Genital herpes and genital warts affect quality of life and emotional well-being

BackgroundHealth-related quality of life is an important outcome in sexually transmitted infections, but data on genital herpes and genital warts in Sweden are limited. This study aimed to describe health-related quality of life in these patient groups at a Swedish STI clinic and to compare their scores with population norms and between the two diagnoses.MethodsWe conducted a clinic-based cross-sectional survey among adults with clinician-confirmed genital herpes or genital warts at an STI clinic in northern Sweden between November 2023 and September 2025. Health-related quality of life was measured using RAND-36. Global quality of life and sexual life were rated on visual analogue scales, and psychological symptoms were assessed with the DASS-21.ResultsIn total, 91 patients were included, 45 with genital herpes and 46 with genital warts. Current visible lesions were more common in genital warts (98%) than in genital herpes (45%). No significant differences were observed between the groups in global quality of life, sexual life ratings and DASS-21 (all <i>p</i> > 0.12). In contrast, genital herpes patients scored lower than genital warts patients in RAND-36 domains: vitality (46.1 vs 56.7, <i>p</i> = 0.034); and social functioning (68 vs 79, <i>p</i> = 0.048). Compared with Swedish norms, genital herpes patients scored 15-27 points lower in mental and social domains (all <i>p</i> < 0.001), and 9 points lower in general health (<i>p</i> = 0.015). Genital warts patients scored 18 points lower in role emotional (<i>p</i> = 0.008).ConclusionsGenital herpes and genital warts were both associated with impaired health and quality of life in this Swedish clinical sample. Genital herpes patients demonstrated greater mental and social impairment compared to those with genital warts and norms. These findings highlight the need for psychosocial assessment, clear information on transmission and recurrences, and targeted support for patients with pronounced psychological distress.