What does herpes look like: Pictures, treatment, and prevention

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Herpes sores can affect many areas of the body, including the mouth, genitals, and eyes. Knowing what herpes looks like across the body can help people diagnose the condition.

Herpes is a skin condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. The symptoms include sores that come and go over time. Different types of herpes affect different body parts.

This article will explain what herpes is, how people get it, and what herpes looks like with pictures.

Share on PinterestThe appearance of herpes will differ depending on the area of the body it affects.

Most people with HSV are asymptomatic, meaning they will not experience any symptoms. Others will notice sores or lesions. These sores look like blisters filled with fluid. Over a few days, the sores break open, ooze, and form a crust before healing.

People may also notice a tingling, itching, or burning feeling a few days before the sores appear. Some people may also experience flu-like symptoms, such as:

Someone who has contracted the virus will usually have their first sores, or an outbreak, between 2 and 20 days later. The sores may last up to a week or 10 days.

An outbreak may involve a single sore or a cluster of sores. They often affect the skin around the mouth, the genitals, or the rectum. The blisters can take between 2 and 4 weeks to heal.

The symptoms will usually reappear from time to time, though they do not tend to be as severe as the first time.

The following sections discuss the symptoms of herpes that arise on commonly affected body parts.

Herpes is a mild condition that causes small sores to appear on the skin.

People develop herpes after being exposed to the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of this virus:

• herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), or oral herpes, which usually affects the mouth
• herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), or genital herpes, which generally affects the genitals

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 67 percent of people under 50 years old have the HSV-1 virus, and 11 percent of 15 to 49 year-olds have the HSV-2 infection worldwide.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can occur on the face or the genitals. People can contract both herpes viruses through bodily fluids, including genital fluids and saliva.

Once someone has the virus, the symptoms can flare up from time to time for the rest of their life. While the sores can be uncomfortable and even painful, they are not usually dangerous for otherwise healthy adults.

In oral herpes, most blisters appear on the lips or mouth. They can also form elsewhere on the face, especially around the chin and below the nose, or on the tongue.

At first, the sores look similar to small bumps or pimples before developing into pus-filled blisters. These may be red, yellow or white. Once they burst, a clear or yellow liquid will run out, before the blister develops a yellow crust and heals.

People with oral herpes may experience swollen lymph nodes in the neck during an outbreak.

Females with genital herpes may develop sores on the vulva, which is the external part of the genitals that includes the outer lips (labia), or inside the vagina. It may be difficult to see sores that develop inside the vagina.

Genital sores vary in size and number, but as with oral herpes, they look like pimples or blisters filled with fluid. They will burst and develop a yellowy crust as they heal.

Females are more likely to have trouble urinating during a genital herpes outbreak than men. They may experience a burning sensation while passing urine. They may also notice they have swollen lymph nodes in their groin.

Males with genital herpes may develop sores on and around the penis.

Small red or white pimples develop into larger, fluid-filled sores that may be red, white or yellow. As with oral herpes and female genital herpes, these sores tend to burst before crusting over.

Along with other flu-like symptoms, men may experience swollen lymph nodes in their groin.

Both men and women with genital herpes may develop sores or blisters on the buttocks or around the rectum.

A person may notice open, red wounds on or around the anus.

Herpes sores may also appear around the rectum, and a person may also develop swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

Herpes blisters can also develop on the fingers. This is called herpetic whitlow and is most common in children who suck their thumb.

Herpes can cause one or more sores to develop around the fingernail. A person will often experience pain or a tingling sensation in the area before the sore develops.

If multiple sores appear, they tend to join up and become one large, honeycomb-like blister within a week. They may also spread to the nail bed.

Herpes keratitis refers to a herpes infection in the eye. It may affect one or both eyes and causes:

• eye pain
• sensitivity to light
• discharge from the eye

Anyone who suspects herpes keratitis should see a doctor. Without treatment, the infection can scar the eye, leading to cloudy vision, or even vision loss.

Herpes is a mild skin condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. It causes blister-like sores to appear anywhere on the body. The most commonly affected areas include around the mouth, the genitals, and buttocks.

There is no cure for HSV, and people who have contracted the virus will usually experience breakouts from time to time. The sores usually clear up on their own, though people can help treat outbreaks using antiviral medicine, such as:

• acyclovir
• famciclovir
• valacyclovir

These treatments, which are available as creams or pills from drug stores or on prescription, can shorten the duration of a herpes outbreak.

To avoid transmitting herpes to other people, avoid skin-to-skin contact during flare-ups of symptoms, especially when the sores are open.

When a person has genital herpes, they can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus by using a condom between outbreaks. People with oral herpes can reduce the risk of transmission by avoiding kissing, sharing tableware, or performing oral sex during an outbreak.

Antiviral medication is available for purchase online.

Read the article in Spanish.

What does herpes look like: Pictures, treatment, and prevention

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Herpes sores can affect many areas of the body, including the mouth, genitals, and eyes. Knowing what herpes looks like across the body can help people diagnose the condition.

Herpes is a skin condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. The symptoms include sores that come and go over time. Different types of herpes affect different body parts.

This article will explain what herpes is, how people get it, and what herpes looks like with pictures.

Share on PinterestThe appearance of herpes will differ depending on the area of the body it affects.

Most people with HSV are asymptomatic, meaning they will not experience any symptoms. Others will notice sores or lesions. These sores look like blisters filled with fluid. Over a few days, the sores break open, ooze, and form a crust before healing.

People may also notice a tingling, itching, or burning feeling a few days before the sores appear. Some people may also experience flu-like symptoms, such as:

Someone who has contracted the virus will usually have their first sores, or an outbreak, between 2 and 20 days later. The sores may last up to a week or 10 days.

An outbreak may involve a single sore or a cluster of sores. They often affect the skin around the mouth, the genitals, or the rectum. The blisters can take between 2 and 4 weeks to heal.

The symptoms will usually reappear from time to time, though they do not tend to be as severe as the first time.

The following sections discuss the symptoms of herpes that arise on commonly affected body parts.

Herpes is a mild condition that causes small sores to appear on the skin.

People develop herpes after being exposed to the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of this virus:

• herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), or oral herpes, which usually affects the mouth
• herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), or genital herpes, which generally affects the genitals

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 67 percent of people under 50 years old have the HSV-1 virus, and 11 percent of 15 to 49 year-olds have the HSV-2 infection worldwide.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can occur on the face or the genitals. People can contract both herpes viruses through bodily fluids, including genital fluids and saliva.

Once someone has the virus, the symptoms can flare up from time to time for the rest of their life. While the sores can be uncomfortable and even painful, they are not usually dangerous for otherwise healthy adults.

In oral herpes, most blisters appear on the lips or mouth. They can also form elsewhere on the face, especially around the chin and below the nose, or on the tongue.

At first, the sores look similar to small bumps or pimples before developing into pus-filled blisters. These may be red, yellow or white. Once they burst, a clear or yellow liquid will run out, before the blister develops a yellow crust and heals.

People with oral herpes may experience swollen lymph nodes in the neck during an outbreak.

Females with genital herpes may develop sores on the vulva, which is the external part of the genitals that includes the outer lips (labia), or inside the vagina. It may be difficult to see sores that develop inside the vagina.

Genital sores vary in size and number, but as with oral herpes, they look like pimples or blisters filled with fluid. They will burst and develop a yellowy crust as they heal.

Females are more likely to have trouble urinating during a genital herpes outbreak than men. They may experience a burning sensation while passing urine. They may also notice they have swollen lymph nodes in their groin.

Males with genital herpes may develop sores on and around the penis.

Small red or white pimples develop into larger, fluid-filled sores that may be red, white or yellow. As with oral herpes and female genital herpes, these sores tend to burst before crusting over.

Along with other flu-like symptoms, men may experience swollen lymph nodes in their groin.

Both men and women with genital herpes may develop sores or blisters on the buttocks or around the rectum.

A person may notice open, red wounds on or around the anus.

