Genital herpes living in teenagers

Overview

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a virus (herpes simplex virus, or HSV). It causes sores or blisters on or around the genitals, but many people have no symptoms. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body and can cause outbreaks from time to time.

Yes, genital herpes is one of the most common STIs. In the UK, about 1 in 6 people aged 15–49 have the virus, and many teens are affected.

Genital herpes can affect anyone who is sexually active, including teenagers. It is most common in people aged 15–24. If you are sexually active, you can get it from vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Small, painful blisters or sores on the genitals, buttocks, or thighs
• Itching, tingling, or burning feeling before blisters appear
• Pain when urinating (peeing)
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and tiredness, especially during the first outbreak

Symptoms in children

• Genital herpes is rare in children. If it occurs, it is usually from a mother passing the virus during birth (neonatal herpes), which is a medical emergency.
• Older children may get it from non-sexual contact (very rare) or, more commonly, from sexual abuse — a doctor should always check.

Symptoms in older adults

• Symptoms are similar but can last longer or be more severe due to weaker immune systems.
• Older adults may mistake symptoms for other conditions, so it is important to see a doctor.

Causes

Main causes

• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 usually causes cold sores but can cause genital herpes through oral sex. HSV-2 is most linked to genital herpes.
• The virus enters the body through small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes (like the lining of the vagina, penis, or mouth).
• You can get herpes from someone who has sores or even from someone who has no symptoms at all (asymptomatic shedding).

Risk factors

• Having sex without a condom
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Having a partner who has herpes (even if they don't have sores)
• Starting sexual activity at a young age
• Having a weakened immune system (for example, from HIV or chemotherapy)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• First outbreak with severe pain, many sores, or trouble peeing
• If you have had unprotected sex and think you might have herpes, especially if you have flu-like symptoms

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have sores that keep coming back and bother you
• If your partner has genital herpes and you want to know if you have it
• For a check-up if you have had unprotected sex with a new partner

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse at a sexual health clinic can diagnose genital herpes by looking at the sores and taking a swab (a soft cotton bud) to test for the virus.

Tests that may be done

• Swab test: A cotton bud is rubbed gently over a blister or sore, then sent to a lab.
• Blood test: Checks for antibodies to the herpes virus. This can show if you have been infected in the past but may not tell you when.

What to expect at your appointment

The swab may feel a little uncomfortable but is quick. Your doctor will explain the results, usually within a few days. They will also talk to you about treatment and how to reduce the risk of passing it to others. You will not need to tell anyone you have herpes unless you want to, but it is important to tell sexual partners so they can get tested.

Treatment

There is no cure for genital herpes, but treatment can reduce symptoms, speed up healing, and lower the chance of giving the virus to someone else. Treatment is usually given during outbreaks (episodic) or every day to prevent outbreaks (suppressive therapy).

Self-care at home

• Keep the area clean and dry to help sores heal.
• Sit in a warm bath (not hot) for a few minutes – it can soothe pain.
• Wear loose, cotton underwear and avoid tight clothes.
• Avoid having sex until all sores are completely healed.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen) for pain and fever – ask your pharmacist for advice.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines that you take by mouth during an outbreak. These help blisters heal faster and reduce pain. If you have many outbreaks, your doctor may offer daily antiviral medicine to prevent them from happening. Always follow your doctor's instructions and do not share medicines with anyone.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used for genital herpes. Treatment is always with medication and self-care.

Living with this condition

Having genital herpes can feel upsetting at first, but most people find it becomes a minor part of life. Outbreaks often happen less over time. You can still have a healthy sex life – using condoms and taking antiviral medicine (if prescribed) greatly lowers the risk to partners.

Lifestyle tips

• Manage stress – it can trigger outbreaks. Try exercise, talking to friends, or relaxation techniques.
• Get enough sleep and eat well to support your immune system.
• Avoid sharing towels, razors, or underwear during an outbreak to prevent spreading the virus to other parts of your body (like your eyes).

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular exercise help your immune system stay strong. There is no special diet that cures herpes, but some people find that foods high in the amino acid lysine (like dairy, fish, and poultry) may help. However, this is not proven – eating a healthy varied diet is best.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel anxious, embarrassed, or worried about telling partners. These feelings often get better with time. If you are feeling very down or it affects your daily life, talk to a trusted adult or a counsellor. Your sexual health clinic can offer support.

Prevention

The best way to prevent genital herpes is to not have sex, or to have sex only with one partner who does not have herpes. Using condoms every time you have sex greatly reduces the risk, but does not eliminate it because the virus can be present on skin not covered by a condom. If your partner has herpes, they can take daily antiviral medicine to lower the chance of passing it to you.

Screening programmes

Routine screening for genital herpes is not recommended for the general population. However, if you have symptoms or think you have been exposed, see a sexual health clinic for testing.

Complications

If left untreated

• Outbreaks may be more painful and last longer.
• Can spread the virus to sexual partners without knowing.
• Rarely, the virus can spread to the brain or eyes (herpes encephalitis or keratitis) – this is a medical emergency.
• If a pregnant woman has an active outbreak at delivery, the baby can get neonatal herpes, which is very serious.

Long-term outlook

With treatment and self-care, most people with genital herpes have few outbreaks over time. The virus stays in your body, but it becomes less active. You can still have a full life, healthy relationships, and children (with proper care during pregnancy). It is not life-threatening. Many people find that after the first year, outbreaks become much milder and less frequent.

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