How do you get sacral herpes?

Herpes can affect all parts of the body. But when on the buttocks or genitals, it can be particularly uncomfortable and be embarrassing. Most cases originate from herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which is what causes genital herpes, but type 1 (HSV-1) can cause genital herpes too. Most people with HSV-1 get oral herpes (cold sores), but it can also affect the genitals.

Causes

Genital herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact. This can happen during sex—anal, oral, or vaginal—as well as through touching the genitals with your hand. It’s possible to pass the virus to someone else even if you don't have any sores or symptoms.

Some things that increase your risk of genital herpes, including:

- Having multiple sex partners

- Having a history of other sexually transmitted diseases

- Having a weakened immune system

Symptoms

- In the first outbreak, you may experience:

- Small red or white blisters that pop to leave painful sores

- Pain when urinating

- Fever, chills, and tiredness

- Swollen lymph nodes

Treatment

There is no cure for genital herpes, but antiviral medicines can help to manage symptoms and prevent the virus from spreading to others. You need a prescription from your doctor to get these. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about taking these medicines.

Tips to prevent the spread of genital herpes:

- Tell all your sexual partners that you have the virus.

- Avoid kissing or having oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone when you have symptoms, even if they don’t have any.

- Wash your hands with soap and water after having oral, vaginal, or anal sex.

- Don’t share sex toys.

- Use condoms every time you have any kind of sex. This is the best way to prevent the spread of genital herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during sex.