Herpes sores may also appear around the rectum, and a person may also develop swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

Herpes blisters can also develop on the fingers. This is called herpetic whitlow and is most common in children who suck their thumb.

Herpes can cause one or more sores to develop around the fingernail. A person will often experience pain or a tingling sensation in the area before the sore develops.

If multiple sores appear, they tend to join up and become one large, honeycomb-like blister within a week. They may also spread to the nail bed.

Herpes keratitis refers to a herpes infection in the eye. It may affect one or both eyes and causes:

• eye pain
• sensitivity to light
• discharge from the eye

Anyone who suspects herpes keratitis should see a doctor. Without treatment, the infection can scar the eye, leading to cloudy vision, or even vision loss.

Herpes is a mild skin condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. It causes blister-like sores to appear anywhere on the body. The most commonly affected areas include around the mouth, the genitals, and buttocks.

There is no cure for HSV, and people who have contracted the virus will usually experience breakouts from time to time. The sores usually clear up on their own, though people can help treat outbreaks using antiviral medicine, such as:

• acyclovir
• famciclovir
• valacyclovir

These treatments, which are available as creams or pills from drug stores or on prescription, can shorten the duration of a herpes outbreak.

To avoid transmitting herpes to other people, avoid skin-to-skin contact during flare-ups of symptoms, especially when the sores are open.

When a person has genital herpes, they can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus by using a condom between outbreaks. People with oral herpes can reduce the risk of transmission by avoiding kissing, sharing tableware, or performing oral sex during an outbreak.

Antiviral medication is available for purchase online.

Read the article in Spanish.

What does herpes look like: Pictures, treatment, and prevention

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Herpes sores can affect many areas of the body, including the mouth, genitals, and eyes. Knowing what herpes looks like across the body can help people diagnose the condition.

Herpes is a skin condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. The symptoms include sores that come and go over time. Different types of herpes affect different body parts.

This article will explain what herpes is, how people get it, and what herpes looks like with pictures.

Share on PinterestThe appearance of herpes will differ depending on the area of the body it affects.

Most people with HSV are asymptomatic, meaning they will not experience any symptoms. Others will notice sores or lesions. These sores look like blisters filled with fluid. Over a few days, the sores break open, ooze, and form a crust before healing.

People may also notice a tingling, itching, or burning feeling a few days before the sores appear. Some people may also experience flu-like symptoms, such as:

Someone who has contracted the virus will usually have their first sores, or an outbreak, between 2 and 20 days later. The sores may last up to a week or 10 days.

An outbreak may involve a single sore or a cluster of sores. They often affect the skin around the mouth, the genitals, or the rectum. The blisters can take between 2 and 4 weeks to heal.

The symptoms will usually reappear from time to time, though they do not tend to be as severe as the first time.

The following sections discuss the symptoms of herpes that arise on commonly affected body parts.

Herpes is a mild condition that causes small sores to appear on the skin.

People develop herpes after being exposed to the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of this virus:

• herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), or oral herpes, which usually affects the mouth
• herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), or genital herpes, which generally affects the genitals

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 67 percent of people under 50 years old have the HSV-1 virus, and 11 percent of 15 to 49 year-olds have the HSV-2 infection worldwide.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can occur on the face or the genitals. People can contract both herpes viruses through bodily fluids, including genital fluids and saliva.

Once someone has the virus, the symptoms can flare up from time to time for the rest of their life. While the sores can be uncomfortable and even painful, they are not usually dangerous for otherwise healthy adults.

In oral herpes, most blisters appear on the lips or mouth. They can also form elsewhere on the face, especially around the chin and below the nose, or on the tongue.

At first, the sores look similar to small bumps or pimples before developing into pus-filled blisters. These may be red, yellow or white. Once they burst, a clear or yellow liquid will run out, before the blister develops a yellow crust and heals.

People with oral herpes may experience swollen lymph nodes in the neck during an outbreak.

Females with genital herpes may develop sores on the vulva, which is the external part of the genitals that includes the outer lips (labia), or inside the vagina. It may be difficult to see sores that develop inside the vagina.

Genital sores vary in size and number, but as with oral herpes, they look like pimples or blisters filled with fluid. They will burst and develop a yellowy crust as they heal.

Females are more likely to have trouble urinating during a genital herpes outbreak than men. They may experience a burning sensation while passing urine. They may also notice they have swollen lymph nodes in their groin.

Males with genital herpes may develop sores on and around the penis.

Small red or white pimples develop into larger, fluid-filled sores that may be red, white or yellow. As with oral herpes and female genital herpes, these sores tend to burst before crusting over.

Along with other flu-like symptoms, men may experience swollen lymph nodes in their groin.

Both men and women with genital herpes may develop sores or blisters on the buttocks or around the rectum.

A person may notice open, red wounds on or around the anus.

Herpes sores may also appear around the rectum, and a person may also develop swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

Herpes blisters can also develop on the fingers. This is called herpetic whitlow and is most common in children who suck their thumb.

Herpes can cause one or more sores to develop around the fingernail. A person will often experience pain or a tingling sensation in the area before the sore develops.

If multiple sores appear, they tend to join up and become one large, honeycomb-like blister within a week. They may also spread to the nail bed.

Herpes keratitis refers to a herpes infection in the eye. It may affect one or both eyes and causes:

• eye pain
• sensitivity to light
• discharge from the eye

Anyone who suspects herpes keratitis should see a doctor. Without treatment, the infection can scar the eye, leading to cloudy vision, or even vision loss.

Herpes is a mild skin condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. It causes blister-like sores to appear anywhere on the body. The most commonly affected areas include around the mouth, the genitals, and buttocks.

There is no cure for HSV, and people who have contracted the virus will usually experience breakouts from time to time. The sores usually clear up on their own, though people can help treat outbreaks using antiviral medicine, such as:

• acyclovir
• famciclovir
• valacyclovir

These treatments, which are available as creams or pills from drug stores or on prescription, can shorten the duration of a herpes outbreak.

To avoid transmitting herpes to other people, avoid skin-to-skin contact during flare-ups of symptoms, especially when the sores are open.

When a person has genital herpes, they can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus by using a condom between outbreaks. People with oral herpes can reduce the risk of transmission by avoiding kissing, sharing tableware, or performing oral sex during an outbreak.

Antiviral medication is available for purchase online.

Read the article in Spanish.

What does genital herpes look like?

Many people who have genital herpes don’t show symptoms, or the symptoms are so mild they don’t notice them — so they might not even know they have it. When herpes does cause symptoms, the most common one is sores and blisters that show up on the parts of your body where the infection lives. This is called an “outbreak.”

What does the beginning of genital herpes look like?

Right before an outbreak, you might feel tingling, itching, or burning around the area where the sores will happen. You might also notice some small discolored or white bumps starting to form. Genital herpes sores can appear on your vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, scrotum (balls), butt, anus, or upper thighs.

What does a genital herpes outbreak look like?

Genital herpes outbreaks usually look like a cluster of itchy or painful blisters filled with fluid. They may be different sizes and appear in different places. The blisters break or turn into sores that bleed or ooze a whitish fluid. As the outbreak comes to an end, the herpes sores will scab over and eventually go away. The sores can take a week or more to heal.

Symptoms of genital herpes look different at different stages of the outbreak — they usually start out mild but get worse as the outbreak goes on. You can also have flu-like symptoms during an outbreak, like a fever, chills, body aches, and swollen glands. Herpes outbreaks look different in different people, and your next outbreak might look different from your last one.

Your first genital herpes outbreak is usually the worst one. If you do have more outbreaks in the future, they’re usually shorter and less painful. Most people get fewer outbreaks over time, and some people stop having them altogether. There’s no way to know for sure if you’ll have another outbreak, or how often you’ll get them — it’s different for every person. Your nurse or doctor can give you herpes medicine to help prevent or treat outbreaks, and there are ointments that can make your sores heal faster and hurt less.

Herpes sores can look a lot like other skin problems, like acne, contact dermatitis, or ingrown hairs. So the only way to know for sure if you have herpes is to see a nurse or doctor, like the ones at your local Planned Parenthood health center.

