What are the common symptoms of genital herpes. How is genital herpes transmitted between partners. Can genital herpes be mistaken for other conditions. What triggers recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes. How do healthcare providers diagnose genital herpes infections.

Understanding Genital Herpes: Causes and Prevalence

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex viruses (HSV). There are two types of HSV that can lead to genital herpes:

• HSV-1: Typically associated with oral herpes (cold sores), but can also cause genital infections
• HSV-2: Most commonly causes genital herpes

In the United States, genital herpes is surprisingly common. According to recent statistics, approximately 16.2% of Americans aged 14 to 49 have genital HSV-2 infection. This translates to about one in six people within this age group.

The prevalence of genital herpes has remained relatively stable over the past decade, indicating that it continues to be a significant public health concern.

Is genital herpes more common in certain populations?

Yes, genital herpes tends to be more prevalent in women compared to men. Approximately one out of five women aged 14 to 49 years have genital HSV-2 infection, while the rate for men in the same age group is about one out of nine.

Transmission of Genital Herpes: Understanding the Risks

Genital herpes is primarily transmitted through sexual contact with an infected individual. This can occur through various forms of sexual activity:

• Vaginal intercourse
• Anal intercourse
• Oral-genital contact

It’s important to note that transmission can occur even when the infected person shows no visible symptoms. This phenomenon is known as asymptomatic shedding.

How common is asymptomatic shedding of the herpes virus?

Asymptomatic shedding is more common than many people realize. Studies suggest that it occurs in 5% to 20% of the time in infected individuals. This means that even if someone doesn’t have visible sores, they can still potentially transmit the virus to their sexual partners.

Can oral herpes lead to genital herpes?

Yes, it’s possible for oral herpes (typically caused by HSV-1) to be transmitted to the genital area. This can happen through oral-genital sexual contact with someone who has an active oral herpes infection or is shedding the virus asymptomatically.

Recognizing Genital Herpes Symptoms: What to Look For

The symptoms of genital herpes can vary widely among individuals. Many people infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 experience either no symptoms or very mild symptoms that often go unnoticed or are mistaken for other skin conditions.

When symptoms do occur, they typically manifest as:

• One or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth
• Painful sores that develop when the blisters break
• Lesions that may take two to four weeks to heal

What are the initial symptoms of a first-time genital herpes outbreak?

During the first outbreak, some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms in addition to the genital sores. These can include:

• Fever
• Body aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

It’s worth noting that these systemic symptoms are typically more severe during the initial outbreak compared to recurrent episodes.

Recurrent Outbreaks: Understanding the Pattern of Genital Herpes

After the initial infection, the herpes virus remains dormant in the sensory nerve cells at the base of the spinal cord. From time to time, the virus can reactivate and travel back to the skin surface, causing new outbreaks.

How frequently do genital herpes outbreaks occur?

The frequency of recurrent outbreaks varies greatly among individuals. Some people may experience only one or two recurrences in a lifetime, while others may have several outbreaks a year. Recurrences are typically most common during the first year of infection.

What are the symptoms of recurrent genital herpes outbreaks?

Recurrent episodes usually have milder symptoms compared to the initial outbreak. Common signs include:

• Tingling sensation or itching in the genital area
• Pain in the buttocks or down the leg
• Small blisters that may be barely noticeable
• Open sores that crust over and heal within about a week

Some individuals may experience prodromal symptoms, which are early signs that an outbreak is about to occur. These can be the most uncomfortable part of a recurrent episode for some people.

Triggers for Genital Herpes Recurrence: Identifying Potential Factors

While the exact cause of herpes virus reactivation remains unknown, several factors have been associated with triggering recurrent outbreaks:

• Stress
• Illness or weakened immune system
• Exposure to sunlight
• Hormonal changes, such as those during menstruation
• Fatigue
• Poor nutrition

It’s important to note that recurrences are often unpredictable, and triggers can vary from person to person.

Can lifestyle changes help reduce the frequency of genital herpes outbreaks?

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent recurrences, some lifestyle modifications may help reduce their frequency:

• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or meditation
• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals
• Getting adequate sleep and rest
• Exercising regularly to boost overall health and immune function
• Avoiding known triggers when possible

Diagnosing Genital Herpes: Methods and Challenges

Accurately diagnosing genital herpes is crucial for proper treatment and management. Healthcare providers use several methods to diagnose this condition:

How do doctors diagnose genital herpes?

