What are the key facts about genital herpes. How is genital herpes transmitted. What are the symptoms of genital herpes. How is genital herpes diagnosed and treated. Can genital herpes be prevented. What are the long-term implications of genital herpes. How does genital herpes affect pregnancy.

The Nature and Prevalence of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a widespread sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV that can cause genital herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. While HSV-1 is traditionally associated with oral herpes (“cold sores”), it can also cause genital infections. HSV-2 is more commonly linked to genital herpes.

The prevalence of genital herpes is significant, affecting approximately one in five people in the United States. This high prevalence underscores the importance of understanding the infection, its transmission, and management strategies.

Types of Herpes Simplex Virus

• HSV-1: Primarily causes oral herpes but can also cause genital herpes
• HSV-2: Predominantly causes genital herpes

Is genital herpes more common in certain populations. Studies have shown that genital herpes is more prevalent among individuals with multiple sexual partners. Additionally, women are more susceptible to contracting the virus than men due to biological factors.

Transmission and Risk Factors of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual activity. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It’s crucial to understand that transmission can occur even when no visible symptoms are present, a phenomenon known as asymptomatic shedding.

Key Transmission Facts

• Skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity
• Possible transmission from oral herpes to genitals through oral sex
• Risk of transmission from mother to baby during childbirth
• Potential for self-infection by touching cold sores and then touching other body parts

Can genital herpes be transmitted through objects or surfaces. While it’s theoretically possible, the risk is extremely low as the virus doesn’t survive long outside the body. The primary mode of transmission remains direct skin-to-skin contact.

Recognizing Symptoms and Manifestations of Genital Herpes

The symptoms of genital herpes can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may experience severe outbreaks, while others may have mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic. Understanding the typical manifestations can aid in early detection and management.

Common Symptoms of Genital Herpes

1. Painful blisters or sores in the genital area
2. Itching or tingling sensation before outbreak
3. Flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes)
4. Painful urination
5. Vaginal or penile discharge

Do genital herpes hurt when you touch them. Yes, genital herpes sores are typically painful to touch, especially during the initial outbreak. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, depending on the individual and the extent of the outbreak.

Diagnosis and Testing for Genital Herpes

Accurate diagnosis of genital herpes is crucial for proper management and prevention of transmission. Healthcare providers employ various methods to diagnose the infection, ranging from visual examination to laboratory tests.

Diagnostic Methods for Genital Herpes

• Visual examination of symptoms
• Viral culture from lesions
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test
• Blood tests for HSV antibodies

How accurate are genital herpes tests. The accuracy of tests can vary. PCR tests are highly accurate, while viral cultures may produce false negatives if lesions have begun to heal. Blood tests can detect antibodies but may not distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 or indicate the site of infection.

Treatment Options and Management Strategies

While there is no cure for genital herpes, various treatment options can help manage symptoms, reduce the frequency of outbreaks, and lower the risk of transmission. Antiviral medications are the cornerstone of genital herpes treatment.

Common Antiviral Medications for Genital Herpes

• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)

These medications can be prescribed for episodic treatment (taken during outbreaks) or suppressive therapy (taken daily to reduce outbreak frequency). In addition to medication, lifestyle changes and stress management can help control outbreaks.

How effective are antiviral medications in managing genital herpes. Antiviral medications can significantly reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks. When used as suppressive therapy, they can decrease the frequency of recurrences by 70-80% and reduce the risk of transmission to uninfected partners.

Prevention Strategies and Safe Practices

Preventing the transmission of genital herpes involves a combination of safe sex practices, open communication with partners, and awareness of symptoms. While no method is 100% effective, several strategies can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.

Key Prevention Strategies

1. Consistent and correct use of condoms
2. Abstaining from sexual activity during outbreaks
3. Limiting the number of sexual partners
4. Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections
5. Open communication with sexual partners about STI status

Is there a vaccine for genital herpes. Currently, there is no approved vaccine for genital herpes. However, research is ongoing, and several vaccine candidates are in various stages of clinical trials.

Long-term Implications and Quality of Life

Living with genital herpes can have physical, emotional, and social implications. While the infection is manageable, it requires ongoing attention to one’s health and relationships. Understanding the long-term aspects of genital herpes is crucial for maintaining a good quality of life.

