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What is Vaginal Herpes?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Vaginal herpes is a symptom of infection with the Herpes Simplex Virus I or II. The infection may initially look like either a single blister or a small rash of blasters and they may be located on or in the vagina, or on any other part of the genitals. If present in the vagina, some women may be unaware they are infected, but if they feel unusual itching or irritation and suspect they may have herpes, they should see a doctor for a confirmed diagnosis.

It’s the case that vaginal herpes is common, and in fact women are much more likely to get this condition than men because they have more mucous membrane surface around the genitals than do men. In most cases vaginal herpes is Herpes Simplex Virus II, which is called genital herpes. Yet it’s also possible to get oral herpes on the vagina.

Acyclovir is used to treat vaginal herpes.
Acyclovir is used to treat vaginal herpes.

The disease in both cases tends to be sexually transmitted, and any sexual activity with a person with herpes may result in infection. It is also possible to get the condition when a sexual partner shows no active herpes infection. Contrary to what was popularly believed in the past, the condition can be contagious at all times.

There is no cure for vaginal herpes, although several vaccines are being tested, one of which is specifically targeted to women. This doesn’t mean a herpes vaccine will be available soon. Doctors project no release of a vaccine for many years yet. The need for a vaccine is considered extremely important since estimates suggest that 25% of women in America have genital herpes.

Herpes can be spread through many types of skin-to-skin contact, including oral sex.
Herpes can be spread through many types of skin-to-skin contact, including oral sex.

Waiting for a vaccine and hoping vaginal herpes won’t occur is not a viable present solution for preventing it. The best precautions are to not have unprotected sex. Condom use is always important, and people should not have sex any time a partner has an active outbreak. A partner can help too by taking medications like acyclovir® which may reduce number of outbreaks and lower risk of potentially shedding the virus in between active infections.

Condom use is important to prevent becoming infected with vaginal herpes.
Condom use is important to prevent becoming infected with vaginal herpes.

Since herpes is so contagious, many women who do have it are concerned about having children. If aware of the condition, women should discuss this with their physicians, but typically it doesn’t mean people can’t have children. Doctors may handle this in different ways. Sometimes anti-viral medications are given so infection doesn’t occur, but if herpes lesions are present during birth, it is likely Cesarean section is the safest option for the baby.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Discussion Comments

fBoyle

I've heard that if someone with vaginal herpes takes their medicine on time and takes vitamin C and zinc supplements, there won't be breakouts.

Is this enough to treat this condition?

turquoise

@literally45-- Only medical testing can determine which virus one has. The blisters are not different enough to identify.

But oral herpes on the vagina, although it can happen, is not common. These blisters usually show up around the mouth. So more than likely, blisters on the vagina is due to genital herpes virus.

Treating herpes blisters before was more difficult. Now there are more advanced viral medications that keep the virus under control and reduce breakouts. It's still important to take precautions before sexual activity and warn all sexual partners of the infection though.

We also need to teach our kids about this infection. I saw a fifteen year old with vaginal herpes outbreak at the hospital last week. It's unfortunate for someone so young to be dealing with this.

literally45

This is so confusing. How can anyone tell if they have herpes type two vaginal blisters or herpes type one oral blisters on the vagina? Will they look different?

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    • Acyclovir is used to treat vaginal herpes.
      By: bhofack2
      Acyclovir is used to treat vaginal herpes.
    • Herpes can be spread through many types of skin-to-skin contact, including oral sex.
      By: Imagery Majestic
      Herpes can be spread through many types of skin-to-skin contact, including oral sex.
    • Condom use is important to prevent becoming infected with vaginal herpes.
      By: Kzenon
      Condom use is important to prevent becoming infected with vaginal herpes.
    • If herpes lesions are present during childbirth, a C-section will be the safest option for the baby.
      By: Anton Booysen
      If herpes lesions are present during childbirth, a C-section will be the safest option for the baby.
    • Individuals with genital herpes are able to donate blood as long as they are feeling well.
      By: Gina Sanders
      Individuals with genital herpes are able to donate blood as long as they are feeling well.