Diagnosis of genital herpes typically involves:

1. Visual inspection: If the outbreak is typical, a healthcare provider may be able to diagnose genital herpes through a visual examination of the sores.
2. Viral culture: A sample from the sore(s) can be taken and tested to identify the presence of the herpes virus.
3. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test: This highly sensitive test can detect small amounts of the virus’s genetic material.
4. Blood tests: These can detect antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2, indicating a current or past infection.

It’s worth noting that blood tests may not be immediately accurate if the infection is recent, as it takes time for the body to produce detectable antibodies.

Why can diagnosing genital herpes be challenging?

Diagnosing genital herpes can be difficult for several reasons:

• Many people with HSV infection have no symptoms or very mild symptoms that go unnoticed.
• Symptoms can vary greatly and may resemble other skin conditions or STDs.
• The virus may not be actively shedding at the time of testing, leading to false-negative results.
• Blood tests cannot determine the site of infection (oral vs. genital) and may not differentiate between a new and an old infection.

Due to these challenges, healthcare providers often use a combination of clinical examination, patient history, and laboratory tests to make an accurate diagnosis.

Genital Herpes vs. Other Conditions: Differential Diagnosis

The symptoms of genital herpes can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions. This is why proper medical evaluation is crucial. Some conditions that may present similarly to genital herpes include:

• Syphilis: Another sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital sores
• Chancroid: A bacterial infection characterized by painful genital ulcers
• Yeast infections: Can cause itching and irritation in the genital area
• Bacterial vaginosis: May lead to itching and unusual discharge
• Lichen sclerosus: A skin condition that can affect the genital area
• Ingrown hairs or razor burn: Can cause bumps and irritation in the genital region

How can healthcare providers differentiate between genital herpes and other conditions?

To distinguish genital herpes from other conditions, healthcare providers may:

1. Conduct a thorough physical examination
2. Take a detailed medical and sexual history
3. Perform specific laboratory tests to rule out other infections
4. Use PCR testing or viral cultures to confirm the presence of HSV

In some cases, a combination of these approaches may be necessary to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Living with Genital Herpes: Management and Prevention

While there is no cure for genital herpes, the condition can be managed effectively. Here are some key aspects of living with genital herpes:

What treatments are available for genital herpes?

Treatment options for genital herpes include:

• Antiviral medications: These can help reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks
• Suppressive therapy: Daily antiviral medication to reduce the frequency of recurrences
• Pain relief medications: To alleviate discomfort during outbreaks
• Topical treatments: To soothe affected areas

How can the transmission of genital herpes be prevented?

While it’s not possible to completely eliminate the risk of transmission, several strategies can help reduce it:

• Consistent use of condoms during sexual activity
• Avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks
• Taking suppressive antiviral therapy, which can reduce viral shedding
• Open communication with sexual partners about HSV status
• Regular STD testing for sexually active individuals

It’s important to remember that even with these precautions, transmission can still occur due to asymptomatic viral shedding.

Living with genital herpes may present emotional and psychological challenges for some individuals. Seeking support from healthcare providers, counselors, or support groups can be beneficial in managing the psychological aspects of the condition.

Genital Herpes

Resources

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2).

Genital herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, 16.2 percent, or about one out of six, people aged 14 to 49 years have genital HSV-2 infection. Over the past decade, the percentage of persons with genital herpes infection in the United States has remained stable.

There are two types of HSV and both can cause the symptoms of genital herpes. HSV type 1 most commonly causes sores on the lips (known as fever blisters or cold sores), but it can cause genital infections as well. HSV type 2 most often causes genital sores, but it also can infect the mouth. The virus remains in certain nerve cells of the body for life, causing periodic symptoms in some people. Many people who are infected with HSV never develop any symptoms.

How is genital herpes transmitted?

The infection is usually acquired by sexual contact with someone who has genital herpes. People with oral herpes can transmit the infection to the genital area of a partner during oral-genital sex. Herpes infections also can be transmitted by a person who is infected with HSV but has no noticeable symptoms. Such asymptomatic shedding of the virus may be fairly common, occurring from 5 percent to 20 percent of the time in infected individuals. HSV-1 can cause sores in the genital area and infections of the mouth and lips, so-called “fever blisters.” HSV-1 infection of the genitals is caused by mouth to genital or genital to genital contact with a person who has HSV-1 infection.

