How Do I Know if I Have Herpes

If you have had sex with someone with herpes, you are likely worried that you may have contracted the disease – and for good reason. The herpes simplex II virus (otherwise known as genital herpes), is a very contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI), which can easily be passed from one partner to another during sexual intercourse.  Even using a condom does not always protect you from contracting the disease, so anyone who has come in contact with a herpes patient should be checked by their physicians for the disease.

Everyone who comes in contact with an infected person in a sexual manner is at risk for catching herpes.  Of course, the most dangerous time to contract herpes from a partner is during an active outbreak, when they may have at least one open sore in their genital area. But, understand this important fact: even when the infection is not active (meaning there are no visible sores ion the sexual organ) the infection can still be spread from one partner to another.  Even a condom may not stop the disease form spreading; although it is important for herpes patients to always use a condom when having sex to help to at least try and stop it from spreading.

If you suspect that you may have contracted genital herpes from your partner, be sure to see your health care provider for proper testing. Keep in mind, however, that the most accurate test must be performed on an open sore, so your doctor may want to see you immediately should an outbreak occur to take a definitive test and begin treatment.

What about the other signs of genital herpes?  What should you be watching for to ensure your own sexual health?  If you suspect that your partner may have passed along this contagious infection during a sexual encounter, be sure to watch for these common signs and symptoms of genital herpes:

• inflammation and swelling of the sexual organ
• a burning, itching or pained sensation in and around the genital area
• blisters forming around the genitals
• open sores which ooze , then scab over and heal within a week or so
• swollen glands
• fever
• headache
• a burning sensation when urinating
• muscle aches
• overall feeling unwell

Keep in mind that these are all symptoms of an active herpes outbreak, but not everyone notices such an outbreak after they have contracted the disease.  Research shows that more than 90% of all herpes victims have no signs of the disease for weeks or even months after contracting it.  This, of course, can make it hard to know that you have contracted this very contagious infection, which may allow you to spread it to other partners without even realizing it.

Women, especially may not experience their first outbreak for several weeks following contamination and this can leave them open to spreading the disease should they become involved with multiple partners during this time period.

Contracting herpes during the early stages of pregnancy can also be a danger, making it especially important to watch for signs of the infection, especially if you suspect that your partner may have passed it along to you.

If you suddenly experience an outbreak of blisters or open sores, be sure to have them checked right away by your health care provider, who will likely test you for herpes. 

If you have indeed contracted the disease, you will likely experience periodic outbreaks when stressed, ill, change your diet or engage in vigorous sexual activity.  Most people report experiencing about 4-6 outbreaks per year.  But, some people experience less. It should also be noted that each outbreak tends to decrease in severity, which is good since they last for shorter periods of time and are a lot less painful. This decrease in severity, however, can sometimes make it difficult to recognize an attack, which could put your partner at further risk of contracting the infectious disease.

Keep in mind that herpes is not curable and you will have to take precautions to protect your partners for the rest of your life, whether you are symptomatic or not.

The important thing to remember when dealing with herpes Simplex Virus II is to take it very seriously.   Easy to pass along to another, it can be a very painful disease, both physically and emotionally and should be dealt with properly to ensure that it is not passed along to future partners.  Most doctors will recommend a course of maintenance medication to stave off a painful attacks and recommend abstaining from sexual intercourse during an attack.

Want to learn more about genital herpes and how you can protect yourself (and your partners) from contracting this highly contagious infection? For more information, talk to your health care provider or contact the National Herpes Hotline at 919-361-8488.