What do I do if I have genital herpes?

Some people have a lot of fears and misconceptions about herpes, but it’s a common STD. It can be painful and uncomfortable during outbreaks, but it’s not deadly and it doesn’t cause serious health problems. So if you have genital herpes, try not to panic or feel too bad about it. Millions of people are living with herpes, so you’re not alone. And even though there’s no cure for herpes, there are plenty of ways to treat the symptoms and manage the infection. Your doctor will tell you about the best treatment options for your situation.

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8 Facts You Never Knew About Herpes​

When you hear the word “herpes,” there are likely two phrases that immediately come to mind: “cold sores” and, err, “genitals.”

But considering that more than half of Americans have oral herpes, and about one in six Americans has genital herpes, according to Planned Parenthood, we should probably know a few more facts about this super-common sexually transmitted infection (STI). 

For example, did you know there are more than 100 different types of herpes? Or that it can become harder to spread to others as you age? 

Had no idea? Most don’t. Here, eight things you never knew about herpes. 

Christine Frapech

But there are only two—HSV-1 and HSV-2—that can be tested for via blood culture, says Alyse Kelly-Jones, M.D., an ob-gyn at Novant Health Mintview OB/GYN. “The rest are studied more in research, but you can’t really test for them right now to see if you have them.”

In the past, HSV-1 has been most commonly associated with oral herpes—cold sores and blisters on or around the mouth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—while HSV-2 is connected to genital herpes, says Kelly Jones. But don’t be mistaken: She emphasizes that you can get either strain in the genital area.

Related: 5 Skin Conditions You Can Get on Your Vagina

Christine Frapech

There are different types of herpes infections, and with that, different levels of severity with symptoms (including no symptoms at all, known as asymptomatic shedding), says Kelly-Jones. Oftentimes, if a person has never had herpes before, those symptoms look like those associated with a yeast infection or UTI: pain in the genital area, yellow discharge, and a burning sensation when urinating.

If your doctor doesn’t swab you to test for the herpes virus when you come in, then ask them to do so the second time around, if and when the symptoms don’t go away after being treated for the yeast infection or UTI.

However, those aren’t the only symptoms. Clusters of red, blistery bumps are dead giveaways of oral or genital herpes, and when you’re first infected, they usually show up within two to 10 days. The sores may burst and heal—but they usually come back. 

Watch a hot doctor explain whether you have to treat yeast infections or not:

​

​​

Christine Frapech

At least, technically it does—but there’s a catch. “It’s probably more behavioral than an actual risk because, say you had chlamydia as a teenager—that doesn’t put you at risk for herpes as a 30-year-old,” says Kelly-Jones. “But maybe it’s your behavior that puts you more at risk. If I have a patient who tests positive for herpes, I’m going to then test them for other STIs.”

Still, HSV-2 in the genital area has been linked to an increased risk for HIV, says Kelly-Jones. “We’re not completely sure why, but it may be that there’s some local inflammation and breaking down of the skin, and that can make the HIV virus easier to enter the body,” she says.

Related: Scary! This STD Is Becoming Impossible To Treat

Christine Frapech

“As you age, the virus loses some of its ability to kind of be a badass,” says Kelly-Jones. “You’ve been fighting it for a long time, and you have less of a chance of asymptomatic shedding.” This means you’d be less likely to actively have an outbreak without knowing it, making you less likely to pass along the virus. 

Christine Frapech

It’s a phenomenon known as prodrome, says Kelly-Jones, and it happens when a patient experiences symptoms before a lesion appears. “Some patients recognize them, and what happens is the herpes virus lives in the nerve root in your spinal cord. When it reactivates, it comes down that same nerve root and causes the lesion in one specific area. So patients will report itching, tingling, and burning [before the outbreak even occurs].”

If you notice those symptoms, Kelly-Jones says you can begin treatment right away. “It probably won’t prevent the lesion from happening, but it can decrease the longevity and severity of the outbreak,” she says. And, of course, you should abstain from sex.

(Torch fat, get fit, and look and feel great with Women’s Health’s All in 18 DVD!) 

Christine Frapech

When you’re not having an outbreak, it’s okay to have sex—so long as you use a condom. Consistent use reduces your risk of passing along the virus by about 30 percent, according to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

That said, remember that condoms break and not everyone knows how to use one perfectly. And because the virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact, that means that any slip-ups could leave an uninfected partner at risk. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctors about medication, too. 

Christine Frapech

Yep, this is possible: If you touch an open sore on your oral herpes and it comes in contact with your genitals, you could infect yourself. It’s not common, since people generally develop antibodies to prevent it, but it is possible. It’s known as autoinoculation, and it’s what happens when you reinfect yourself with the virus, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

It can spread to other places, too. If you touch an open herpes sore and then touch your eyes, it could trigger herpetic keratitis, a viral infection of the eye, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The best thing you can do? Not touch any open sores. If you do, immediately wash your hands and avoid touching any body parts until you do wash your hands. 

Related: 5 Types Of Vaginal Odors You Should Know About—And What They Mean For Your Health

Christine Frapech

One of the most commonly-prescribed drugs to treat a current outbreak is Valtrax and, depending on if this is your first outbreak or a repeat occurrence, treatment can last for three to 10 days. (It’s longer if it’s your first time, says Kelly-Jones.) But there are also daily suppressive therapy options, like valacyclovir, that offer symptom relief for patients with frequent or severe outbreaks. According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, taking it consistently can slash your risk of infecting a partner by about half. And with more options on the way—a recent JAMA study looked at an experimental drug that’s not currently available in the U.S., pritelivir, and found that it reduced the frequency of outbreaks and the number of days the infected person shed the virus—there’s hope that it will become more manageable.

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What Does Herpes Look Like

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection that causes a recurring rash of red blisters around the genitals. It is more commonly referred to as “herpes”. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2. The herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores, but can also cause genital herpes.

Because genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is incurable, it’s not a condition that will go away after treatment. Instead, you can expect repeated bouts of the symptoms, followed by long periods in which you have no symptoms at all. Over time, the symptoms will ease and become less painful and problematic. But what does herpes look like, exactly?

What do herpes blisters/sores look like?

The main symptom of genital herpes is painful blistering around the genitals. Blisters caused by genital herpes develop around the:

• Genitals
• Rectum
• Thighs
• Buttocks

In women, the blisters can also develop on the cervix.

Herpes blisters are small, red and painful. They will burst, leaving open sores that are very infectious. After this they will scab or crust over and heal without leaving any scarring. The blisters can sometimes last for as long as three weeks without any treatment.

Other symptoms of genital herpes

A primary herpes infection can come with flu-like symptoms such as aches and pains. Recurrent infections also normally start with an itching, burning or tingling sensation in the affected area.

Painful urination can be a symptom of genital herpes, due to the soreness of the blisters. In women, unusual vaginal discharge can also be a sign of genital herpes.

Other STIs causing similar symptoms

If you have sore, red blisters around your genitals then it’s very likely that you have herpes. However, there are some other infections that can cause symptoms you might mistake for herpes.

Genital warts

Genital warts are small, fleshy growths that develop around the genitals. They are usually painless (unlike herpes blisters) but they can become itchy and inflamed, and in some cases they can bleed.

Syphilis

The first symptom of syphilis is a painless sore on the genitals. It is normal to have only one sore, although some people have several. If you have several sores and they are painful, it is more likely to be herpes than syphilis.

Trichomoniasis, pubic lice and scabies can cause itching and inflammation around the genitals. Scratching the affected area can cause soreness and break the skin, which you might mistake for herpes. However, if there are no blisters present then it is unlikely that you are infected.

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How is herpes diagnosed?

If you become infected with genital herpes, there is a good chance you will not notice any symptoms at first. Many people are not affected until months or years after exposure.

The first time you experience symptoms (i.e. an outbreak of blisters), you should visit a sexual health clinic or GP. The test for herpes involves an examination of the affected area, and a swab of the blisters that will be screened for the herpes virus. You may also be tested for other sexually transmitted infections.

