Table of Contents
Who is most at risk of getting herpes?
Genital herpes is more common in women than in men. But the infection spreads from men to women more easily. The risk is highest among teens and young adults who are more likely to take risks with sex. The biggest risk is the number of sex partners in a person’s lifetime.
What are the chances of catching herpes?
The chance of herpes transmission from a herpes-positive male to his susceptible female partner is 7%–31% (10% on average). This is about two-and-a-half times higher than the chance of herpes transmission from an infected female to a susceptible male (4%).
What is the main cause of herpes?
Herpes infections are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2. These viruses are contagious and transmitted from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact. Kissing or touching is the main cause of HSV-1 transmission, and sexual contact is the main cause of HSV-2 transmission.
How likely is it for a woman to get herpes?
Who gets genital herpes? Genital herpes is more common in women than men. One in five women ages 14 to 49 has genital herpes, compared with one in 10 men ages 14 to 49. A woman’s anatomy (body) puts her more at risk for genital herpes than men.
Is HSV 1 an STD?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2).
What are the first signs of herpes in woman?
The first signs may include:
- Itching, tingling, or burning feeling in the vaginal or anal area.
- Flu-like symptoms, including fever.
- Swollen glands.
- Pain in the legs, buttocks, or vaginal area.
- A change in vaginal discharge.
- Headache.
- Painful or difficult urination.
- A feeling of pressure in the area below the stomach.
Is herpes 1 an STD?
Is HSV-1 or 2 worse?
HSV-1 can cause “genital herpes,” but most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2. Typically, someone with HSV-2 will have sores around the genitals or rectum. Symptoms are usually the most intense during the first outbreak and become less intense over time.