Transmission from an infected male to his female partner is more likely than from an infected female to her male partner. Because of this, genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of five women aged 14 to 49 years) than in men (about one out of nine men aged 14 to 49 years).

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

Most individuals infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 experience either no symptoms or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed or are mistaken for another skin condition. Because of this, most people infected with HSV-2 are not aware of their infection. When symptoms do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take two weeks to four weeks to heal. Experiencing these symptoms is sometimes referred to as having an “outbreak.” The first time someone has an outbreak they may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches and swollen glands.

Can genital herpes reoccur?

Repeat outbreaks of genital herpes are common, especially during the first year of infection.

After invading the skin or mucous membranes, the virus that causes genital herpes travels to the sensory nerves at the end of the spinal cord. Even after the skin lesions have disappeared, the virus remains inside the nerve cells in a latent state. In most people, the virus reactivates from time to time. When this happens, the virus travels along the nerves to the skin, where it multiplies on the surface at or near the site of the original herpes sores, causing new lesions to erupt. It also can reactivate without any visible sores. At these times, small amounts of the virus may be shed at, or near, sites of the original infection, in genital or oral secretions, or from inapparent lesions. This shedding is infrequent, but it is sufficient to infect a sex partner.

The symptoms of recurrent episodes are usually milder than those of the first episode and typically last about a week. A recurrent outbreak may be signaled by a tingling sensation or itching in the genital area or pain in the buttocks or down the leg. These are called prodromal symptoms and, for some people, they can be the most painful and annoying part of a recurrent episode.

Sometimes no visible sores develop. At other times, blisters appear that may be very small and barely noticeable or may break into open sores that crust over and then disappear. The frequency and severity of the recurrent episodes vary greatly. While some people recognize only one or two recurrences in a lifetime, others may experience several outbreaks a year. The number and pattern of recurrences often change over time for an individual. Scientists do not know what causes the virus to reactivate. Although some people with herpes report that their recurrences are brought on by other illness, stress exposure to sunlight or menstruation, recurrences often are not predictable.

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

Health care providers can diagnose genital herpes by visual inspection if the outbreak is typical. Providers can take a sample from the sore(s) and test it. Sometimes, HSV infections can be diagnosed between outbreaks with a blood test. A person should discuss such testing options with their health care provider.

During an active herpes episode, whether primary or recurrent, it is important to follow a few simple steps to speed healing and to avoid spreading the infection to other sites of the body or to other people:

• Keep the infected area clean and dry to prevent secondary infection from developing.
• Try to avoid touching the sores; wash hands after contact with the sores. 
• Avoid sexual contact from the time symptoms are first recognized until the sores are completely healed, that is, until scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed over the site of the lesion.

Is there a cure or treatment for herpes?

There is no treatment that can cure herpes. Antiviral medications can, however, prevent or shorten outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. In addition, daily suppressive therapy (i.e., daily use of antiviral medication) for herpes can reduce the likelihood of transmission to partners.

Oral acyclovir markedly shortens the course of a first episode and limits the severity of recurrences if taken within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. People who have very frequent episodes of the disease can take oral acyclovir daily for up to one year to suppress the virus’ activity and prevent most recurrences. Acyclovir does not cure herpes, but it interferes with the virus’ ability to reproduce itself. Other new drugs – famciclovir and valacyclovir – now work in a similar manner.

Does genital herpes cause any complications?

Genital herpes can cause painful genital sores in many adults and can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems. If a person with genital herpes touches their sores or the fluids from the sores, they may transfer herpes to another part of the body. This is particularly problematic if it is a sensitive location such as the eyes. This can be avoided by not touching the sores or fluids. If they are touched, immediate and thorough hand-washing make the transfer less likely.

Some people who contract genital herpes have concerns about how it will impact their overall health, sex life, and relationships. It is best to talk to a health care provider about those concerns, but it also is important to recognize that while herpes is not curable, it is a manageable condition. Since a genital herpes diagnosis may affect perceptions about existing or future sexual relationships, it is important to understand how to talk to sexual partners about STDs. There are also potential complications for a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

How does genital herpes affect a pregnant woman and her baby?

