What happens if herpes remains untreated?

What happens if herpes remains untreated?

Herpes – both HSV-1 and HSV-2 – is a chronic viral infection that can cause anything from mild to very severe and bothersome symptoms. Many people choose not to seek treatment, either because they don’t know they are infected or because their symptoms are mild. But what actually happens if herpes is left untreated?
In this blog post, we review what you can expect if herpes remains untreated – both physically, psychologically and in terms of risk of infection.

 

1. Symptoms may recur – but vary

Herpes is known for its recurring outbreaks. If you don't receive treatment, you can:

• Experiencing several/many outbreaks annually, especially in the first few years after infection
• Have milder outbreaks over time as the body develops immunity
• Risk of longer duration and more pain with each outbreak

In some people, the outbreaks subside almost completely over time – in others, they persist for decades.

2. Increased risk of infecting others

If you don't get treatment, you're more likely to:

• Have longer periods of active virus that can be contagious
• Have more frequent asymptomatic viral shedding
• Infecting your partner, especially with genital herpes

Antiviral medication can reduce the risk of infection by up to 50% – and even more when combined with a condom.

3. Psychological stress and social insecurity

Many people find that herpes affects them mentally – especially with untreated, visible outbreaks. Without treatment, you risk:

• Shame and low self-esteem
• Fear of rejection in intimate relationships
• Uncertainty about when you will become infected.

4. Complications in special cases

In rare cases – especially if the immune system is weakened – untreated herpes can lead to:

• Herpes keratitis: Eye infection that can cause reduced vision
• Herpes encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, a rare but serious complication
• Neonatal herpes: Serious risk at birth if mother has active genital outbreak

These complications are rare, but emphasize the importance of attention and possible treatment.

5. You can still live normally without treatment

It is important to say that herpes is harmless for the vast majority of people. You can avoid treatment if:

• You have rare or no outbreaks
• You feel safe in your sexual relationships
• You have spoken to your doctor and are informed

Treatment is a tool – not a necessity for everyone.

Conclusion

It is important to start treatment for a herpes outbreak at the very first sign of it coming on. Over-the-counter medications such as gels and creams are very effective and reduce both the duration and size of the outbreak. It is important for both yourself and your loved ones that you treat your outbreak effectively. If you are very troubled by very frequent and painful outbreaks, you should seek treatment through your doctor and may be prescribed antiviral medication.

The most important thing is to know your options and make an informed choice.