20 Commonly Asked Questions About Herpes
A herpes diagnosis will leave many people with pressing questions, as they seek to address what will change in their life. In this post, we'll address common questions people search for about herpes, but first, let's give a brief overview of the diagnosis.
Herpes refers to a family of viruses, and most of the time when people are discussing herpes, they are referencing two specific strains of herpes, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is the more common variation and typically occurs around the mouth, while HSV-2 is usually responsible for genital herpes, though HSV-1 can be in cases as well.
The differences between the two also extend to how they are contracted, with HSV-2 being passed almost exclusively through sexual contact. As we answer the questions, these 2 common strains of herpes will be what we are generally referring to, but we will make a note for any special cases.
1. Does herpes itch?
Yes, herpes can itch, according to information from the Mayo Clinic.
Itching may occur after symptoms appear and may not cease until the infection clears. For help with clearing the infection, there are many options available to get a prescription for herpes online.
2. Does herpes hurt?
Yes, herpes can hurt according to the Mayo Clinic.
Similar to an itching sensation, you may experience pain in areas where the infection is likely to spring up and where sores appear. This can be the case with both genital herpes and oral herpes. Warm baths can help with genital region pain, and applying warm or cold towels can help with oral sores.
These symptoms are sometimes confused with other medical conditions, so it is important to communicate with your doctor about your complications, especially if you have been previously diagnosed with herpes, as they can help you with treatment.
3. Does herpes have a cure?
As of this point herpes does not have a cure, according to information from the CDC.
There are medicines available that can help shorten or prevent outbreaks, but there is not a permanent definitive cure. Some of these medicines are even taken daily and can help prevent you from passing herpes onto others. Treatments available today make living with herpes very manageable, as long as you follow medical advice. It is easier than ever as you can even get an online prescription for herpes.
4. Does herpes burn?
Yes, herpes can cause burning sensations, according to information from WebMD. You may feel burning where an outbreak is about to occur, and for genital herpes especially you may feel a burning sensation when you pee. If this is something you experience and you have a herpes diagnosis, you should contact your doctor immediately and schedule an appointment to help address the virus.
5. Does herpes bleed?
Yes, but more specifically, the sores created by herpes can bleed, according to information provided by Planned Parenthood.
Sores may appear after infection with herpes, and if you manage to break them, there may be blood released. If you avoid this, then you should not experience any other problems with bleeding from herpes. There are even ointments available to help with the pain and healing process with sores.
6. Does herpes go away?
While the symptoms of herpes will come and go, the virus will stay in your body for life, according to WebMD.
The virus sticking around does not mean you will experience constant outbreaks, and in fact, some people only ever experience one. Once you do contract herpes, you will need to be on the lookout for any signs of an outbreak, and make sure you consult with a doctor to provide treatment and prevent spreading the infection further.
7. Does herpes cause discharge?
Yes, herpes can cause discharge, according to information provided by Healthline.
Herpes may cause either vaginal discharge or penile discharge, and the symptoms present fairly similarly. The discharge will appear as a thick, clear, white, or cloudy liquid and a strong "fishy" odor. If you notice these occurrences and have not already, it is best to seek out treatment with a doctor immediately.
8. Does herpes make you tired?
Herpes can make you tired when contracted and during new outbreaks, but it should not be a persisting symptom, according to Women's Health Specialists (though the information can apply to anyone with herpes).
When a herpes infection first develops, you may experience flu-like symptoms, and among these is fatigue. This is why you may feel tired if you have contracted herpes and are experiencing an outbreak. Scheduling an appointment with your doctor and receiving antiviral treatment should help address any instances of an outbreak.
9. Does herpes smell?
Any smell associated with herpes should come from instances of vaginal or penile discharge, based on information provided by Healthline.
Just having herpes should not cause any new odors, and any reported odors will come from discharge associated with herpes. If this issue occurs it is a good sign that you need to discuss treatment options with your doctor.
10. Does herpes cause body aches?
Yes, herpes can cause body aches, as reported by Familydoctor.org.
When the first outbreak of herpes occurs, you can experience flu-like symptoms, one of these being body aches. It is supposed to occur less with recurring outbreaks or possibly never again, so if you have herpes and are experiencing persistent body aches, then you may have another underlying condition.
As with any case of confusion with a medical diagnosis and symptoms, reach out to your doctor and discuss your experiences and see if a cause can be identified.
11. Can herpes cause cancer?
The research on this case is still ongoing and there have been many studies where links have been found but definitive answers cannot always be made. In the case of HSV-2, there have been some links suggested with cervical cancer, and another herpes strain HHV-8 has been observed with cancer links as well.
Ultimately, the most common forms of herpes are found in a large amount of the population around the world and usually do not present with symptoms, much less cause severe illness. In case you are worried or suspect though, it does not hurt to discuss your worries with your doctor and see how they can help put you at ease.
