What is Genital Herpes?

Since its establishment in the 1990s, Real Alternatives has offered expectant and new mothers access to free counseling and advice through its service provider network and website. Beyond pregnancy support, Real Alternatives provides information about sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, genital herpes affects approximately one-sixth of people between the ages of 14 and 49 in the United States. An incurable viral infection, genital herpes causes sores and blisters on and around the genitals. Many patients also experience unpleasant tingling sensations in the buttocks, legs, and genitals. 

Though the sores typically disappear within three weeks, the virus that causes them stays with the patient for life and is often passed through sexual contact. Doctors can provide several antiviral treatments to control the symptoms of genital herpes.

Women should understand that they can pass the condition to their babies, which can cause complications. However, doctors can take steps to prevent transmission in utero.