What happens if herpes is untreated

By that time, the virus might be advanced. Depending on that new infection, symptoms might include fever, weight loss, or a dry cough, Tosh notes.

Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy. What they are: Sexually transmitted infections STIs caused by bacteria — Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, respectively — and spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The CDC recommends annual screening for both. Initial symptoms: Most commonly urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra, which can result in a painful, burning feeling when you pee.

But both can also be asymptomatic, Tosh notes. If left untreated: If they progress, these STIs can also lead to more serious infections around the testes. In rare cases, gonorrhea can also spread throughout the body where it can infect the joints, causing damage and pain within weeks of infection. You can also pass the infections onto a sexual partner. And in women, both untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia can progress into pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection in the female reproductive organs, and can lead to infertility.

For men, in rare cases and depending on the severity of the infection, both can potentially lead to infertility as well, Tosh adds.

Some types often not the ones that cause cancer can also lead to genital warts. Treatment: There is no treatment for HPV itself, but genital warts can be treated or removed if they're bothersome. Wellness Library. Topic Overview If the herpes simplex virus HSV invades a part of the body other than the genital area, it may cause disease in that part of the body.

Some of these complications include: Meningitis , an infection of the fluid cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF and tissues meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis , an inflammation of the brain. This is usually the result of a viral infection.

Inflammation of the lower spinal cord and surrounding nerves. This may result in an inability to urinate, loss of feeling and muscle strength in the legs, and constipation. Other areas of the body that can be infected with the herpes virus include: The lips herpes labialis. These outbreaks are often called cold sores or fever blisters. They are usually mild but may be treated with antiviral medicines if they become severe or more frequent.

The hands and fingers herpetic whitlow. Plastic or rubber gloves prevent its spread. The anus herpes proctitis. Herpes proctitis is often more severe than other types of genital herpes.

The eyes herpes keratitis. However, recurrences are generally less painful than the original outbreak, and sores generally heal more quickly. If you suspect you have genital herpes — or any other sexually transmitted infection — see your doctor.

Because the virus dies quickly outside of the body, it's nearly impossible to get the infection through contact with toilets, towels or other objects used by an infected person. The suggestions for preventing genital herpes are the same as those for preventing other sexually transmitted infections: Abstain from sexual activity or limit sexual contact to only one person who is infection-free. Short of that, you can:. If you're pregnant and know you have genital herpes, tell your doctor.

If you think you might have genital herpes, ask to be tested for it. Your doctor may recommend that you start taking herpes antiviral medications late in pregnancy to try to prevent an outbreak around the time of delivery.

If you're having an outbreak when you go into labor, your doctor will probably suggest a cesarean section to reduce the risk of passing the virus to your baby. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus HSV. Genital herpes Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Genital herpes Sores associated with genital herpes can be small red bumps, blisters or open sores. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Genital herpes: Can you get it from a toilet seat?