Anal herpes is a condition which may be difficult to notice at first, due to its infection area of the body. You may notice itching, burning, oozing of sores, etc… If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have anal herpes. Read on to learn more about anal herpes throughout this guide and understand what anal herpes is and, how you can prevent it, and how it’s diagnosed.
What is Anal Herpes?
Anal herpes is simply herpes of the anus. Anal herpes consist of painful, oozing sores in the anal area which are prompted by HSV-1 and HSV-2. Anal herpes is primarily contracted from anal sex with an infected partner’s genitalia. It can also be contracted via oral sex from the infected partner’s mouth on the anus if they happen to have an active oral herpes outbreak.
Anal Herpes Symptoms
Anal herpes symtpoms are quite telltale and will typically consist of the following:
•Reddened bumps or sometimes white blisters waiting to pop
•Painful itching feelings around the anus
•Radiating ulcers which erupt at the site of the original blisters themselves
•Itchy scabs which cover the erupted blisters once they’ve healed
•Changes in your bowel habits due to pain or discomfort while defecating
Is Anal Herpes Contagious?
Yes, anal herpes is very contagious, much like all variations of the herpes virus. If you believe you may be infected with anal herpes, you’ll want to abstain from all sexual activity until you’ve been properly tested to rule out any sexually transmitted disease. Even practicing safe sex with condoms won’t prevent the spread of anal herpes to your sexual partner(s) during an active outbreak. The bottom line is: don’t risk passing on anal herpes to your partner(s) if you believe you’re infected with anal herpes.
How is Anal Herpes Transmitted?
Anal herpes is transmitted through sexual activity involving the anal area. This could be oral sex of the anus, penetrative anal sex, or any type of sex play around the anal region of your body. Avoid any sexual activity until you’ve determined your status in regards to a potential anal herpes infection.
How is Anal Herpes Diagnosed?
Anal herpes is diagnosed via a visual inspection by your doctor or a STD blood analysis test if your doctor is unable to diagnose the condition via visual inspection. From there, you’ll be able to determine if you do in fact have anal herpes. If you do, don’t overreact. It’s not the end of the world. The CDC estimates 1 in 6 adults have genital herpes, so you’re not alone in this statistic.
How is Anal Herpes Treated?
Anal herpes is not curable, however, it can be treated to reduce the severity of the condition via antiviral drugs such as Valtrex. Your doctor will be able to determine the best course of treatment for your anal herpes and will most likely be able to reduce the severity and recurrence of your anal herpes outbreaks.
How Often Do Anal Herpes Outbreaks Occur?
The recurrence rate at which your anal herpes outbreaks will occur depend on a number of factors such as your individual immune system, your stress levels, hormone levels, etc… All of these factors may influence the number of times per year you have an anal herpes outbreak and how severe said outbreak is. In most cases, your number of outbreaks and the severity of said outbreaks will most likely decrease over the course of your life.
Can HSV Be Cured?
Unfortunately, HSV-1 or HSV-2 cannot be cured. It is an STD which is with you for life, yet it has become very manageable in modern times thanks to advances in medicine. There are a number of antiviral solutions to lessen the severity and number of anal herpes outbreaks you encounter. The virus will always be in your body lying dormant until something in your system triggers an outbreak. This could be anything from high stress, illness, excessive sun exposure, or hormonal fluctuations.
Reduce Your Risk of Contracting Anal Herpes
The best way to avoid contracting anal herpes, or any STD for that matter, is to get tested regularly and practice safe sex and only have sex with partners who are tested regularly and who also practice safe sex. Aside from being abstinent, this is the best way to avoid contracting anal herpes, or any other STD in the future.
Get Tested for Anal Herpes Today
If you believe you may have been exposed to or have contracted anal herpes, you’ll want to get tested as soon as possible. We’ve partnered with STDcheck to offer confidential, fast, and easy STD testing for all of users. Click the button below to get tested today and put your mind at ease.
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.