Psychological and Social Aspects

• Potential stigma and misconceptions
• Impact on intimate relationships
• Importance of support systems and counseling

How does genital herpes affect long-term health. For most individuals, genital herpes does not cause serious health problems. However, it can increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV. In rare cases, it may lead to complications such as meningitis or inflammation of the liver.

Genital Herpes and Pregnancy: Special Considerations

Genital herpes during pregnancy requires special attention due to the potential risk of transmission to the newborn. Neonatal herpes is a serious condition that can lead to severe complications or even death if not promptly treated.

Managing Genital Herpes During Pregnancy

1. Regular prenatal check-ups and discussions with healthcare providers
2. Antiviral therapy to reduce the risk of outbreaks near delivery
3. Potential need for cesarean section if active lesions are present during labor
4. Monitoring of the newborn for signs of infection

What is the risk of transmitting genital herpes to a newborn. The risk is highest when a mother acquires genital herpes late in pregnancy. For women with established infections, the risk is much lower, especially with proper management and antiviral therapy.

Understanding genital herpes is crucial for public health and individual well-being. While it remains a chronic condition, advances in treatment and management strategies have significantly improved the quality of life for those affected. Ongoing research continues to explore new therapies and potential vaccines, offering hope for even better management in the future.

For individuals diagnosed with genital herpes, it’s important to remember that support is available. Healthcare providers can offer guidance on managing symptoms, reducing transmission risks, and addressing psychological concerns. Open communication with partners and participation in support groups can also be beneficial in navigating life with genital herpes.

As with any medical condition, staying informed about the latest developments in genital herpes research and treatment is advisable. Regular check-ups and open discussions with healthcare providers ensure that individuals receive the most up-to-date and appropriate care for their specific situation.

In conclusion, while genital herpes presents challenges, it is a manageable condition. With proper education, treatment, and support, individuals with genital herpes can lead healthy, fulfilling lives. As society continues to work towards destigmatizing sexually transmitted infections, it’s hoped that those affected by genital herpes will face fewer social and emotional barriers in the future.

What Should I Know About Genital Herpes?

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a viral infection. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is called HSV for short. One form of the herpes virus causes “cold sores” around the mouth or lips. This kind can be passed around if someone touches the cold sore and then touches another person.

Genital herpes is caused by another form of the virus. It causes sores in the genital area and can be spread from person to person by direct skin contact (often during sex) with a person who has the infection.

What do genital herpes sores look like?

Herpes sores usually look like blisters or cold sores. In women, the sores can be inside the vagina and on the cervix, or on the skin outside the vagina. In men, the sores are on the penis and scrotum, and the skin around the genital area. The sores start off as itchy places and then change to blisters or ulcers. Ulcers are red sores that are filled with pus. Sometimes, blisters pop up and change to ulcers before you even notice you have them. Over a period of days, the sores change to crusted spots before they finally heal.

How common is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is very common. One of every five people in this country has genital herpes. People who have sex with many partners are most likely to get it. When women with genital herpes get pregnant, they can pass the infection to their baby during delivery. New babies can get really sick from herpes. If the infection is bad, the infant may even die.

What are genital herpes infections like?

The first herpes infection is usually the worst one. Genital herpes infections come back over and over again. The first time, you may have one sore or many sores. The sores are painful. Some may be hidden inside the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from your bladder. The sores make urination painful. Some people also have a fever, a sore throat, deep tiredness and body aches. These problems might last three weeks.

After the first infection, HSV sores can come back any time. They often come back when you are sick with something else and when your immune system isn’t strong enough. Genital herpes might come back 4 to 6 times a year at first. After a few years, the herpes sores hurt less. They come back less often.

Is genital herpes contagious?

Yes. When blisters or crusts are present, the virus can be passed by direct contact to others. But the virus can be just as contagious even when you cannot see any sores. Using condoms helps to prevent the spread of infection—but condoms cannot protect you completely. Because HSV also causes cold sores on the mouth, a person with cold sores can spread HSV through mouth contact with the genital area of another person. The virus can also be carried on hands from the mouth to another area. You can even spread the virus to yourself by touching cold sores on your mouth and then touching other areas of your body.

Will it ever go away?

No, genital herpes can’t be “cured.” You will have genital herpes for the rest of your life. As time goes by, many people have fewer and milder herpes sores.

Is there a treatment?

