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Free & confidential sexual health services for black and minority communities
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Genital Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It can be passed on from one person to another through penetrative sex –oral, vaginal and anal - as well as skin-to-skin contact. HSV is a long- term condition which can be treated but not cured.
The virus is highly contagious and spreads from one person through skin-to-skin contact, such as during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Wherever HSV is on the surface of your skin it can be passed onto a partner.
It is passed on during sexual contact and is most likely to be passed on before, during and immediately after an outbreak. It is easier to catch when the infected person has blisters or sores. However, it can be caught at any time, even when someone has no symptoms at all.
It can be passed on from one person to another through:
Some ways to avoid the infection include:
Male condoms and femidoms (female condoms) reduce the risk of getting or passing on herpes if they cover the affected area.
Wash hands after touching blisters, especially before handing contact lenses, because herpes can cause an eye infection.
Many people who have the herpes virus may not even realise because they may not get any visible signs or symptoms. If you do get symptoms they may include the following:
The symptoms may last up to 20 days.
Although the initial symptoms of genital herpes clear up, the virus remains dormant in a nearby nerve. The virus can reactivate from time to time, causing recurrent outbreaks.
If you are showing symptoms visit your local sexual health clinic as soon as possible.
The herpes virus stays in your body for life but antiviral tablets stop blisters o make them heal quicker, and they can be used long-term to prevent symptoms. If blisters appear, pain killing creams and bathing in salt water may help.
You can only have a check-up for herpes when you have signs and symptoms. If you think you have genital herpes for the first time you should visit your local sexual health clinic as soon as possible.
The doctor or nurse will look at the affected area and take a swab of fluid from the blisters. The sample will then be sent to be tested for HSV and you will normally get the results back in one to two weeks.
Sexual Health testing services in Greater Manchester.
The Passionate about Sexual Health (PaSH) Partnership) is a collaboration between BHA for Equality, George House Trust and the LGBT Foundation. The PaSH Partnership will deliver a comprehensive programme of interventions to meet the changing needs of people newly diagnosed with HIV, living longer term with HIV or at greatest risk of acquiring HIV.
Free & confidential sexual health services for black and minority communities
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Free and confidential support, advice and advocacy services for people living with HIV
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Providing advice, support and resources for LGBT people to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing
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