It is crucial that pregnant women infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 go to prenatal care visits and tell their doctor if they have ever experienced any symptoms of, been exposed to, or been diagnosed with genital herpes. Sometimes genital herpes infection can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Herpes infection can be passed from mother to child resulting in a potentially fatal infection (neonatal herpes). It is important that women avoid contracting herpes during pregnancy.

A woman with genital herpes may be offered antiviral medication from 36 weeks gestation through delivery to reduce the risk of an outbreak. At the time of delivery a woman with genital herpes should undergo careful examination. If herpes symptoms are present at delivery, a cesarean delivery (also called a ‘C-section’) is usually performed.

What is the link between genital herpes and HIV?

Genital herpes can cause sores or breaks in the skin or mucous membranes (lining of the mouth, vagina, and rectum). The genital sores caused by herpes can bleed easily. When the sores come into contact with the mouth, vagina or rectum during sex, they increase the risk of HIV transmission if either partner is HIV-infected.

How can genital herpes be prevented?

Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of genital herpes, because herpes symptoms can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom. However, outbreaks can occur in areas that are not covered by a condom.

The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including genital herpes, is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

Persons with herpes should abstain from sexual activity with partners when sores or other symptoms of herpes are present. It is important to know that even if a person does not have any symptoms, he or she can still infect sex partners. Sex partners of infected persons should be advised that they may become infected and they should use condoms to reduce the risk. Sex partners can seek testing to determine if they are infected with HSV.

Counseling and help for those who have genital herpes is often available from local health departments. The American Social Health Association (ASHA) maintains a HerpesResourceCenter. For information on its programs, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the center at: 

P.O. Box 13827
Research Triangle Park, NC27709

ASHA also has a herpes hotline, 919-361- 8488, that operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

IDPH HIV/STD Hotline 800-243-2437 (TTY 800-782-0423)

Resources

• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• American Sexual Health Association

Genital herpes

• Genital herpes is spread by skin-to-skin contact with someone who already has infected skin.
• There is no cure for herpes.
• If you have genital herpes, don’t feel ashamed or guilty, or think you can’t have sex.

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which shows as blisters or sores on the genitals. This is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV Type I is more common on the mouth (cold sores) and HSV Type II on the genitals, but both viruses can infect the mouth and genital area.

Terms explained

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) – any infection or disease that can be passed from one person to another during sexual activity.

How do you get genital herpes?

Genital herpes is spread by skin-to-skin contact with someone who already has the virus, including contact with infected skin during sex. Cold sores on the mouth can spread the virus to the genitals during oral sex.

There is no cure for herpes. Once you have the virus, it stays in the nerves of the infected area of skin. It can appear to go away for some time and then flare up.

Herpes is most infectious from the first signs of sores developing (tingling of the skin, numbness or shooting pains) until the scabs have gone.

You can pass on herpes to someone even when you have no visible blisters or sores. This is most likely in the first 2 years of infection.

You can’t catch herpes or pass it on to another person unless you have skin-to-skin contact with the infected area.

Pregnancy and herpes

An infected mother can pass herpes on to her baby during pregnancy or at birth, causing serious illness. This is most serious in women who have their first symptoms of herpes just before giving birth. Women who already have the virus when they get pregnant have protective antibodies which protect the baby too, so it’s very unlikely to be infected. If you become pregnant, tell your doctor if you or your partner have ever had herpes. Your doctor can then work out the risk at birth and any possible risk to the baby.

What are the signs and symptoms of genital herpes?

When you are first infected, you may not get sores. Many people with genital herpes don’t know they have it because they have no symptoms.

The first time you get sores or blisters (called a herpes ‘episode’) is usually the worst. You may feel generally unwell as if you are getting the flu, then small blisters appear. They burst and become sores. Later, scabs form, and finally the skin heals after 1 or 2 weeks.

In girls and women, blisters may appear around the vagina, the urethra, the cervix, or between the vagina and the anus, or around the anus.

In boys and men, blisters may appear on the penis and foreskin, and sometimes inside the urethra, on the scrotum or in the area between the penis and the anus, or around the anus. It can be very painful to urinate if the urine runs over the sores.

Rarely, herpes can appear on the buttocks, lower back and other areas below the waist, as well as the hands, breasts, back, fingers – anywhere that has touched an infected area.

Many cases of genital herpes don’t show up as blisters. They can appear as a small area of rash, cracked skin, or some other skin condition on the genitals.