How is herpes treated?

Genital herpes can be treated whenever you experience an outbreak. The standard treatment is an antiviral tablet called aciclovir, which works by preventing the virus from multiplying.

How to avoid herpes

Herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact. The virus is most infectious when the blisters have burst leaving open, weeping sores. However, it can be transmitted from the point that a tingling or itching sensation is felt in the area. Remember too that herpes blisters can break out on the thighs, buttocks and around the anus. For this reason, oral sex is risky and using condoms during sex cannot provide 100% protection from the virus.

If your sexual partner is experiencing an outbreak, you should refrain from any sexual activity until the blisters have cleared up and healed completely.

If you have symptoms that you think might indicate herpes, you can use Online Doctor’s secure photo assessment service to get advice from one of our doctors. We also offer prescription treatments for herpes. Visit our sexual health treatments page to find out more.

6 Signs & Symptoms of Herpes In Women

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Herpes sounds like a sexually transmitted infection (STI) you’d be able to spot easily (cold sores and below-the-belt blisters, anyone?). But most people who have herpes simplex virus don’t show any symptoms and have not been diagnosed with herpes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

And the virus is extraordinarily common. “About 60 to 70 percent of the population is positive for herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, or both,” says Eric Ganz, MD, an assistant professor of gynecology and reproductive science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Herpes is broken up into two types: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), also called oral herpes, which primarily affects the mouth and lips; and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), or genital herpes.

Signs of herpes you shouldn’t ignore

Unlike other STIs like chlamydia, herpes can’t be cured. That means once you have it, your best bet is to be able to spot the symptoms, treat them, and practice safe sex. Here, the signs to look out for and what to do if you think you’re infected.

Flu-like symptoms

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The first herpes outbreak that someone gets tends to be brutal, says Monica Svets, MD, an ob-gyn at the Cleveland Clinic. “You feel very sick all over and might have very intense flu-like symptoms.” Body aches, extreme fatigue, and swollen, tender lymph nodes in your groin area are all common in primary outbreaks, she notes.

Think of it like chicken pox: You have an initial phase of an active infection that wipes you out. There are high amounts of a virus you’ve never seen before coursing through your body, and thus, a higher immune system response. Herpes outbreaks tend to get less severe over time, says Dr. Svets.

Painful blisters

One of the classic symptoms of genital herpes is intensely painful blisters around the genital area, says Dr. Svets, who adds: “No blister is a good thing.” Unlike other bumps or sores you might notice around your vagina, herpes sores are extremely painful, says Dr. Ganz.

Blisters pop up because the skin is likely the area of transmission (through sex or oral sex), explains Dr. Svets. Vaginal tissue and the skin surrounding the vagina are also easier to injure, disrupt, and thus pick up a virus, she adds.

And remember: Just because you see your first blister doesn’t mean the incidence is a sign of your first infection. “The herpes virus is kind of like an evil little family—they go to sleep and lie dormant in your cells,” says Dr. Svets. “Different things can wake them up, such as high stress or other illnesses.”

Intense itching

Don’t notice a blister? You might feel some intense itching around a “hot spot” or one particular area of your vaginal region, notes Dr. Svets. It’s another reaction of the virus coming into contact with your skin.

Tender red spots

Herpes doesn’t always show up as a classic blister. Sometimes, it looks like red spots that might appear to have pus in the middle of them. “You can have minor ulcers that are hard to see in pubic hair,” notes Dr. Ganz.

But when you take a closer look, these marks are usually “angry” which makes them red, and are very, very tender (remember: herpes sores are painful). “They’re not subtle,” says Dr. Svets.

Cold sores around your mouth

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Oral herpes, usually caused by HSV-1, can lead to cold sores on or around your mouth instead of your lady parts. These will look similar to the blisters you might notice in your genital area, appearing to have a pussy filling, and they might crust or scab when they’re healing. (Here’s how to get rid of a cold sore—and prevent it from coming back.)

Numbness or tingling

Dr. Ganz notes that herpes tends to have an “unusual” feeling about it—like numbness or tingling on the mouth or in the genital region, even shooting through the legs, hips, or butt area—before sores even show up. That’s because while other STIs might affect just skin tissue herpes can impact nerve tissue, too. This can even lead to nerve damage in rare cases, says Dr. Ganz.

How to treat herpes

Herpes is diagnosed either by a sample of a sore itself or a blood test that IDs antibodies. Remember—it can’t be cured. But if you’re suffering from outbreaks, oral antiviral medications such as Zovirax, Famvir, or Valtrex are often prescribed to decrease severity and length, says Dr. Svets.

Sitting in a shallow, cool-water bath (known as a sitz bath) can also help alleviate sore pain. Just avoid any heavily fragranced soaps or bath products that could further irritation.

Since the likelihood of passing herpes on is high (even if you don’t have any symptoms you can still pass the virus), it’s crucial to tell any sex partners that you have herpes and use condoms, says Dr. Svets. For people with recurrent outbreaks, you can also use antiviral medications on a daily basis to suppress the virus and lower the risk of transmission to under 10 percent.

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90,000 Discharge in women: brown discharge, white discharge during menstruation, itching of discharge in the middle of the cycle – Yekaterinburg

Vaginal discharge in women is completely normal, but sometimes women worry about this and think, is everything all right? These thoughts arise from the inability to distinguish “correct” allocation from “wrong”. Let’s figure it out.

Standard

Immediately make a reservation that there should be no discharge in girls under 10-12 years old, since the glands are not yet functioning, the hormonal background is low.If a girl complains of discharge that has a color and smell, itching and discharge, burning sensation or pain, you should immediately consult a doctor. Similar symptoms can indicate a problem either in the reproductive system, or in the nearby urinary or digestive tracts, and even about helminthic invasion.

About a year before the start of the first menstruation, girls have vaginal discharge due to hormonal changes in the body, the transition of the body from the state of “girl” to the state of “girl”.

At reproductive age, white or whitish creamy discharge is considered normal, homogeneous without any crumbs, without an unpleasant odor or with a slightly sour odor. Discharge in women is necessary to moisturize the walls of the vagina and protect the genitals from infection. Naturally, normal discharge is not accompanied by such sensations as pain, itching during discharge, burning and does not lead to redness and swelling of the skin and mucous membrane of the external genital organs. The presence of discharge in women is a physiological process, the same as the secretion of saliva, tears and gastric juice.

What is included in female secretions? For the most part, mucus produced by the glands of the cervical canal of the cervix, constantly changing epithelial cells, microorganisms of the normal flora: lactobacilli that produce lactic acid. In the acidic environment of the vagina, the development of many pathogenic bacteria is impossible. It is a natural defense against various infections. If the mechanism is disrupted, microbes of conditionally pathogenic microflora flourish, which are in small quantities in the vagina: gardnerella, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, various cocci and bacteroids.Note that the natural protection of the vagina is unable to withstand such aggressive strangers as the causative agents of sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis).

Loop selections

Depending on the day of the menstrual cycle, the nature and amount of discharge changes:

1. In the first phase, there is little discharge in the cycle (1-2 ml per day – the diameter of the spot on the panty liner is 2-3 cm), they are watery or slimy, colorless or white discharge. Discharge in the middle of the cycle during ovulation (1-2 days in the middle of the cycle), the amount of discharge increases to 4 ml per day (the size of the spot on the daily pad increases to 5 cm), they become slimy, viscous, sometimes the shade of the discharge becomes beige.In the second half of the menstrual cycle, the discharge decreases, they can acquire a creamy or jelly-like character. A few days before the onset of menstruation, there is a repeated increase in the amount of discharge.

2. Discharge in women can change at the beginning of sexual activity and when changing a sexual partner. A new, alien, unfamiliar, although absolutely normal microflora enters the woman’s vagina. The body recognizes it and adapts. In this case, there should be no discomfort: discomfort, itching with discharge, burning, inflammation.Sexual intercourse contributes to the appearance of specific vaginal discharge. Within a few hours after unprotected intercourse (without using a condom), the discharge looks like transparent clots, with a white or yellowish tinge. After 6-8 hours, the nature of the discharge changes: they become liquid, white, abundant. If intercourse was protected by a condom or the method of interrupted sexual intercourse was used, then after it, a creamy, white scanty secretion, consisting of a “worked” vaginal lubricant, is characteristic.

