Genital Herpes

Learn Genital Herpes in 5 minutes

Overview

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can be spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, and some people may have mild or no symptoms. Symptoms can include pain, itching, and sores in the genital, anal, or mouth area. There is no cure for genital herpes, but medication can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection. If you suspect you have genital herpes or any other STI, it is important to see your healthcare provider.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of genital herpes include pain or itching around the genitals, small bumps or blisters around the genitals, anus or mouth, and painful ulcers that form when blisters rupture and ooze or bleed. Other symptoms may include scabs that form as the ulcers heal, painful urination, discharge from the urethra or vagina, and flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches during the first outbreak. Sores can appear on or in the buttocks, thighs, rectum, anus, mouth, urethra, vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, or scrotum.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing genital herpes include:

1. Contact with genitals through oral, vaginal, or anal sex without using barriers like condoms or dental dams.
2. Having multiple sexual partners.
3. Having a partner with the disease who is not taking medicine to treat it.
4. Being a woman, as the virus can spread more easily from men to women.
5. A history of sexually transmitted diseases.
6. Being older or belonging to certain populations, such as Black people in the United States or men who have sex with men. Remember that most people with genital herpes may not show any symptoms. If you suspect you have been exposed to the virus, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and guidance.

Development

Genital herpes is caused by two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV), namely HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes, and it can be present on blisters and ulcers, as well as the fluid from these sores. It can also be present in the moist lining or fluids of the mouth, vagina, or rectum. The virus is spread from one person to another during sexual activity. HSV-1, which is responsible for cold sores or fever blisters, can also cause genital herpes. People may be exposed to HSV-1 as children due to close skin-to-skin contact with someone infected. In general, genital herpes develops when a person comes into contact with the herpes simplex virus during sexual activity. This can happen through skin-to-skin contact, as well as contact with the moist lining or fluids of the mouth, vagina, or rectum. Once infected, the virus can remain dormant in the body and may recur at later times, often after a trigger such as stress, illness, or sun exposure.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

If you suspect you have genital herpes, or any other sexually transmitted infection (STI), you should see your healthcare provider. Symptoms of STIs may include sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area, painful or burning urination, discharge from the penis, unusual or odorous vaginal discharge, unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, sore, swollen lymph nodes, fever, or a rash over the trunk, hands, or feet. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice promptly. Remember to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about your concerns and any symptoms you're experiencing.

Diagnosis

Your health care provider can diagnose genital herpes based on a physical exam and your sexual history. They may also take a sample from an active sore or perform a lab test on your blood to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is HSV-1 or HSV-2. It is recommended that you and your partner get tested for genital herpes and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Management and Treatment

Complications

Complications associated with genital herpes may include:

• Other sexually transmitted infections. Having genital sores raises your risk of giving or getting other STIs, including HIV/AIDS.
• Newborn infection. A baby can be infected with HSV during delivery. Less often, the virus is passed during pregnancy or by close contact after delivery. Newborns with HSV often have infections of internal organs or the nervous system. Even with treatment, these newborns have a high risk of developmental or physical problems and a risk of death.
• Internal inflammatory disease. HSV infection can cause swelling and inflammation within the organs associated with sexual activity and urination. These include the ureter, rectum, vagina, cervix, and uterus.
• Finger infection. An HSV infection can spread to a finger through a break in the skin, causing discoloration, swelling, and sores. The infections are called herpetic whitlow.
• Eye infection. HSV infection of the eye can cause pain, sores, blurred vision, and blindness.
• Swelling of the brain. Rarely, HSV infection leads to inflammation and swelling of the brain, also called encephalitis.
• Infection of internal organs. Rarely, HSV in the bloodstream can cause infections of internal organs. It's important to note that while there is no cure for genital herpes, medication can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of infecting others. Practicing safe sex, such as using condoms, can also help prevent the spread of the infection.

Home Remedies

While there are various home remedies suggested for genital herpes, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment

There is no cure for genital herpes, but medication can help ease symptoms and reduce the risk of infecting others. Antiviral medicines can be used to manage genital herpes, and they can help limit outbreaks. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for genital herpes, you should:

1. Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions, such as not eating solid food on the day before your appointment.
2. Write down your symptoms, including any that seem to not be related to the reason why you scheduled the appointment.
3. Write down your key medical information, including other conditions.
4. Make a list of all your medicines, vitamins or supplements.
5. Ask a relative or friend to come with you, to help you remember what your health care team says.
6. Write down questions to ask your team.
7. Communicate with your partner about your condition.
8. Educate yourself about genital herpes and its management.
9. Consider joining a support group to discuss your feelings and learn from others' experiences. Remember to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and concerns. This will help them provide the best possible care and support for you.