HERPES

Herpes, screening, STIs, STIs, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe sex

Often without symptoms, GET DETECTED!

L’genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex (HSV). The virus is from the same family that causes herpes in the mouth also known as fever blisters.

In Belgium, 2 million people are carriers of genital herpes or in the mouth.

Genital herpes is a highly contagious infection that can be treated but not cured You remain a carrier- ·This means that you remain a lifelong carrier of the virus, which often develops in bouts.

Contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infection, unsafe sex

Transmission modes

Very contagious, genital herpes is transmitted by direct contact with the infected area (genitals, anus). Transmission of genital herpes is possible even without an apparent lesion.

symptoms, Contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe sex

Symptoms

Usually, symptoms of genital herpes appear a week or more after infection :

  • Painful lesions (small blisters), genital/anal ulcers
  • Fever (sometimes)

If left untreated, genital herpes can lead to very uncomfortable complications with more or less frequent recurrences, especially with fatigue or stress.

treatment, causes, Contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infection, unsafe sex

Consequences if undetected and untreated

If the immune system of the person with herpes is weakened (by another disease, for example), the symptoms may be more severe and last longer.

Even if the lesions are not dangerous, herpes can have a profound effect on profound consequences on the intimate and sexual life of the life: stress, shame, embarrassment, etc. can create tension in the relationship. stress, shame, embarrassment, etc. can create tension in the couple and disrupt their daily lives.

People who are infected with the herpes virus are risk of contracting HIV if they have sex if they have sex during a herpes outbreak.

Contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infection, unsafe sex

Screening

Diagnosis of herpes is only possible in the case of outbreaks

  • via a medical examination if the lesions are apparent
  • more rarely, via a local swab/swab if the lesions are apparent

Tell your partners? 

If you find out you have herpes, you can tell your partners to watch for symptoms, but be aware that if there are no symptoms, they cannot be tested. 

Tell your partners? 

If you find out you have herpes, you can tell your partners to watch for symptoms, but be aware that if there are no symptoms, they cannot be tested.

treatment, Contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infection, unsafe sex

Treatment

There is no cure for genital herpes : there is no permanent cure!

However, there are medications that reduce outbreaks, relieve symptoms and recurrences, and reduce the risk of transmission.

protection, Contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe sex

Protection

To protect yourself from genital herpes, you should use an internal or external condom and a latex condom pad.

Condoms (especially the internal condom, formerly known as the "female" condom) reduce the risk of exposure but do not offer complete protection.

External condom, latex, contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infection, unsafe sex
Internal condom, contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infection, unsafe sex
Toothless, condom, latex, contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infection, unsafe sex