Although herpes sores heal, the virus stays in the body, and you can have more outbreaks. These are called ‘recurrent episodes’.

How do you know if you have genital herpes?

Have any unusual condition of the genital skin checked out by your doctor and tested for herpes.

The doctor will take a sample from an infected area with a swab and send it to a laboratory. It’s best if the sore or blister is less than 4 days old. You may need a blood test as well to see which type of HSV you have.

How is genital herpes treated?

Your doctor may prescribe anti-viral drugs. These ease the pain and severity of the sores or blisters, especially if you take them within 2 days of any sign of blisters. If you have lots of outbreaks you need to take medicine all the time. Anti-viral drugs can’t cure you or stop you passing herpes on to another person. However, they can reduce the symptoms, and lower the risk of infecting another person when you don’t have any symptoms.

During an episode of genital herpes

These treatment tips may help ease the symptoms:

• Paracetamol or aspirin can reduce pain and soreness.
• Bathing sores with salt water (2 teaspoons of salt per litre, or 1 cup of salt in a bath) can help them heal.
• Applying an anaesthetic jelly or cream can reduce the pain, particularly when urinating.
• If it hurts to urinate, you can also try urinating while sitting in a warm bath.

How can genital herpes be prevented?

You can reduce the risks of getting genital herpes by following this advice:

• To protect yourself and your partner, avoid sex when there are any signs of sores on the genitals. Don’t have oral sex when there is any sign of a cold sore on the mouth.
• Condoms with water-based lubricant and dental dams reduce the risk, but they only protect the area of skin covered by the condom or dam. They do protect you against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Talking about STIs can be difficult, but any person you have sex with has a right to know if you have an infection. Discuss it when you are feeling relaxed and confident, not just before you have sex. Your partner will appreciate your honesty and that you don’t want to infect him/her. You have the right to know if they are infected, too.

Is there a vaccine for genital herpes?

There is no vaccination for genital herpes.

How can genital herpes be managed?

Recurrent episodes

Recurrent episodes usually occur on the same part of the body as the first attack, but are often shorter and milder. Recurrent episodes are less likely with HSV Type I infection. Usually they happen less often and are milder over time, and can just stop.

Some infected people only get symptoms once. Some people can have herpes but never have symptoms at all. Herpes episodes are more likely to happen when your immune system is weak. Illness, tiredness, stress, periods or sexual activity can trigger them, but they can occur for no obvious reason.

Coping with herpes

Herpes only affects a small area of skin. It doesn’t usually make you ill, and it has no obvious long-term side effects in healthy adults. If you have herpes, don’t feel ashamed or guilty, or think you can’t have sex.

Where to get help

• See your doctor
• Call the Sexual Health Helpline
  • Metropolitan callers: (08) 9227 6178
  • Country callers: 1800 198 205
• Contact your local sexual health clinic (external site)
• Visit healthdirect Australia (external site) or call 1800 022 222

Last reviewed: 05-11-2020

Acknowledgements
Public Health

This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

See also

• 
  Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Genital herpes: treatment and features

There are diseases that people prefer not to talk about. With such a disease, it is a shame to go to the doctor’s office and it is uncomfortable to live. One of these pathologies is genital herpes.

Our medical center (official site) offers to make an appointment with a gynecologist or urologist for examination and treatment of genital herpes.

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is usually understood as the defeat of the genital organs by herpes simplex viruses (HSV), as a result, vesicles and painful small ulcers appear on the mucous membrane. Pathology is accompanied by burning, hyperemia, swelling of the affected tissues, which has a negative impact on human life.

Practice shows that if a virus enters the body once, it will not be possible to remove it from the body forever. The treatment of herpes implies the “lulling” of the virus, this requires a properly designed tactic. HSV can be dormant for a long time, not manifest itself in any form. But if a number of factors appear, in most cases this is a weakening of the immune system, then herpes comes out of hibernation. The result is a relapse of the disease.

There are several types of herpes virus. The impact of some leads to damage to the nervous system, others affect the skin, mucous membranes. The main cause of all genital forms of pathology is the ingestion of infection, namely HSV types 1 and 2.

