condoms during sex to reduce the risk of rubbing and injuring the genital skin.

If you are pregnant and you have genital herpes, it is important to tell your midwife or obstetrician as it can be serious for your baby. This is because there is a small risk of spreading the infection to your baby during childbirth.​

​​How is genital herpes diagnosed?

If you think you might have symptoms of genital herpes, it's important to get a sexual health check-up. Genital herpes can be diagnosed by your GP or nurse by taking a swab test of the blisters or sores.

Callhealthdirect​ (1800 022 222) to find a testing service near you.

​How is genital herpes treated?

Although there is no cure for genital herpes, medication and other home remedies can help manage and reduce the severity of symptoms. These include:

  • oral antiviral medicines to lower the frequency and severity of outbreaks
  • salt baths
  • ice packs to the affected areas
  • pain killers such as paracetamol.​

Cold sore medicine and creams for the lips or face should not be used on the genitals.

​What should I do if I test positive to genital herpes?

Following the first 'episode' or outbreak of herpes, get treated as soon as possible. This will help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications.

People diagnosed with genital herpes should:

  • ​talk with your doctor or nurse about antiviral medicines and home remedies to help reduce symptoms
  • do not have sex if you have an active outbreak or notice symptoms. This will help reduce the risk of spreading the infection to sexual partners
  • use condoms and water-based lubricant when having sex (if you do not have any symptoms)
  • talk to your GP or nurse about suppressive medication if you are having outbreaks that are frequent or severe
  • speak to your antenatal care provider if you are pregnant for advice on protecting your baby.

​Further information 

  • Sexual Health Infolink (SHIL)​ for free and confidential sexual health support including a confidential help line available from Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm by calling 1800 451 624.
  • Play Safe​​ for young people to access information about safe sex and STI prevention, testing and treatment.
  • Let them know​ for advice and help with confidential and anonymous contact tracing for all sexual partners.
  • Better to Know​ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to get information about common STIs and where to get tested. The site also offers a way to tell sexual partners without them knowing who you are.
  • International Student Health Hub​​ for international students to get information about safe sex, STIs, contraception and pregnancy.
  • Family Planning NS​W ​Talkline​​​ for reproductive and sexual health information and advice. It is free, confidential and available Monday to Friday 8:00am-8:00pm on 1300 658 ​886. ​​​​
Current as at: Friday 10 January 2025
Contact page owner: Specialist Programs