The effects of herpes on the penis

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection, and it is spread when you come into contact with liquid from a herpes blister, infected skin, or sexual fluids. When herpes sores appear on your penis, it’s likely because you’ve been exposed to HSV through penetrative sex (vaginal or anal), or oral sex with an infected partner.

Although herpes sores can appear anywhere on the genitals, including the scrotum and anus, you’ll most commonly develop blisters at the primary site of infection, for example, the penis.

Herpes symptoms on your penis can be uncomfortable and distressing. However, genital herpes is a very common condition that affects around one in five adults worldwide. In fact, many people who carry HSV-2 have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, so they may not be aware they have it at all.

Herpes on the penis can look slightly different for every man. Herpes on your penis or penis head can cause small blisters that look red or white. These blisters can also form around your anus. You may have a few blisters or many (this is known as a herpes rash). These blisters fill with clear or yellow liquid and burst, causing red, open sores that ooze. The blisters will eventually scab over and heal.

You can get herpes sores on any part of your penis, but they are often found on your penis head (including under your foreskin), shaft, and base. You may also get genital herpes blisters in the urethra (the tube your pee comes out of), which can make it painful or difficult to urinate.

Some STIs have similar symptoms to herpes, such as chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhoea which also cause pain when peeing and stinging or burning on your penis. Syphilis can also cause small grey or white growths on your penis, but these tend to look different than herpes blisters. A doctor will be able to diagnose herpes symptoms on your penis and rule out other possible causes.

Genital herpes is sometimes mistaken for genital warts. But unlike herpes, these warts are painless. If you are not sure whether you have herpes or another infection, you should speak to your doctor and take an STI test.

The first time you get symptoms of herpes on your penis this is known as an initial outbreak. This usually lasts between two and six weeks (symptoms can go away faster with the help of antiviral medications).

If you have another outbreak, symptoms can last around one to two weeks. Antiviral medications can relieve discomfort from genital herpes on the penis, and shorten the amount of time you have symptoms. Symptoms of subsequent outbreaks are often milder than your initial outbreak. Some people never get another outbreak.

Why might you get an outbreak of genital herpes on the penis head, shaft or base?

For some people with HSV-2, there are certain triggers that mean they’re more likely to get outbreaks of herpes symptoms on the penis or in other places. These triggers include:

• friction on your genitals, from sex or tight clothing, for example
• drinking alcohol
• smoking
• being unwell
• stress
• a weakened immune system

If you think you may have genital herpes on your penis, it’s really important to get tested. Getting a diagnosis means you can better manage the condition. It also means you’ll be less likely to spread the virus to other people.

With ZAVA, you can get tested for genital herpes without visiting a doctor or clinic. Order our simple home test kit and take your test at home. We will send your results straight to your secure online account within a few days of our lab receiving your sample. You can also privately message our doctors for free, confidential advice.

Looking at a photo of herpes sores can help you to recognise it. However, the only way to know for sure if you have herpes on your penis is by speaking to a doctor and getting a herpes test. You can test yourself with a home genital herpes test kit or by visiting a sexual health or STI clinic.

“I would always recommend seeing a doctor or getting a proper test to diagnose genital herpes. While it might be helpful to look at images of symptoms online, the only way to get a definite diagnosis is by getting it checked and tested by medical professionals. There is no need to feel embarrassed – doctors and nurses see symptoms of genital herpes all the time, and we can help give you the best treatment and peace of mind.” – Dr Brenda Ikeji, Medical Editor.

Genital herpes on men’s penises are usually treated with antiviral drugs. Antivirals disrupt the DNA of the herpes virus, which stops it from replicating itself. This then means it’s easier for your immune system to bring the outbreak under control, meaning it clears up sooner.

There are 3 antivirals that are used for genital herpes penis treatment:

Having genital herpes on your penis doesn’t mean you can't have sex again. However, you should take precautions that will reduce the chances of spreading it to other people.

If you are having an outbreak, even if it’s just mild genital herpes on your penis, you should abstain from sex. Genital herpes can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact during sex, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. You are much more likely to spread HSV-2 during an outbreak. Outbreaks typically last less than two weeks and may be even shorter if you take antivirals. During this time, you should avoid having sex with anyone.

That being said, you can still pass genital herpes on even if there are no visible signs of herpes on your penis. It is best to use a condom during sex to avoid spreading genital herpes. You should also maintain good hygiene and wash your hands if you come into contact with the infected area.

It might feel awkward, but it is best to tell your sexual partner(s) if you have HSV-2, even if you’re not having an outbreak of penile herpes symptoms. It is only fair to let them understand the possible risks. Remember, you can significantly reduce your risk of spreading the condition by wearing a condom.

Can a condom prevent genital herpes from being passed on?

Yes, a condom can prevent you from passing genital herpes onto your sexual partner but it must cover the infected area. You should avoid having sex if you or your sexual partner has symptoms of an outbreak, such as blisters, sores, or tingling. Avoid sharing sex toys to minimise the risk of passing on genital herpes.

Is genital herpes of the penis permanent?

There is currently no cure for herpes, but there are treatments available to manage outbreaks. Herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex and once you catch herpes the virus stays in your body until you have an outbreak. Over time, outbreaks tend to become milder and happen less often.

Is there a vaccine for herpes?

There is currently no herpes vaccine, although possible vaccines are being researched.

Is herpes on the penis serious?

Herpes on the penis is not usually serious and tends not to have any long-term effects on your general health. Herpes on the penis often resolves on its own or with the help of herpes treatments like aciclovir. Men tend to have more recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes than women – to reduce your chances of spreading genital herpes, we suggest avoiding sex during outbreaks and using a condom.

Genital herpes can be more serious if you also have HIV. Genital herpes can also increase your risk of contracting other STIs including HIV during an outbreak, especially if you have open sores on your penis.

At ZAVA, you can request fast, effective antiviral medication to improve symptoms and shorten outbreaks. We offer short-term treatment for current and future outbreaks, plus long-term treatment if you get these regularly. Get started by completing a short online medical questionnaire. All prescribed medications are sent out in discreet, unmarked packaging.