What genital herpes looks like

The occurrence and spread of herpes in the body takes place in stages. At each stage, herpes is modified. For this reason, it is advisable to analyze all the signs with reference to the stages of development:

1. The first symptoms of genital herpes are noticeable immediately. Itching and slight redness appear in the genital area. After that, small small bubbles appear. They see liquid. Such a rash is concentrated in women in the perineal area, on the inner surfaces of the thighs, in the anus area. In some cases, bubbles may appear on the internal organs. In men, the affected area is the head or foreskin of the penis, in some cases the rash can affect the urethra.
2. Against the background of rashes, severe itching and burning appear. The areas where the bubbles have appeared turn red and swell. If bubbles have formed on the walls of the urethra, then urination begins to be accompanied by severe itching, at the same time burning increases. Another common symptom is tingling.
3. 5 days after onset, the blisters burst. Small ulcers remain in their place. The person begins to experience severe pain.
4. Recovery processes are launched in the mucosa, it begins to regenerate. The fabrics are updated. It takes an average of 7 to 14 days to fully recover from genital herpes.

A rash in the genital area leads to an increase in the lymph nodes in the groin. Often, people with this disease have an elevated body temperature. This also includes complaints of malaise, headaches and muscle pain.

When the first symptoms appear, it is recommended to urgently consult a doctor who will help you plan your treatment and avoid negative consequences. A paid clinic and a gynecologist is the best option in the early stages of the disease, you will receive maximum attention and create an effective treatment plan.

How is genital herpes transmitted and who is at risk?

Herpes is a virus that, after entering the body, may not manifest itself for a long time, due to strong immunity. A person in this case is a carrier of HSV and can transmit it to other people by infection.

How is the infection transmitted from one person to another?

The following transmission routes of HSV can be distinguished:

• Vertical. The second name is generic. The process of infection of the child starts during its passage through the birth canal;
• Airborne. In most cases, the infection enters the human body in childhood. Children actively interact with each other and do not follow the prescribed hygiene rules. This greatly increases the likelihood of infection upon contact with a carrier of the virus;
• Self-infection. In some cases, a person can independently transfer the infection from one part of the body to another;
• Household. Ignoring personal hygiene can cause infection. Such cases are rare;
• Sexual. Practice shows that the main way of transmission of genital herpes is sexual intercourse.

According to doctors, genital herpes does not impose a ban on sex if the pathology does not recur. If the virus has begun to manifest itself, it is recommended to temporarily postpone sex for a period of remission. Also, do not forget about contraception.

If genital herpes is diagnosed, treatment aims at suppression, since it is impossible to get rid of it completely. After completing the course of treatment, it is important to follow the recommendations of the doctor in order to avoid relapse.

When does herpes appear?

After entering the body, the virus becomes part of the nerve cells forever. It can manifest itself immediately, which will lead to the occurrence of all associated symptoms. If the immunity is strong, then HSV does not manifest itself, it needs suitable conditions.

Any weakening of the body can cause the activation of herpes:

• Overheating;
• Period of exacerbation of diseases in chronic form;
• Vitamin deficiency;
• Hypothermia;
• Colds;
• Overwork and disturbed sleep;
• Alcohol abuse;
• Unstable emotional state caused by stress;
• Pregnancy.

In women, genital herpes can appear every month. In this case, its relationship with the cycle is traced. After menstruation, the production of progesterone increases, which is one of the optimal conditions for the activation of herpes.

What is the danger?

The disease poses a danger to the body and human health. If a herpes infection is detected, treatment is mandatory for all cases, as the risk of complications increases.

Local complications

In conditions of frequent relapses, the normal functioning of the genitourinary system is disrupted. Erosions, wounds, cracks appear on the surface of the mucous membranes, which may not pass for a long period of time. Through them, infections can enter the body. Therefore, they can quickly become inflamed and lead to the development of oncology.

Among complaints of local manifestations are:

• Dryness of mucous membranes and skin in the genital area;
• Fissures in the anus;
• Development of adhesions in the female reproductive system;
• Fungal and bacterial infections.

To make sure you have herpes in your body, you need to take tests, especially if it is genital herpes. For analyzes, the prices of the Heratsi clinic are indicated on our official website in the Price section.

Possible complications:

• Development of pain syndrome;
• Decreased immunity;
• Psychological disorders;
• Spread to nearby organs;
• Penetration of infection into distant organs;
• Development of oncology.

After an infection enters the body, a healthy immune system begins to produce specific antibodies that fight the virus. Strong immunity prevents herpes from manifesting itself.