3. Taking hormonal contraceptives contributes to a change in hormonal levels and leads to a decrease in the amount of discharge in women.

4. During pregnancy, hormonal status also changes. The amount of vaginal discharge in pregnant women, as a rule, increases due to the increased blood supply to the organs of the reproductive system. The discharge becomes abundant, watery. At the end of pregnancy, the amount of discharge is still increased due to mucus leaving the cervical canal, which serves as a harbinger of an impending birth.A pregnant woman should be very attentive to her condition, including monitoring the nature of vaginal discharge. So, for example, the appearance of very liquid discharge in the second half of pregnancy can signal the discharge of amniotic fluid.

PATALOGY

By the nature of the discharge, it is almost impossible to accurately establish a reliable diagnosis, since in most cases there is a combination of two or more diseases, and it is also often possible to encounter atypical manifestations of a particular disease.Therefore, by the appearance of the discharge, one can only assume the diagnosis, and the survey data must prove it.

Trichomoniasis . Profuse white, greenish or purulent, yellowish-brown discharge with an unpleasant odor, accompanied by itching and / or burning, painful urination.

Thrush (candidiasis) . Itching and thick, profuse discharge, like lumps of yellowish curd. Exhausting intense itching of the genitals and irritation (redness, swelling) of the external genital organs.

Bacterial vaginosis . The amount of discharge increases significantly, the color of the discharge is grayish-white or yellowish, and an unpleasant fishy odor appears. Symptoms are worse after intercourse.

Chlamydia . Characterized by yellow discharge, often accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, painful urination.

Gonorrhea . Moderate, frothy, yellowish-white discharge, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, pain during urination and, often, intermenstrual bleeding.

Colpitis . The discharge is varied: liquid, watery, sometimes thick, purulent, often offensive, often mixed with blood.

Acute inflammation is accompanied by itching, burning sensation or heat in the genital area.

Oncological diseases of the internal genital organs are often accompanied by liquid, like water, copious secretions.

If you are concerned about something, see your doctor. Do not self-medicate so as not to blur the picture of the disease.Otherwise, it will be difficult for the doctor to make the correct diagnosis. Bloody discharge outside of menstruation is also a reason to consult a gynecologist.

PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATORY DISEASES OF THE GENITAL TRACT

Bloody discharge from the vagina in women with the most common gynecological diseases.Features

DISCHARGE DURING PREGNANCY. FEATURES

Normally, discharge during pregnancy can be viscous, milky in color, more abundant than before pregnancy, which intensifies several weeks before childbirth.

DISTRIBUTIONS IN WOMEN DURING THE POSTNATAL PERIOD.FEATURES

Vaginal discharge after childbirth is called lochia and is a consequence of the process of healing and restoration of the size of the uterus after childbirth.

▶ Bloody discharge during pregnancy: normal or pathological?

When a pregnant woman sees spotting, she is always frightened.They are considered a symptom of miscarriage and other equally serious pathologies. Moreover, in some cases, the appearance of a small amount of blood is considered the norm and does not pose a threat to the life and health of the fetus or the expectant mother.

In the early stages of pregnancy, bleeding occurs in 25% of women. In most cases, they are associated with implantation of the ovum to the wall of the uterus. Also, scanty spotting may appear on the dates of the expected menstruation. If they end quickly, are not accompanied by pain, and the woman has not had miscarriages or pregnancy complications before, most likely she has nothing to worry about.However, it is imperative to seek advice from an obstetrician-gynecologist and undergo an examination.

Why bloody discharge can appear and when it is dangerous, said Elena Petrovna Domnich, an obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category, gynecologist-endocrinologist, ultrasound specialist of the ADONIS Medical Center.

Elena Nikolaevna, tell me, can a woman have her periods during pregnancy?

– Sometimes during pregnancy, a woman may have spotting, but they cannot be interpreted as menstruation.Menstruation occurs at the end of the menstrual cycle, during which there is a change in the endometrium, first proliferative, then secretory. During the cycle, the endometrium prepares for pregnancy, and if it does not occur, then menstruation begins.

In case of pregnancy, there can be no menstruation, although spotting may occur at the expected date. Because of this, some women do not immediately know that they are pregnant. However, when the obstetrician-gynecologist at the reception asks them about the nature of the discharge, it always turns out that they are different from menstrual ones.As a rule, they are more scarce, pass faster and are not accompanied by other symptoms. Sometimes a woman says that her period was very recent, but at the time of examination and examination, we find that she is already 8 or 12 weeks pregnant.

How often does this happen? Is bloody discharge during pregnancy an exception or a fairly common occurrence?

– Bloody discharge occurs infrequently in pregnant women, but still it cannot be said that these are exceptional cases.

Tell me, if a woman is planning to conceive a child, and during the expected period she has atypical discharge, does she need a pregnancy test?

– Yes, but it is still better to come for a consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist. There are times when a woman is pregnant but the test strip shows a negative result. To determine exactly whether there is a pregnancy, a blood test for the level of hCG allows.

So, spotting during pregnancy is not menstruation, but bleeding? Why can it appear and why is it dangerous?

– Yes, that’s right.This is bleeding, not menstruation. It can be a symptom of a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other pathology. For diagnosis, you must definitely consult a doctor.

Tell me more, if a woman has a discharge and she thinks she is menstruating, but a pregnancy test that was done before was positive, could it be wrong?

– A pregnancy test is sometimes positive even in its absence.This happens if a woman has luteal cysts or a thyroid disorder.

Bloody discharge during pregnancy requires contacting the antenatal clinic or medical center, where the woman is registered with the pregnancy. Sometimes they may not be dangerous, but without diagnosis it cannot be ruled out that this is a symptom of a serious disorder.

Bleeding may occur when:

• threatened miscarriage;
• ectopic pregnancy;
• infectious diseases of the reproductive system;
• cysts;
• myomas;
• cervical erosion;
• placental abruption;
• threatened premature birth.

You can watch the video version of Elena Petrovna Domnich’s interview here. More useful videos on our YouTube channel.

What does spotting after menstruation mean?

Why is spotting

Vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods is called differently. Metrorrhagia, intermenstrual bleeding, spotting. There are many reasons for them.

Most often, bloody discharge does not affect life at all and you can safely forget about them.But sometimes they can threaten health and lead to death (if the bleeding is profuse). It all depends on the characteristics of each case.

For example, for adolescent girls who have not yet established a cycle, or for premenopausal women, such discharge is the norm. You should not be surprised if yesterday you had rough sex ^{, but there was little lubrication: microtraumas simply make themselves felt. However, even ordinary stress can provoke bleeding.}

There are other reasons due to which blood appears when it was not expected:

1. Ovulation.In some women, the maturation of the egg takes place with the release of several milliliters of blood. And this is completely normal.
2. Neoplasms of the uterus or cervix. Neoplasms – tumors – can be both benign and malignant.
3. Miscarriage. Lifehacker already wrote that many pregnancies end very early due to defects in the ovum.
4. Medicines. For example, many hormonal contraceptives have this side effect.If you miss a pill, then spotting is a normal reaction ^.
5. Hormonal changes. For example, before menopause or due to the fact that something happens to the hormonal background in general.
6. Certain sexually transmitted infections. For example, chlamydia ^.
7. Polycystic ovary disease. This is a chronic condition that causes the ovaries to stop working properly.
8. Ovarian dysfunction.

In the end, bleeding may not be related to the gynecological sphere at all.Such an effect can be caused by problems with the thyroid gland, blood clotting disorders, and kidney diseases.

The main problem is that it is impossible to diagnose only one type of spotting or the fact of their appearance. At all. No way.

When to see a doctor

It is clear that because of every small speck that does not cause discomfort, no one will run around gynecological offices. If metrorrhagia occurs rarely and does not cause discomfort, it is enough just to tell the doctor about it at the next scheduled visit (and we remember that you need to go to the gynecologist at least once a year).