12. Can herpes cause infertility?
This question is a bit tricky. Among the family of herpes viruses, the most common ones do not often affect fertility, though there has been research to suggest that herpes may lower sperm count in some cases.
There are some herpes strains that can more commonly contribute to infertility. HSV 6, has been found to be a negative factor for fertility in women. This is not nearly as common as HSV 2, but it is still a herpes virus that you can contract.
If you have any concerns with your diagnosis, it is always best to visit your doctor and solidify which strain of the virus you are dealing with. From there you can develop a treatment plan and mitigation efforts to address any concerns.
13. Can herpes cause encephalitis?
Yes, herpes can cause encephalitis, according to Johns Hopkins.
This diagnosis appears to be a rare occurrence, but symptoms include headache, fever, changes in consciousness, confusion, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, seizures, and changes in mood, personality, or behavior. Treatment usually comes by treating the virus itself, but in this case, you may experience some other symptoms that need attention as well.
If you have been diagnosed with herpes and feel these symptoms appearing, then you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Prompt treatment is necessary to avoid any more severe consequences.
14. Can herpes cause UTI?
Herpes can cause symptoms of a UTI, but it will not contribute to developing one, according to Clinical Advisor.
Symptoms like painful urination, frequent urination, and urgency may present themselves with herpes and can often be confused with a UTI. Luckily, UTIs and herpes can be tested for, so in the case that you are experiencing these symptoms, you can visit your doctor and determine what the exact cause is.
15. Can herpes cause miscarriage?
Common and standard cases of herpes should not contribute to a significant risk of miscarriage, but there are exceedingly rare cases where it can happen, according to the American Sexual Health Association.
The biggest concern is if you contract genital herpes during pregnancy, and particularly if it is later in the timeline. Talking with your doctor while you are pregnant about any previous herpes diagnosis or fear of developing it can help ensure that you and your baby are handled appropriately.
16. Can herpes cause pink eye?
No, herpes does not cause pink eye, but it may present similarly to pink eye if spread to the eye, according to Healthline.
While herpes is most often associated with genital and mouth sores, it can even affect your eyes, though usually, symptoms will appear in one eye. The consequences of leaving eye herpes untreated are severe and can lead to blindness.
If you have had a herpes diagnosis, and you have a case of what you suspect may be pink eye, especially if it is affecting one eye, contact your doctor to ensure that eye herpes is not a possibility. If it is, then you can seek out prompt treatment to avoid severe damage.
17. Can herpes cause back pain?
Yes, herpes can cause back pain, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
It appears that this symptom is most likely to occur with recurrent infections, and acts as a sort of warning sign, appearing a little bit before sores do.
Back pain does not seem to be an indicator of serious complications and may occur commonly, but if your back pain advances to a point that worries you or persists, you may have other underlying conditions. Contact your doctor and explain your situation to devise a treatment plan.
18. Can herpes be transmitted by kissing?
Yes, herpes can be transmitted by kissing according to information provided by Healthline.
Herpes is most often spread through skin-to-skin contact and saliva, which means kissing is a convenient method to transmit it. HSV 1 is the most common form of herpes and will easily spread through kissing. HSV 2 is more responsible for genital herpes and spreading through sexual contact, but both types can cause genital herpes, HSV 1 being a rarer cause though.
Herpes will be in your body for life, this does not mean you can never kiss anyone again though. One good way to avoid spreading herpes is to be aware when you are experiencing an outbreak and avoid contact when you are symptomatic and have a higher chance to spread. Also, medication is available to reduce the likelihood of transmission.
19. Can herpes be asymptomatic?
Yes, herpes can be asymptomatic, and it is very common, according to the CDC.
Most people who have herpes will be asymptomatic, and never even know they have contracted the virus. While asymptomatic carriers will shed less of the virus and have a reduced risk to spread, they still have the possibility to as the virus will remain in their body for their lifetime.
20. Can herpes be dormant?
Yes, herpes can be dormant, according to Healthline.
HSV has two stages, the outbreak stage, and then the dormancy stage. Most of the time people will be experiencing the dormancy stage, and, for some, the outbreak stage will rarely if ever occur. The dormancy stage will mean that you are asymptomatic, but it does not mean that you cannot pass herpes on, merely that the risk will be lower.
Conclusion
Herpes can appear to be a scary diagnosis at first, but the truth is that it is an incredibly common virus and it does not often pose much risk to those who carry it. It is still important to recognize your status if you have it and be mindful of treatment options and prevent spreading it to those you make contact with.
Treating herpes today is easier than ever, as medical science has developed many treatment options, and accessing these treatments is simple as well, as you can reliably get an online prescription for herpes. So don't hesitate to reach out and talk to your doctor if you are worried about a herpes diagnosis and treatment.
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