Yes, several medicines are used to treat HSV infection. Acyclovir (brand name: Zovirax), famciclovir (brand name: Famvir) and valacyclovir (brand name: Valtrex) are all used for genital herpes. Your doctor can prescribe one of these medicines for you. They don’t have many side effects, but they can be a little expensive.

How can I avoid getting genital herpes?

No vaccine can protect you from HSV infection, but you can do some things to prevent getting infected:

• Limit the number of sexual partners you have in your lifetime.

• Make sure that you and your sexual partner use condoms every time you have sex.

• Consider sexual abstinence (not having sex until you’re in a deeply committed relationship).

• Don’t have any kind of sex with someone who has herpes sores, itching or scabs, and remember that genital herpes can be spread even when there is no sign of a sore.

• Always wash your hands after touching a cold sore.

Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group: OB/GYNs

5 Signs of Genital Herpes: Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group: OB/GYNs

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that’s caused by both herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). The condition affects more than one out of every six Americans aged 14-49.

Despite being a common STD, it’s possible to have genital herpes and not realize it, especially if your symptoms are very mild. That’s why Dr. Essam Taymour and our team at Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group created this guide to shed light on five common signs of genital herpes.

Common signs of genital herpes

Genital herpes can spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and it can lay dormant. You can contract genital herpes even if your partner doesn’t have any sores. It’s also possible to contract genital herpes if you receive oral sex from someone with oral herpes. 

During an outbreak, you may notice any of the following five signs of genital herpes:

1. Pain 

You may experience pain, itching, tingling, and tenderness in the genital area during an active infection.

2. Flu-like symptoms

During your initial infection, you may notice flu-like symptoms, such as:

• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes in your groin
• Headache
• Muscle aches 

Many infections cause flu-like symptoms, so it’s important to receive an accurate diagnosis before embarking on any treatment plans.

3. Bumps and blisters

Pain and tenderness may also be accompanied by tiny white blisters or small red bumps. These bumps can appear a few days or up to a few weeks after an infection. Many people mistake ingrown hairs for herpes blisters. If you’re unsure, an STD test can help determine the source of the bump or blister in question.

4. Ulcers

If the small white blisters start to rupture, you may notice bleeding or oozing. Depending on where the ulcers are, it can make urination painful. If ulcers are causing discomfort, wear loose-fitting underwear to avoid irritation. You can also soak in a warm tub for added comfort, but be sure to avoid any perfumed soap.

5. Scabs

As your ulcers start to heal, they form scabs.

What to do if you suspect you have genital herpes

If you suspect you have herpes or have been exposed to herpes, follow these tips:

• Schedule an appointment to get tested 
• Refrain from sexual activity during an outbreak
• Let your partner know you’ve been exposed or suspect you have herpes so they can get tested too
• Learn as much as you can about herpes and safe sex practices that help reduce transmission to others

If you do have herpes, it’s important to know that it’s treatable, but it can’t be cured. Once you have herpes, you have it for the rest of your life. 

Antiviral medications can help shorten your outbreak and prevent future outbreaks. Two examples of antivirals used to treat genital herpes are acyclovir (Zovirax) and valacyclovir (Valtrex).

We know the thought of having an STD can be overwhelming or even embarrassing, but with treatment, you can take back control and shorten your outbreaks. We’re experienced when it comes to STD testing, and our compassionate and nonjudgemental team offers treatments as well as guidance for improved safe sex. 

To schedule an appointment at our office in our Long Beach, California, use our convenient online booking tool. You can also give us a call at 562-247-3038.

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Briefly and clearly tells the urologist – Medical Center “Healer”

January 30, 2021

January 30, 2021

What is genital herpes: urologist tells briefly and clearly

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Genital or genital herpes refers to viral diseases. It is present in 15% of people and is transmitted sexually. Herpes does not always cause symptoms. A person may not know they have the virus until they are tested. But when the disease manifests itself, the main symptom is ulcers on the genitals. They usually appear 2 days to 3 weeks after contact with an infected person.

Symptoms and transmission

Genital herpes is characterized by small blisters that burst, leaving painful sores. They heal from 2 to 6 weeks. Sometimes a person can mistake a mild form of herpes for a few pimples. In addition to ulcers, there may be the following symptoms:

• tingling and itching in the genital area;
• high temperature;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• muscle pain.

