Quick answer. Genital herpes is a common, manageable infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2). In Singapore it is one of the STIs frequently seen at the DSC Clinic. Many people have no symptoms or only mild ones, so you can carry and pass it on without knowing. There is no cure, but it is not dangerous to general health, and antiviral tablets (taken at the start of an outbreak, or daily as suppressive therapy) ease symptoms, speed healing and lower the chance of passing it on. Outbreaks usually become milder over time. Getting tested is straightforward and confidential. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, as special care reduces risk to the baby.
Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Singapore, affecting both men and women. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) — HSV-2 is the usual cause of genital herpes, though HSV-1 (the virus behind cold sores) increasingly causes genital infection through oral sex. The DSC Clinic notes that genital herpes is a common STI it sees, and HSV-2 accounts for most recurrent cases.
A herpes diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it is far more common than most people realise and is very manageable. Although it cannot be cured, it is not life-threatening in adults and has no long-term effect on general health or fertility. This guide explains symptoms, triggers, treatment, how to reduce passing it on, pregnancy considerations and where to get confidential help in Singapore.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to know | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | HSV-1 or HSV-2 (a virus) | Spread by skin-to-skin and sexual contact |
| Symptoms | Blisters/sores, itching, pain passing urine — or none at all | Many carriers have no symptoms |
| Curable? | No cure, but very manageable | Antivirals control outbreaks |
| Treatment | Antiviral tablets (episodic or daily suppressive) | Most effective when started early |
| Recurrence | Outbreaks may recur, usually milder over time | Triggers: stress, illness, fatigue, menstruation |
| Where to get help | GP, polyclinic, DSC Clinic, sexual-health clinics | Confidential testing available |
What is genital herpes and how common is it?
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types: HSV-1, traditionally linked to cold sores around the mouth, and HSV-2, the usual cause of genital herpes. As oral sex becomes more common, HSV-1 genital infections are rising. It is one of the top STIs in Singapore and is seen frequently at the DSC Clinic.
The virus spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact — vaginal, anal or oral sex, and sometimes close genital contact even without penetration. Because the virus can be shed from the skin even when there are no visible sores, a person can pass it on without knowing they are infected. Having herpes says nothing about your character or hygiene; it is simply a common virus.
Symptoms (or no symptoms at all)
Many people with HSV have no symptoms or such mild ones that they never notice. When symptoms do appear, the first (primary) outbreak is often the most uncomfortable and may include:
- Tingling, itching or pain in the genital or anal area
- Small red blisters that burst to leave painful sores or ulcers
- Pain or stinging when passing urine
- Flu-like feelings — fever, body aches, swollen glands — during a first outbreak
Sores usually heal within a couple of weeks. Later outbreaks (recurrences) are generally shorter and milder, and many people get warning signs (tingling) before one starts.
Outbreaks, triggers and antiviral treatment
After the first episode the virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate from time to time. Common triggers include stress, tiredness, illness, menstruation and a weakened immune system. Outbreaks typically become less frequent and milder over the years.
There is no cure, but antiviral medicines (such as aciclovir, valaciclovir or famciclovir) are effective:
- Episodic treatment: a short course started as soon as an outbreak begins reduces severity and speeds healing.
- Suppressive treatment: a daily tablet for those with frequent outbreaks, which reduces how often they occur and lowers the risk of passing the virus to a partner.
Simple measures — keeping the area clean and dry, pain relief, loose clothing — help comfort during an outbreak.
Reducing transmission to partners
You can lower the risk of passing herpes on, though no method removes it entirely:
- Avoid sex (including oral and genital skin-to-skin contact) during an outbreak or when you feel one starting
- Use condoms consistently — they reduce but do not eliminate risk, since the virus can affect skin a condom does not cover
- Consider daily suppressive antivirals if you have frequent outbreaks or a regular partner
- Talk openly with partners so you can decide together on protection and testing
Disclosing herpes to a partner can feel daunting, but honesty supports trust and shared decisions. Many couples manage herpes well for years.
Pregnancy and herpes
If you are pregnant or planning to be, tell your doctor about any history of genital herpes. The main concern is passing the virus to the baby during delivery, which is uncommon but can be serious for newborns. The risk is highest if a first outbreak happens in late pregnancy.
Doctors manage this with antiviral medicine in later pregnancy and, in some cases, recommend a caesarean delivery if active sores are present at the time of birth. With proper care, most women with herpes have healthy babies. Routine antenatal care in Singapore helps doctors plan ahead.
Emotional impact and getting confidential help
It is normal to feel shock, embarrassment or anxiety after a herpes diagnosis — but herpes is common, manageable and nothing to be ashamed of. It does not define you, and it does not stop you from having relationships, sex or children.
You can get confidential testing and treatment from your GP, a polyclinic, private sexual-health clinics or the DSC Clinic (the public STI clinic at 31 Kelantan Lane), where care is discreet and non-judgemental. If you are struggling emotionally, speak to your doctor; support is available. The most important step is simply to get checked.
Related guides
- Best Sexual Health & STD Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- sexual health & STD clinics directory
- Genital warts (HPV)
- Chlamydia & gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
Sources
- DSC Clinic – Genital Herpes
- HealthHub – Genital Herpes
- DSC Clinic – What are STIs?
- HealthHub – Getting Support for STIs
Related conditions & guides
Related conditions and guides you may find useful:
- Common STDs and Their Symptoms in Singapore
- HIV PrEP and PEP in Singapore
- HPV Vaccination in Singapore
- STD and STI Testing in Singapore
Part of our Infections & sexual health guides · Browse all health topics