Below, you will find a description of the different STDs.
Here, you will also find all information if you wish to be tested.
Wat is herpes genitalis en wat zijn de klachten?
Genital herpes
- Wat is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is an STD caused by a virus. The virus leads to skin blisters and infects the mucous membranes of the penis, vagina and anus.
The best-known form of herpes is the cold sore, but this is caused by a different strain of herpes.
The virus remains in the body for life. Therefore, the infection may reoccur at any time in the form of blisters. This often happens when immunity is low due to tiredness, stress or illness.
- How is it transmitted?
The virus is mainly in the blisters and is transmitted to the penis, vagina, lips and sometimes even the cornea of the eye through unprotected sexual contact or with the fingers.
The risk of infection is highest when (open) blisters are present, but it is also possible when blisters are not visible.
With a cold sore, the blisters are on and around the lips of the mouth. Oral sex may cause the virus to be transmitted to the genitals, where blisters may develop.
- Complaints
Normally, the initial infection goes unnoticed. Complaints normally develop within a week after infection.
Blisters filled with clear fluid or small sores appear on the skin and mucous membranes. The blisters are often very painful. They burst open and heal within one to four weeks without scarring.
In women, the blisters occur on the labia, vagina, cervix and in or around the anus.
In men, they occur on the outside of the penis and in or around the anus.
Additional complaints may be fever and muscle pain.
It is also possible to suffer from pain and a burning sensation when urinating. Itching in the vagina and swollen glands are also possible symptoms.