It is worth running to the doctor if:

1. This is not just a few drops, but bleeding equivalent to monthly. If it’s stronger, call an ambulance.
2. Pain in the lower abdomen joins the discharge.
3. The temperature rises.
4. Your head is spinning, you feel very weak.
5. Bleeding between periods gets worse or more often over a couple of months.
6. In any case, if you have already reached postmenopause, and there is bleeding.
7. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

What the doctor will do

The doctor will help determine the cause of the bleeding. Even a simple examination is not always enough for this. Most likely, you will have to pass tests for sexually transmitted diseases, take several smears, a pregnancy test (if there is a reason) and conduct an ultrasound scan ^{. This is the minimum, to which can be added visits to the endocrinologist and examinations in this area.}

What you can do before going to the doctor

In order not to increase bleeding, you do not need to take certain medications: aspirin, for example, increases bleeding. If you feel pain, take a regular pain reliever such as ibuprofen. And tranexamic acid preparations can be tried to reduce bleeding. Just remember to read the instructions and take the pills correctly.

And be sure to tell the doctor what you drank and in what quantities.

Read also

Juvenile bleeding in adolescent girls from 12 to 18 years old – description, causes, prevention

Juvenile or pubertal bleeding in gynecology is usually called uterine bleeding, which is a violation of the menstrual cycle in adolescent girls aged 12-18 years.

According to experts, juvenile bleeding is one of the most difficult pathologies of puberty in a girl.

Juvenile bleeding is most often irregular, more or less profuse bleeding from the vagina. Most often, bleeding appears after a delay of the next menstruation for 2-6 weeks and lasts quite a long time – as a rule, more than a week. In some cases, bleeding from the genital tract lasts up to several months, periodically weakening and intensifying.

With such prolonged bleeding, the girl’s condition can be severe, since prolonged and intense juvenile bleeding can cause anemia – anemia, including severe.

Most often, juvenile bleeding occurs within the first two to three years after the onset of menstruation. As a rule, uterine juvenile bleeding occurs in the winter or spring months, which is caused by a lack of vitamins in the girl’s diet.But, of course, this is not the only cause of pathology.

Reasons

• Infectious diseases.
• Hormonal disorders.
• Mental trauma.
• Physical or psychological overload.
• Incorrect power supply.

Symptoms

• Intermenstrual bleeding from the genital tract that occurs between periods – metrorrhagia.
• Irregular prolonged uterine bleeding, usually occurring after menstruation, – menometrorrhagia.
• Regular long-term (more than 7 days) and profuse (more than 100 ml) uterine bleeding (menstruation) – menorrhagia, hypermenorrhea.
• Regular uterine bleeding (menstruation) with an interval of less than 21 days – polymenorrhea.
• General malaise, weakness, dizziness, headache.

If a teenage girl consults a doctor in a timely manner, and the gynecologist performs the treatment correctly, then the menstrual cycle, as a rule, can be normalized.At the same time, the forecast is quite favorable.

However, if bleeding in adolescence remains untreated, then they can turn into uterine bleeding of reproductive age, which can be fraught with infertility and the development of many pathological conditions in a woman. Careful diagnosis is of great importance for establishing the cause of juvenile bleeding, therefore gynecologists of our center work together with doctors of other specialties (endocrinologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist, etc.), which allows you to quickly and efficiently carry out treatment within one center.

Prevention

• Timely and sufficient treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases (chronic tonsillitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, etc.).
• Compliance with a healthy lifestyle (giving up bad habits, proper nutrition with the exception of unreasonable diets, regular physical activity, hardening, etc.).
• Exclusion of excessive physical and psycho-emotional stress, adherence to sleep and wakefulness.
• Maintenance of the menstrual calendar.
• Regular visits to the gynecologist.

More about pediatric gynecology at the YugMed clinic

90,000 Uterine bleeding: description of the disease, causes, symptoms, cost of treatment in Moscow

Uterine bleeding is the discharge of blood from the uterine cavity. Unlike the usual menstrual cycle of a woman, it differs in abundance, intensity, duration. The bleeding is due to a serious illness or condition.In any case, the manifestation of this ailment should not proceed without medical assistance. Girls of any age are at risk. Even in the first days after uterine life, bloody discharge from the genitals can be observed.

Every woman should know her cycle. It is considered normal if it is regular, occurs monthly and lasts, on average, 5 days. They begin poorly, gain abundance by the middle, and just as slowly go down. A healthy woman does not have pain syndromes during menstruation.Everything else is a deviation or congenital abnormality of the uterus. It can also mean a serious gynecological disease, hormonal imbalance. If your period is accompanied by pain, dizziness and weakness, see your gynecologist urgently.

It should be understood that the onset of early menstruation in girls under the age of 11, as well as the resumption of bloody discharge in women after menopause (after 55 years), is a serious pathological abnormality, and should not proceed without medical supervision.There is no menstrual period during pregnancy.

Sometimes, within the normal range, there may be small bleeding that occurs during menstruation. The cause may be hormonal imbalance as a result of ovulation. The walls of the vessels become slightly thinner, therefore, along with the secretions, blotches of blood can come out. Duration 1 to 2 days maximum. Also, colds and inflammation can have such side effects.

This pathology has the first and main symptom – it is the discharge of blood from the vagina.The volume of blood loss in a woman increases dramatically. This can be noticed if the special hygiene products are changed too often. The cycle lasts more than 7 days. Its interval changes. After intercourse, the release of blood is observed. Bleeding after menopause, when the cycle has been stopped for a long time.

Cause of occurrence. Types of bleeding.

Ovarian dysfunction is the cause of uterine bleeding. There is a failure in the system of work of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and ovaries.The release of the pituitary hormone is disrupted, which provokes follicle immature. Ovulation and menstrual cycle are impaired. The follicle does not mature in the ovary and the corpus luteum does not mature. The production of estrogen and progesterone stops. The endometrium is rejected, resulting in uterine bleeding. It stands out for a long time and abundantly.

During bleeding, the risk of developing diseases of the uterus and accessory system, cancer, mastopathy, and adenoma of carcinoma increases.

There are many reasons that can cause uterine bleeding.It is necessary to determine the type of blood loss, and understand what caused it. The cause can be both a disease of the genitals and a failure in their functions.

Non-genital disorders include the following reasons:

• Some infectious diseases (measles, flu).

• Cirrhosis of the liver.

• Hypertension.

• Atherosclerosis.

• Disorders of the urinary system.

• Changes in the thyroid gland.

• Diseases of the blood.

Bleeding may begin during gestation. This can be attributed to a number of reasons, for example, an ectopic pregnancy, as well as:

• scar on the uterus;

• endometritis;

• fibroids;

• chorionepitheloma;

• birth canal injuries;

• ovarian pathology;

• rupture of the uterus;

• destruction of uterine tissue;

• departed afterbirth;

• early placental abruption or presentation.

Bleeding during pregnancy

A woman who is not carrying a child may also have bleeding. Can be caused by:

• gross sexual activity;

• taking contraceptives;

• trauma to the outer part of the genitals;

• any damage to the uterus;

• inflammatory processes such as vaginitis, erosion, cervicitis;

• cyst and its rupture;

• ovarian rupture;

• the introduction of the mucous membrane into the uterus;

• benign and malignant tumors such as fibroids;

• climacteric, juvenile and reproductive bleeding.

Menopause bleeding

With menopause, women may experience uterine bleeding. They are of a different nature. This comes from the frequency of ovulation and hormone production. Quite a common occurrence, but you should consult a specialist. They can also indicate tumors. The reason for the urgent visit to the doctor is:

• Abundant discharge that special hygiene products cannot cope with.

• Discharge with clots.

• Exceeding the duration of menstruation by more than 3 days.

• Severe pain syndrome.

• Remember that they can indicate polyps, fibroids, imbalance, tumors and other serious diseases of the female reproductive system.

