What happens if genital herpes goes untreated

A virus flare-up during pregnancy increases her risk of premature labor and an unborn baby can get a deadly infection in the womb. Some people with the virus never experience the tell-tale outbreak of blisters and sores, but they are still contagious. This is why getting tested for the genital herpes virus is extremely important. Herpes is a viral infection that comes in two types.

Oral herpes is caused by a harmless virus called the herpes simplex virus 1 HSV It is easily passed from one person to another through skin contact, and, as a result, almost all people are exposed to it as children or young adults. These cold sores may recur as the infection is lifelong, but outbreaks are usually self-limited. A different virus called the herpes simplex virus 2 HSV-2 causes genital herpes.

This form of herpes can result in both internal and external sores, and blisters in the genital area, which can arise several days, weeks, or months after exposure. Some people may never experience visible symptoms. According to the CDC, having the genital herpes virus puts people at an increased risk of getting an HIV infection, if exposed.

If a child sucks their thumb, blisters can form around the finger. If the virus spreads to the eyes , swelling and inflammation can occur near the eyelid.

An infection that spreads to the cornea can lead to blindness. See a doctor if you develop signs of a skin or eye infection. These infections can also be mild and harmless. Minor complications with genital herpes include inflammation around the bladder and rectum area. This can lead to swelling and pain. If swelling prevents emptying the bladder, you may need a catheter.

Meningitis is another possible, though unlikely, complication. It occurs when the viral infection spreads and causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Keep in mind that having genital herpes increases the risk of other STIs. Blisters can cause breaks in the skin, making it easier for certain microbes to enter the body.

Neonatal herpes is a very serious complication of genital herpes. An infection that passes to a child during pregnancy or childbirth can cause brain damage, blindness, or even death to a newborn baby. Treatment typically consists of antivirals to suppress the virus. However, other types of the virus can also have potentially serious complications. This is the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.

A chickenpox infection is usually mild. But the virus can progress and cause potentially life-threatening complications, like pneumonia or toxic shock syndrome, in people with a weakened immune system. This is the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis. In people with a weakened immune system, the disease may lead to encephalitis or inflammation of the heart muscles. The virus has also been linked to lymphoma.

This virus is an infection that also causes mono. Most people infected with HSV don't know they have it because they don't have any signs or symptoms or because their signs and symptoms are so mild. When present, symptoms may begin about two to 12 days after exposure to the virus. If you experience symptoms of genital herpes, they may include:. During an initial outbreak, you may have flu-like signs and symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes in your groin, headache, muscle aches and fever.

Sores appear where the infection entered your body. You can spread the infection by touching a sore and then rubbing or scratching another area of your body, including your eyes. Men and women can develop sores on the: Buttocks and thighs Anus Mouth Urethra the tube that allows urine to drain from the bladder to the outside Women can also develop sores in or on the: Vaginal area External genitals Cervix Men can also develop sores in or on the:.

Genital herpes is different for each person. The signs and symptoms may recur, off and on, for years. Some people experience numerous episodes each year. For many people, however, the outbreaks are less frequent as time passes. However, recurrences are generally less painful than the original outbreak, and sores generally heal more quickly.

If you suspect you have genital herpes — or any other sexually transmitted infection — see your doctor. Because the virus dies quickly outside of the body, it's nearly impossible to get the infection through contact with toilets, towels or other objects used by an infected person. To find free and low-cost STD testing near you, go to greaterthan. You can also help ease the pain caused by herpes outbreaks by taking a warm bath, wearing loose clothing and putting an ice pack on the sores.

Herpes can be painful, but it generally does not cause serious health problems like other STDs can. Without treatment, you might continue to have regular outbreaks, or they could only happen rarely. Some people naturally stop getting outbreaks after a while. Herpes typically does not get worse over time. Many health departments also offer testing. Download PDF. Did you know STDs — or sexually transmitted diseases — are very common and often show no symptoms? The good news is all STDs are treatable and many are curable.

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