Watch a helpful video on how to make the right treatment for herpes:

Our medical center contacts will allow you to make an appointment, learn more and choose a doctor. Here you can also make an appointment with a doctor, there is a round-the-clock hotline +7 (863) 333-20-11.

Genital herpes – causes of the disease, symptoms, methods of treatment. Clinic of gynecology Medkvadrat.

Moscow city.

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes vulgaris virus and, in most cases, is transmitted through sexual contact. At the same time, you should not blame your sexual partner for infecting: this disease often occurs in a latent form, i.e. a sick person may simply not know that he is sick. Most people find out that they have herpes in their body only after they have taken a blood test for some other reason or at the time of exacerbation, i.e. with the appearance of characteristic symptoms of genital herpes. It should be noted that, as a rule, carriers of this virus in the absence of rashes are not a source of infection.

Another important fact is that it is possible to become infected with this disease even through kissing and touching in a protected act. The household route of transmission of this infection (through bed linen, towels, etc.) is quite rare and is considered an exception to the rule – the household route of infection through personal belongings and utensils is rare, but, nevertheless, it is possible in case of contact with a patient with acute form of the disease. At the same time, the secret containing the virus is not infectious after drying. The inoculation route of infection is also possible, i.e. the patient himself carries the herpes virus from the main focus to another place (for example, on the mucous membrane of the eyes or genital organs from the skin of the genitals).

In addition, an infection of this kind can be transmitted during pregnancy from mother to child or during childbirth, i.e. vertical transmission path. It poses the greatest danger – the result of such infection with herpes is the intrauterine death of the fetus or embryo (missed pregnancy or miscarriage), the birth of a child with a herpetic intrauterine infection with a risk of death, as well as the occurrence of all kinds of malformations in the newborn,

Main symptoms

The main symptoms that may indicate the presence of genital herpes in a person are:

• Rashes in the form of vesicles with fluid in the area of ​​the genitourinary system (on the pubis, labia, in the clitoris), as well as on the buttocks, legs and inner thighs. The appearance of single or grouped vesicles is observed, characterized by certain cyclic stages: hyperemia, vesicle, sore, and then a crust. The total period of all these stages, as a rule, is no more than 7-10 days.
• Rashes on the cervix and mucous membranes of the vagina are quite rare – in this case, there is often severe itching and a burning sensation during urination.
• Enlargement of those lymph nodes located in the groin.
• Feeling of general malaise, which is manifested by headaches, weakness and aching muscles and joints (similar to influenza).

Relapses of this disease during the year can occur repeatedly. At the same time, the frequency of their appearance depends largely on provoking factors, for example, such a plan as stressful situations, infectious diseases, hypothermia, and even alcohol abuse. In addition, the frequency of rashes also depends on the person’s immunity – on how much his body fights the virus. In this regard, in terms of preventing relapses, immunostimulating therapy plays an extremely important role.

Treatment

If we talk about the treatment of genital herpes, then, unfortunately, according to most experts, this disease cannot be completely cured today. But at the present time there are many ways by which it is possible to significantly reduce the frequency of its recurrence.

The high prevalence of this disease requires a mandatory blood test at least once a year – this will provide an opportunity to detect the presence of infection in the body in a timely manner. It is also important that in the case of positive test results or the presence of obvious rashes in one partner, both need treatment – if this condition is not observed, it is impossible to avoid relapses.

When the first symptoms of genital herpes appear, treatment must be started immediately – it must be prescribed by a qualified specialist! Self-medication in this case often not only does not lead to positive results, but also aggravates the course of the disease.

Treatment of this type of herpes at the stage of rashes is carried out with the help of specific antiviral drugs of general and local systemic action, in which the main active ingredient is acyclovir, as well as its analogues. Immunomodulators, i.e. general immunostimulating drugs aimed at increasing nonspecific general immunity are ineffective in this case. This is due to the fact that the general immunity is approximately 90% of patients with a recurrent disease of this kind do not suffer – i.e. is at a fairly high level. In this disease, the immunological problem lies in the ineffectiveness or weakening of the specific immune response, i.e. in immunological tolerance to the virus causing genital herpes.

In connection with the above, the main vector of adequate treatment of this disease should be aimed at increasing the specific immune response to the herpes simplex virus (ie, HSV). This is achieved through sequential passive and active specific immunization: passive refers to the use of herpebin or some other immunoglobulin against this virus, and active refers to the herpes vaccine.