Bleeding due to hormonal failure

If the hormonal system changes or is disturbed, a woman may experience uterine bleeding.Women of any age are prone to this problem. With improper brain function, the level and production of the hormone is not controlled. An example of such a disease is the pathology of the pituitary gland.

Lethargy and chronic fatigue, malnutrition and wasting of the body can cause this problem. Violations of this type occur in a girl’s body during the first menstrual cycle, as well as after abortion, childbirth and during pregnancy. Prolonged bleeding caused by medical abortion is gaining popularity.Taking hormonal drugs and heredity are attributed to a number of causes.

Treatment should be selected individually, the cause of the disease should be determined.

Bleeding during pregnancy

Uterine bleeding during pregnancy most often indicates miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or damage to the placenta. These reasons are accompanied by severe pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and malaise.Blood is bright red or dark scarlet in color, most often clotted.

It is possible to damage the cervix during pregnancy during a gynecological examination or sexual intercourse. This bleeding is usually short-lived and not profuse. In the second or third trimester, bleeding may begin due to damage or placenta previa.

Bleeding poses a serious threat to the health and life of the mother and baby. It should be understood that uterine bleeding is very dangerous for pregnant women.The woman should immediately call an ambulance.

Bleeding due to caesarean section

The cause of this bleeding is hemostasis. For this, a medical intervention is carried out, in which the walls of the uterus are thoroughly cleaned. A cesarean section leaves behind a scar on the uterus that prevents it from contracting normally. Caesarean requires long-term healing and can cause uterine bleeding. A woman should be under medical supervision, and after healing, when the first signs appear, immediately seek help.

Hypotonic bleeding is very difficult to stop because it occurs immediately after the uterus contracts. Hypotonic shock may occur. In this case, doctors should immediately start rescuing, and have a supply of blood for recovery.

The last degree of severity of uterine bleeding after cesarean is removal of the uterus. It is used in cases where the patient’s salvation directly depends on stopping bleeding, and other methods are powerless.

Gynecologists classify bleeding according to various characteristics. The most common are:

Hypotonic. The fertilized egg is retained in the myometrium of the uterus. Hypotension is the cause. The contraction of the muscle tissue of the uterus after childbirth occurs spontaneously. A critical condition occurs when it is completely absent. The bleeding should be stopped immediately. Replenish circulating blood volumes. Continuous measurement of blood pressure and pulse.Treatment is aimed at the earliest possible restoration of the motor function of the uterus.

Hypotonic onset after delivery requires removal of the placenta. It is this action that helps to restore the healthy work of the walls of the uterus. Massage if necessary. Ice is applied or the uterus is irritated with a swab dipped in ether. If the hypotension does not stop, the atony therapy is started.

Atonic. Atonic appear when the uterus is unable to contract.In gynecology, the non-contractility of the uterus is called the Couveler’s uterus. Zero uterine tone does not make it possible to stop bleeding with the help of special injections and drugs. To clamp the uterine artery, a thick suture is applied to the lip of the uterus and secured with additional clamps. The ineffectiveness of the method is seen as preparation for the removal of the uterus. Critical blood loss is considered from 1.2 liters. Attempts to constrict blood vessels are made with electrical stimulation. Blood is constantly injected to avoid fainting.

Juvenile. Occur during puberty. The main cause is ovarian dysfunction. Infection, psychological trauma, excessive physical activity, colds, unhealthy diet can cause juvenile bleeding. Climatic conditions are reflected. Treatment is carried out only in a hospital. Depending on the severity, this can lead to anemia. At the first detection, you should immediately call an ambulance, take a horizontal position, apply cold to the groin area and take a hemostatic drug.

Dysfunctional. Occur when the ovaries are malfunctioning. Absence of menstruation for a long time and abundant discharge are characteristic of this species.

Anuvulatory. Women during menopause and adolescents are exposed to bleeding. It is caused by a violation of the follicles and progesterone, during the absence of ovulation. It is also called one-phase; during bleeding, the corpus luteum does not form. A dangerous type of bleeding can cause the development of malignant tumors.The duration lasts more than 10 days. Bleeding is observed during a malfunction of the pituitary gland, after infections, poisoning and stress.

Profuse. Not accompanied by pain. The amount of fluid lost may vary. The reasons can be different, from an abortion to taking hormonal drugs.

Clots with uterine bleeding

There are cases when a woman observes the presence of clots during bleeding.Doctors attribute this to an anomaly that was transferred by the uterus even in utero. The uterine cavity harbors blood, forming clots. Such menstruation brings a lot of discomfort to a woman, especially during a hormonal crisis. This anomaly sometimes causes a lot of clots to appear. The anomaly can be acquired in nature. They are associated with lifestyle, profession and addiction to bad habits.

Clotted menses are very painful. To exclude an anomaly, you should seek a gynecological consultation.To exclude the possibility of the appearance of clots on a hormonal background, take a hormone test and check the thyroid gland. The presence of clots and pain indicates endometriosis. If the diagnosis is confirmed, then the disease requires urgent special treatment.

Stopping uterine bleeding

Upon arrival of the ambulance brigade, the following actions are carried out:

• apply cold to stomach;

• with heavy bleeding, the woman is transferred in a horizontal position;

• urgent hospitalization;

• specialist assistance;

• introduction of the desired solution depending on the type of uterine bleeding.

If the patient has not given birth, and she does not have tumors, treatment in a hospital is carried out with the help of hormonal drugs. Treatment begins with an increased dose, gradually increasing from 6 tablets per day to 1 piece. In the absence of anemia, progestogens are used. Hemostatic drugs are prescribed, for example, Vikasol, Ditsinon, Ascorutin.

During puberty, girls are prescribed drugs that strengthen blood vessels and stop the blood.It is recommended to take vitamins. Herbal medicine and hormonal drugs to regulate the menstrual cycle. Women of fertile age undergo surgery for endometriosis, fibroids. Pathology of the uterus and ovaries, cancer, after menopause requires only surgery, removal of the appendages and uterus.

It is very important for proper treatment to be examined in time and establish the cause that caused the bleeding. Women undergoing this pathology should immediately seek medical attention.

First Aid

An ambulance should be called immediately. During pregnancy, a woman’s condition deteriorates sharply, because blood loss is profuse. Every minute counts. If it is not possible to contact the medical team, you should independently deliver the woman to the hospital. The reaction should be quick, with uterine bleeding, a serious threat to life hangs. In case of dysfunctional bleeding, do not apply any warm heating pads to the abdomen, do not use drugs, douching, or taking a bath.

Before the ambulance arrives, you can help a woman on her own by doing the following:

1. Putting the woman to bed. In a horizontal position, it is advisable to raise your legs above your head. Use a pillow or roll up a blanket. With significant bleeding, this will help the patient not to lose consciousness.

2. Apply cold to stomach. If there is no heating pad or ice, replace it with any item from the refrigerator, after wrapping it in a cloth.A plastic bottle of cold water will do. It is possible to achieve vasoconstriction and reduce bleeding with the help of cold for no more than 15 minutes. Take 5 minute breaks.

3. The woman is given plenty of drink. This will replace a drip at home. Make sweet tea or water.

4. Take medication seriously while carrying a baby. If there is no possibility of consulting a doctor, you must read the insert and find out the minimum dose.Be sure to read the side effects. Upon the arrival of medical workers, please provide the name of the drug that the woman took and its dosage.

Diagnostics

At the first sign of uterine bleeding, see your gynecologist immediately. Women should keep a calendar that records the nature, symptoms, well-being and duration of the menstrual cycle. This will help the gynecologist to prescribe the correct treatment and get through the course of therapy faster. Performing ultrasound diagnostics, take smears of the cervix for cancer.Blood tests are performed to determine the level of hormones. A biopsy is done to examine the endometrium under a microscope. Correct diagnosis is the key to optimal rehabilitation.

