Genital Herpes Transmission

Genital herpes transmission occurs through direct contact between the virus and skin. This can occur during genital to genital contact and during oral to genital contact. Genital herpes can spread during unprotected sex of any kind (including anal and oral). It's worth noting that genital herpes can spread during oral sex if one partner has an infected cold sore on their mouth.

It's important to note that the genital herpes virus can be spread while no outbreak is visible. Prodromal symptoms, such as itchiness or tingling sensations, can occur before the appearance of any visual sores or lesions. Even without any visual sores, these prodromal symptoms indicate that the virus is active and transmissible. Sores can also occur inside the vagina, where they can not be seen. However, these sores are still capable of spreading the infection, especially during unprotected sex.

An infected person can also transfer the virus to different parts of their own body. If one should have an outbreak on one part of their body, and if they happen to touch or rub at that part of their body, they can easily spread the virus by touching other parts of their body. Towels can also facilitate this transfer of the virus from one part of the body to another.

Between active outbreaks, the genital herpes virus is still transferable. However, people who know they are infected and are aware of their symptoms find that it's much less likely for the virus to transfer between outbreaks than during an active outbreak.

Pregnant mothers can transfer the virus to their children if the child is delivered vaginally during an active outbreak. The direct contact between the baby and the virus within the mother's birth canal can cause the child to become infected. If there are sores and signs of the active herpes virus within the birth canal during labor, the doctor may opt to deliver the baby via cesarean section to protect the newborn from coming into direct contact with the virus.

It is not uncommon for a person infected with genital herpes to be unaware that they even have the disease. Symptoms can be so mild as to go unnoticed, or deemed not serious enough to be worried about. Since genital herpes is most easily transmitted during periods of active breakouts, it's important for one to know what symptoms to look for so as to protect their partners and newborns. Limiting the amount of direct contact of sores and infected areas can greatly reduce the spread of the virus.

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