Viruses · Skin & rash
HSV-2
Genital herpes
The short answer
HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. Symptoms can be mild or unnoticed. A diagnosis is not a judgment about a person’s behaviour or relationship.
Transmission and timing
Sexual contact with genital skin or mucosa can transmit HSV even without visible sores. Condoms reduce risk but do not cover all potentially infectious skin.
NHS ↗Symptoms and risk groups
Painful blisters, ulcers, burning and pain when urinating can occur. The first recognized episode does not necessarily mean infection was recently acquired.
NHS ↗When to seek help
Promptly report new genital lesions or a first episode during pregnancy. Newly acquired infection near delivery needs particular attention to the baby’s risk.
NHS ↗For life-threatening symptoms, severe breathing difficulty or altered consciousness, call your local emergency number (112 in Türkiye).
What does the test show?
A lesion swab can be useful while sores are present. Blood testing without lesions has different limitations, including false positives; routine screening is not recommended for everyone without symptoms.
CDC ↗Care and treatment approach
Antivirals can treat episodes or provide suppressive treatment for selected people. They reduce symptoms and transmission risk but do not permanently eliminate infection.
NHS ↗Prevention and everyday life
Avoid sexual contact during warning symptoms such as tingling and while sores are present. Discuss a prevention plan that considers condoms and appropriate treatment with partners.
NHS ↗Special situations and risk groups
Pregnancy and immune suppression change management. HIV assessment may also be recommended; diagnosis and treatment of the two infections are distinct.
CDC ↗A common misunderstanding
A positive screening result may need confirmation, especially when the prior likelihood is low. Do not treat a result as a timestamp or proof of who transmitted infection.
CDC ↗Clinical assessment note
Explain the limitations and confirmation needs of low-index positive serology. Combine lesion assessment, typing and counselling within the care plan.
CDC ↗Bring a question to your appointment
Does my result need confirmation, and what is our plan for outbreaks and prevention?
International evidence, local decisions
Each source’s country is identified. Vaccine access, reimbursement, isolation and reporting rules vary. Use current guidance and your clinician’s advice in your country; English does not imply UK or US eligibility.
Sources and supporting evidence
- WHO · Herpes simplex virus ↗
Country context: International · Source checked:
- NHS · Genital herpes ↗
Country context: United Kingdom · Source checked:
- NHS · Infections in pregnancy that may affect your baby ↗
Country context: United Kingdom · Source checked:
- CDC · Screening for genital herpes ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked:
- CDC · STI treatment guidelines: herpes ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked:
Related topics
Version and change history
- Written by
- Doktorclub editorial team
- Medically reviewed
- Dr. Murat Toktamışoğlu
- Reviewed on
- 14 October 2026
- Next review
- 14 April 2027
- Version
- 1.0.0
- — Medical and language review completed for this language version.
- — Sourced draft prepared in the second content wave. Medical and language review have not been completed.
Doktorclub editorial content · Prepared with AI assistance and reviewed for medical accuracy and language. Information supports, but does not replace, clinical assessment. This guide does not diagnose or create a personal medication plan. Report a content correction · Editorial standards