If you are concerned about any sexual infections, you can

get free advice, and if necessary, treatment in complete

confidence from:-

Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine

Level 5
Derriford Hospital GENITAL HERPES
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
Genital Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus
(HSV).
Walk In Clinics
HSV is one of a family of viruses which cause a variety of
Monday - Friday infections such as chicken pox, glandular fever and
8.30am - 10.30am. shingles.

There are two types of HSV, namely HSV 1 and HSV 2.

HSV 1 can infect both the mouth and genital area. HSV
Appointments 01752 431124
2 usually just infects the genitals. Visible infection of the
Health Advisers 01752 431804 mouth with HSV 1 is commonly known as “cold sores”
and may be picked up in childhood. Most people
For more information infection with HSV 1 and HSV 2 do not have symptoms
and therefore do not know they have been infected, but
www.herpes.org.uk both HSV 1 and HSV 2 live in nerve cells under the skin
www.fpa.org.uk
throughout a person’s life. From time to time the virus
may travel along the nerve endings into the skin. When
this happens some people may notice an outbreak of
genital herpes, whereas others may not notice any
symptoms at all.
V3/11/DG
 TREATMENT

 Take frequent salt baths (add a small handful of salt
to the bath water).
 After bathing, dry the genital area with a hair dryer.
 Take anti-viral tablets as prescribed
 If necessary apply anaesthetic ointment/gel before
passing urine to help ease the pain.
 Paracetamol or equivalent pain killers can be taken
if necessary.
 Do not wear tight clothing, and indeed if the area is
left uncovered it will heal more quickly.
 Many people catch the virus from a partner, often a
long term regular partner, who is unaware that they
are infected.
 The only potentially serious problem with HSV is for
pregnant women who are infected for the first time
in the last three months of pregnancy.
 Safe and effective treatment is available to prevent
symptoms of HSV and reduce the risks of
transmission.
 Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission and
provide protection against other sexually
transmitted infections.

 Drink plenty of fluids.

 Some people feel as if they have a flu-like illness. If

so, and/or there is a lot of genital discomfort, take a
couple of days off work.

 Genital Herpes is usually a very minor infection

which seldom causes health problems.

Many people infected with HSV do not have symptoms

and therefore do not know they have been infected.