Genital Herpes: How to find out if you have it
Reduce risk of contracting and spreading herpes

Genital herpes is defined as an infection of the buttocks, anal, or genital area caused by herpes simplex virus. There are two types of herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus type 1 usually infects the mouth and lips, causing sores known as fever blisters or cold sores. It is also an important cause of sores to the genitals. Herpes simplex virus type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth.
Here’s something you may not know: one out of every five American teenagers and adults is infected with herpes simplex virus 2. The rate of infection is even higher among women, with one out of every four being infected. In fact, since the late 70s, people with genital herpes infection has increased in number thirty percent across the country, the biggest increase being among young adults and teens. 
Symptoms
Symptoms of herpes are called outbreaks, and these occur in phases. The first outbreak usually appears within two weeks of infection and includes tingling and sores on the genital, buttocks, or anal area. The sores can occur inside the vagina and on the cervix. The symptoms are usually manifested as small red bumps that become small blisters, and eventually, painful sores that develop a crust.
However, some people may develop mild symptoms or none at all, leading them to believe they are not infected.
Diagnosis
This is usually done through an examination of sores, or, if it is difficult to assess, a laboratory culture test.
Transmitting the virus
If you are infected with genital herpes, you can transmit the virus to a partner during sex. People who do not know they have herpes transmit genital herpes unwittingly to all their partners. Most people get genital herpes by having sex with someone who is shedding the herpes virus either during outbreaks or during a period without symptoms.
Herpes may also be transmitted through close contact such as oral sex or close skin-to-skin contact. The virus is almost never spread through exposed objects such as toilet seats or hot tubs.
Prevent the risk of spreading herpes
To avoid spreading the infection to other people or even to other places on their body, people infected with herpes touching the infected area during an outbreak, washing their hands after contact with the area. Second, they should not have sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal) from the time of first genital symptoms until symptoms are completely gone.
TREATMENT
Your health care provider might prescribe an antiviral medicine to treat symptoms to help future outbreaks. Although there is no cure for genital herpes, these medicines can help decrease the risk of transmitting the disease to future sexual partners while helping prevent future outbreaks. Medicines typically used to treat genital herpes are listed below:
• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)