Herpes simplex
What are the symptoms?
Herpes on the face is called a cold sore but you can get it on the genitals or anywhere else. Symptoms include:
painful sores or blisters on the mouth, anus and/or male and female genitals;
pain when passing urine;
flu-like symptoms, like a high temperature and headaches.
How could I get it?
Caused by a virus, it is transmitted by sexual contact with the sores or blisters. Although it is mainly transmitted when the blisters are present, some people may have no obvious symptoms and will still carry the virus, being infectious to others.
Can it be treated?
Herpes is easily treated with a cream only when symptoms appear on the lips of the mouth. Symptoms on the genitals are usually treated with medication in tablet form. The virus which causes herpes stays in the body for life and symptoms reoccur when people are unwell, pregnant or under stress.
Can I prevent it?
Using condoms will reduce the risk of infection, if the blisters or sores are present. If they are outside the area protected by the condom and there is direct skin-to-skin contact, this may also result in transmission, even when condoms are used.