Herpes

How can you get herpes?

You can get herpes through sex. Condoms reduce the chances of infection. But a condom does not offer 100% protection.

You can get herpes through:

• Anal sex
• Blowjobs
• Rimming
• Jerking off
• Kissing

What are the symptoms of herpes?

Usually, you will get symptoms 1 week after infection.

All the symptoms you can get on your penis, anus, or mouth:

• Small blisters or ulcers
• Small blisters or ulcers you can’t see, inside your anus
• Pain
• Itchiness
• A burning sensation
• Red spots on your skin
• Pain when peeing or pooing

The blisters dry out in about 3 weeks. The virus seems to have disappeared. But it stays in your body. And the blisters can come back. For example:

• If you have the flu
• If you are stressed
• If your resistance is lowered for some other reason

The blisters are most painful the first time around. If they come back again, usually they hurt less.

Other symptoms?

Do you have other symptoms? They could be caused by something else. So it’s important to go to your GP or to the GGD. Don’t wait too long and make an appointment.

Check out the symptoms of other STDs

Getting tested for herpes

If you have various sex partners, you should get tested for HIV and STDs 2 times a year. You should also do this if your partner has various sex partners.

Do you have serious symptoms associated with herpes? Then make an appointment with your GP.

How is a test done?

The doctor will examine your symptoms to figure out if they are caused by herpes. Sometimes, the doctor will use a cotton bud to collect some liquid from the blisters and have them examined at the lab.

Treating herpes

The blisters and ulcers will heal on their own. So you don’t need to take medication. Are they bothering you? If so, there is something you can do:

• You can apply a lotion on the blisters to help them dry out. This way they will affect you less
• You can take medication to reduce the pain
• You can take medication to reduce your symptoms

Preventing herpes

You can’t entirely prevent the risk of getting or passing on herpes. But you can reduce your chances:

• Always use a condom during sex or blowjobs
• Do not have sex with someone who has serious herpes symptoms
• Do not have sex if you have serious herpes symptoms
• Do not get a blowjob from someone with a cold sore (herpes close to the mouth)
• Do not give blowjobs if you have a cold sore
• Touch blisters, lesions, or scabs as little as possible. You can pass on herpes even with your fingers
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap if you happen to touch those spots