Cervical cancer – screening and prevention

Cervical cancer – a malignant tumor of the female genital organs. This is one of the rare lesions that can be prevented. In most cases, the disease occurs against the background of long-standing precancerous processes, which are quite easy to identify during screening examinations of the population.Doctors massively examine patients for the presence of altered cells. Thanks to this approach, in most cases, it is possible to recognize the disease in the early stages, when it can be completely cured.
Recently, there has been an increase in the incidence of cervical cancer among young women under the age of 40.

Symptoms of cervical cancer
At the initial stages, the disease does not manifest itself in any way and the woman does not feel anything unusual. But then the tumor grows into the deeper layers of the uterus.This causes the following symptoms:
1. Menstruation becomes longer, heavy or painful
2. Heavy intermenstrual bleeding or spotting in the middle of the cycle appears
3. Bloody vaginal discharge after douching, exercise and visiting a gynecologist
4. Abundant mucous discharge, sometimes mixed with blood
5. Pain during intercourse
6. Aching pain in the lower abdomen
7. In women during menopause, bleeding from the vagina may begin
Although these symptoms can appear with other gynecological diseases, they should alert the woman.This is a reason to see a doctor.
Increase the risk of a malignant tumor: early pregnancy, a large number of sexual partners, sexually transmitted diseases, inflammation of the genital organs, smoking and long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.
Gynecological examination
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented. A regular visit to a gynecologist will help protect you. First of all, the doctor takes an anamnesis.This means that the gynecologist asks about the signs of the disease that bother the woman. Finds out if there were any cases of genital cancer among her relatives.
After that, the doctor conducts diagnostic procedures:
1. Vaginal examination using gynecological mirrors. At the same time, he assesses the condition of the cervix, arches and walls of the vagina. In about 95% of women who are sick, signs of cancer can be found during a routine examination.
2. Two-handed gynecological examination.One hand of the doctor probes the uterus through the vagina, and the other through the front wall of the abdomen. In cancer, the uterus is enlarged, painful, and denser. If metastases have occurred, then it does not move well to the sides.
3. Smear for oncocytology (Pap test, Pap test). This is a smear of glandular epithelium (surface cells). To do this, a smear is taken from the cervical canal with a special brush. Then it is carried out on a slide and an imprint is obtained. In the laboratory, the structure of cells is examined under a microscope.If a deviation is found in the structure of their nuclei or cytoplasm, it is suspected that a woman may develop a tumor. A positive test result does not prove the presence of cancer, but serves as a reason for a more thorough examination. If atypical cells are detected, the doctor advises to do an analysis to identify the DNA of the human papillomavirus.

4. Colposcopy is performed if there are atypical cells or signs of human papillomavirus. The coloscope allows you to greatly increase the image of the vaginal mucosa and cervix.In order for the changes to become more noticeable, the mucous membrane is treated with a solution of acetic acid and Lugol’s solution. During the examination, the doctor can notice even the smallest changes and the slightest swelling. Ulcers, areas that rise above the rest of the mucous membrane, warts can alert.
5. A biopsy is the taking of a tissue sample for histological examination.
6. Feeling of the lymph nodes. The doctor checks the lymph nodes by touch, determines their size and density. This is done to detect metastases.
7. Additional research. The doctor may prescribe an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, X-rays, computed and magnetic resonance imaging. If the tumor is confirmed, then methods such as cystoscopy, excretory urography, radioisotope renography, and sigmoidoscopy can be used to clarify its size and search for metastases.
Prevention of cervical cancer
1. Treatment of precancerous conditions. First of all, it is cervical dysplasia, as well as erosion, papillomas and warts in this area.Such defects can become the basis for a tumor, since their cells can degenerate into cancerous ones.
2. Prevention of infection with human papillomavirus and genital herpes. These infections are sexually transmitted. Condoms can help protect against them – an effective remedy for other sexually transmitted diseases that increase the risk of cancer.
3. Refusal from promiscuous sex life. Studies have shown that if a woman has more than 10 sexual partners in her life, then the risk of developing cervical cancer increases 3 times.
5. It is necessary to educate girls about the dangers of early sexual intercourse and early first pregnancy (up to 16 years). At this age, the mucous membrane of the genital organs has not yet fully formed, and its cells are actively growing and dividing. If you injure them, then there is a high probability that they will begin to mutate.
6. If there is a need for gynecological manipulations: abortion, curettage, spiral setting, then contact a qualified gynecologist. Poor performance of these procedures leads to scarring.And they can serve as the basis for a tumor.
7. When choosing hormonal contraceptive pills, you need to contact your gynecologist. Self-administration of these drugs can cause hormonal disorders that lead to the appearance of hormone-dependent tumors. Failure in the production of hormones can occur for another reason. Therefore, if you notice that your periods have become irregular, then inform your doctor about it. He will prescribe the necessary tests, and then he will write out the treatment.
8. Quitting smoking helps to reduce the number of carcinogens that affect the female body.These compounds cause cell mutations and tumors.
9. Regular visits to the gynecologist can help prevent the development of cancer or detect it in the early stages. Therefore, at least once a year, come to the doctor for a routine examination, even if nothing bothers you.

90,000 Discharges after childbirth: what to expect

Having a baby is a happy and emotional event, with the onset of which mothers of babies are waiting for a lot of new and unknown, both joyful and puzzling.Bloody discharge after childbirth, or lochia, is one of the phenomena that it is better to know about in advance so that it is not a surprise and a source of anxiety in the first already exciting days of life with the baby. In this article, you’ll read about everything you need to know about postpartum discharge.

What is lochia

Lochia is a vaginal discharge that occurs after vaginal delivery and caesarean section. Lochia consists of blood, mucus, tissues of the placenta, as well as dying epithelium of the uterine cavity.If you think that you have a discharge that does not look like lochia, tell your doctor about it.

Is postpartum discharge normal?

Postpartum discharge is normal. In addition to the discharge, you may notice small blood clots.

But if you have heavy bleeding (when you have to change two pads in less than an hour) and especially pelvic pain and fever, be sure to see your doctor.

Caesarean section and postpartum discharge

Postpartum discharge may be slightly less abundant, but the overall process is the same as for vaginal delivery.

What to do with a discharge after childbirth

Use absorbent pads, not tampons. Doctors recommend that you avoid any foreign objects in your vagina for at least six weeks after giving birth.

How long does the discharge last after childbirth

Discharge after childbirth is different for everyone.Some mothers have lochia for several weeks, while others last for a month or longer. On average, the discharge stops four to six weeks after delivery.

Can postpartum discharge stop after one week

Unlikely. But in all women, the discharge persists for different periods of time: for some, for several weeks after childbirth, for others, for more than a month.

Can the discharge after childbirth stop and start again

The intensity of the discharge can fluctuate.But lochia cannot completely disappear, and then appear again. Sometimes bright bloody discharge, which occurs in the first days after childbirth, may return.

In some cases, the discharge may increase:

• In the morning after waking up

• During physical activity such as postpartum gymnastics.

• When you are breastfeeding.

Discharge continues two, three, four weeks after delivery – is this normal?

Yes.Discharge after childbirth (lochia) usually lasts at least a few weeks, and sometimes a month or longer. All women are different. But on average, postpartum discharge usually stops after four to six weeks.

What the discharge looks like after childbirth

It depends on how much time has passed since the day of delivery.

• At first, the discharge is more abundant and darker in color.

• In the first few days after birth, lochiae can also be profuse and have a bright red color.

• About a week after giving birth, the discharge may turn pinkish or brown and less abundant.

• After about two weeks, the discharge may turn light brown or yellow and the volume will noticeably decrease. Over time, the discharge will disappear completely.

Does postpartum discharge look like menstruation

Lochia is much more abundant than menstrual discharge and contains small clots. In addition, postpartum discharge lasts much longer.The only similarity is that menstruation and postpartum discharge may have a similar odor.

Main

Lochia is not the most pleasant concomitant circumstance in the period after childbirth. But this is part of the whole process, and the discomfort will be temporary. Always have spare pads with you, and at night, when discharge is particularly heavy, use highly absorbent pads.

It will take your body some time to recover from childbirth and it will go through various changes.And of course, the first days, weeks, and months when you need to take care of your baby and yourself at the same time can be challenging and worrying.