What is hsv mean

These include:. If a generally healthy person contracts the virus, there are usually no complications. Although there is no cure for herpes, you can take measures to avoid contracting the virus, or to prevent transmitting HSV to another person. People with HSV-2 should avoid any type of sexual activity with other people during an outbreak. If the person is not experiencing symptoms but has been diagnosed with the virus, a condom should be used during intercourse.

But even when using a condom, the virus can still be passed to a partner from uncovered skin. Women who are pregnant and have an infection may have to take medication to prevent the virus from infecting their unborn babies. HPV and herpes are both common viruses that are typically transmitted sexually. They share many traits: Both can present with genital warts, have no…. Understanding the risks and knowing the signs of common STDs is crucial for men who are sexually active.

Learn how to spot the main symptoms. Information on sexually transmitted infections specifically for women. Read about gender specific symptoms, prevention and tests. The herpes viral culture of lesion test, or the herpes simplex virus culture, is a test used to determine if a skin sore contains the herpes simplex…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Herpes Simplex. What is herpes simplex? It affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Other herpes infections can affect the eyes, skin, or other parts of the body. The virus can be dangerous in newborn babies or in people with weak immune systems. HSV spreads through direct contact. Some people have no symptoms. Others get sores near the area where the virus has entered the body.

They turn into blisters, become itchy and painful, and then heal. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus HSV. Genital herpes Open pop-up dialog box Close. Genital herpes Sores associated with genital herpes can be small red bumps, blisters or open sores. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Genital herpes: Can you get it from a toilet seat?

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Genital herpes: CDC detailed fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Jan. Klausner JD, et al. Genital herpes. New York, N. Albrecht MA. Oral herpes caused by HSV-1 can be spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex. This is why some cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV Genital herpes is common in the United States. More than one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 years have genital herpes. You can get genital herpes by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the disease.

If you do not have herpes, you can get infected if you come into contact with the herpes virus in:. You can get herpes from a sex partner who does not have a visible sore or who may not know he or she is infected. It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a sex partner who has oral herpes. You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools, or from touching objects around you such as silverware, soap, or towels.

If you have additional questions about how herpes is spread, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider. If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting genital herpes:. Be aware that not all herpes sores occur in areas that are covered by a latex condom.

Also, herpes virus can be released shed from areas of the skin that do not have a visible herpes sore. For these reasons, condoms may not fully protect you from getting herpes. If you are in a relationship with a person known to have genital herpes, you can lower your risk of getting genital herpes if:.

If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, it is very important for you to go to prenatal care visits. Tell your doctor if you have ever had symptoms of, or have been diagnosed with, genital herpes.

Also tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to genital herpes. There is some research that suggests that genital herpes infection may lead to miscarriage, or could make it more likely for you to deliver your baby too early. Herpes infection can be passed from you to your unborn child before birth but is more commonly passed to your infant during delivery. This can lead to a potentially deadly infection in your baby called neonatal herpes.