Genital Herpes Pictures

Pictures of Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by one of two types of the herpes simplex virus. Unsurprisingly, they called the two varients type 1 and type 2, abbrieviated HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Although the signs and symptoms vary widely, normally blisters will appear around the genitals or rectum, break, and eventually heal on their own in two to four weeks. Additional outbreaks will occur over time, more often when the affected person is under stress, and is usually less severe and will clear up faster than the original outbreak. Eventually the frequency of the outbreaks will diminish.

More Information

HSV-2 is a lifelong and incurable infection that can cause recurrent and painful genital sores and can make those infected with the virus more likely to acquire HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Herpes can be fatal for babies that are infected. Although there is no cure, there are anti-viral drugs available which reduce the symptoms and decrease the risk of transmitting the virus.

Recent statistics suggest that 16.2 percent of americans have HSV-2, and 39.2 percent of African American overall. Herpes is more prevalent in women, as 20 percent of american women, and 48 percent of African American women are infected.

Herpes Simplex can be transmitted through intimate contact even when your partner shows no outward signs of an outbreak.

Additional Supportive Resources:

CDC-INFO Contact Center
1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
Email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
CDC Treatment Guidelines for STDs

National Herpes Hotline
(919) 361-8488

National Herpes Resource Center
herpesnet@ashastd.org