Herpes is most contagious when a person has open sores on their genitals. Although people can survive this virus even in the absence of ulcers. Blood tests and scrapings can help make the diagnosis. But usually this is not required for an experienced urologist.

The main route of transmission of genital herpes is the sexual route. It is also possible for the virus to be passed from mother to child during childbirth. You cannot get genital herpes from using the toilet, bedding, swimming pools, or touching other objects. This virus can only be transmitted from person to person.

Therapeutic and preventive measures

There are currently no drugs that can completely destroy genital herpes. The virus can lie dormant in the patient for a long time, and then reappear in the form of ulcers, usually at the most inopportune moment. But there are drugs that reduce the likelihood of repeated exacerbations. These medicines can even reduce the risk of passing the virus on.

When a person has a flare-up of genital herpes, the following measures can be taken to promote recovery and reduce the risk of transmission of the virus:

• observance of sexual rest;
• keep sores clean and dry;
• Wash hands thoroughly immediately after touching sores.

The first outbreak of herpes is usually the most severe. Subsequent exacerbations are usually less pronounced. The disease usually does not cause serious complications. However, it can make a person more vulnerable to HIV infection. If a person has genital ulcers, then viruses and bacteria, including HIV, are more likely to enter the body. As if for new infections there are “entrance gates”. In this case, they are herpes ulcers.

Sexual rest, especially in the presence of ulcers, is the only reliable way to prevent the spread of genital herpes. Using condoms reduces the risk of infection, but people can get herpes through the skin around the genitals.

Amirsaidov Nizami Magomedovich, urologist

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Herpes What It Is (Symptoms of Varieties) 8 Types How to Treat It

In many ways, the symptoms of herpes depend on its localization. Let’s consider the most common of them.

On the lips

At first the lips and the skin around them begin to itch and burn. After some time in these areas there is a slight reddening with uneven, “torn” edges. Then it transforms into small watery bubbles. It can be either a single pimple on the lip, or several or even many, including in the corners of the mouth.

After 2-3 days, the blisters burst, the accumulated liquid flows out, and a relief and rather rough brown-yellow crust forms in place of the vesicle. In no case should you try to remove it – rip it off, soak it, and so on: this will only contribute to a more active spread of infection and an increase in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bdamage. The crust should come off without effort from the outside, after new healthy skin forms under it.

In medicine, such a diagnosis is defined as labial herpes – from the Latin labrum (lips).

On the face and body

Both herpes simplex type 1 and type 3 infection, shingles, can appear on the skin of the face and body.

Symptoms characteristic of type 1

Symptoms are approximately the same as described above, except for the area of ​​the lesion – it is usually larger. Often, redness and rashes appear in areas of traumatic lesions – scratches, cuts, abrasions, burn blisters. On the face, a squeezed pimple can become the cause, herpes on the legs often appears at the site of the opened calluses.

Type 3 symptoms

Herpes zoster may also present as a rash on the face or on specific areas of the body. It is characterized by unilateral localization. For example, if lichen affects the arm or leg, then only one of the two, on the body the rash will appear only on the right or only on the left side, herpes on the buttocks will affect only one of them, and so on.

In addition, since herpes zoster affects the nerves, it is accompanied by severe pain in the muscles and internal organs during movement and at rest.

In the mouth

Infection of the oral cavity and nasopharynx by the herpes virus is more common in children. On the surfaces, as well as on the skin, redness, rashes appear, however, due to the constant moisture of the mucosa, after spontaneous evacuation of the contents of the vesicles, not a crust is formed on the ulceration, but a fibrous coating of a yellowish tint. This condition is classified as herpetic stomatitis.

On the eyes

The disease mainly affects the eyelids, connective tissue or corneal epithelium. Accordingly, blepharitis, conjunctivitis or keratitis develops. The disease is accompanied by dryness and pain in the eyes, blurred vision, the appearance of black dots or iridescent rings before the eyes, pain, photosensitivity, redness and swelling.

On the genitals

There is an opinion that the cause of genital herpes is psychosomatics, but evidence-based medicine tends to more traditional ways of infection, sexual.

The area of ​​distribution of genital herpes is external, less often – internal genital organs and areas adjacent to them. Accordingly, localization in women and men will be different.

Female affected areas

These include the labia vulva, clitoris, vagina, and sometimes the cervix, perineum, anus, and upper inner thighs.