Genital Herpes - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Peter Rodrick
November 09, 2008
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, or STD. (This means it spreads from person to person during vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact.) It is caused by a virus. Genital herpes is one of the most common STDs in the United States.
Who gets genital herpes?
Anyone who is sexually active can get genital herpes. You may get genital herpes if you have sex with an infected person. You can also get genital herpes if you have oral sex with someone who has cold sores. You can still be infected even if your partner doesn´t have an open sore, or any signs or symptoms of genital herpes.
Causes
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are both double-stranded DNA viruses that are part of the herpes family of viruses known as Herpesviridae. There are eight types of viruses in the herpes family known to cause infection in humans.
The most common form of transmission is through sexual intercourse. The infection can cause blisters that shed viruses. People who have blisters are always infectious. If another person rubs against a blister, the virus can enter through the skin. However, not all people who are infected always produce skin blisters and it is possible for the virus to be produced and spread in the absence of the visual clue of the blisters. Kissing can also transmit the virus if the mucous membranes of the mouth are infected.
What are the Symptoms of Herpes?
Herpes symptoms tend to vary from person to person: some people may experience very mild symptoms, while others may have more painful and longer-lasting outbreaks. Initial herpes symptoms appear within two weeks of infection. You may notice a tingling or burning sensation around your genitals or rectum followed by the appearance of small, painful red sores. These sores can develop on the vagina, penis, cervix, rectum, or mouth, and may eventually develop into blisters.
For many people with herpes, the symptoms will return. A return of symptoms is called a recurrence. Recurrences are more likely with HSV-2 infection than with HSV-1. People will often notice warning symptoms minutes to days before a recurrence, such as an itching, tingling, or burning sensation in the affected area. The symptoms of a recurrence tend to be less severe and not as long-lasting as the first episode. Over the years, the recurrent attacks may continue but they usually become less severe with time.
How does the doctor make a diagnosis?
In most cases, a description of the condition and the appearance of the blisters will be enough to make a diagnosis. After the first attack, further attacks can be milder and therefore more difficult to diagnose. Therefore, most doctors will advise referral to a specialist genitourinary clinic (GUM clinic) for confirmation of the diagnosis. This is usually done by a virological analysis of the watery fluid in a blister.
Genital Herpes: Treatment
There is no cure for herpes virus infections. There are antiviral drugs available which have some effect in lessening the symptoms and decreasing the length of herpes outbreaks. There is evidence that some may also prevent future outbreaks. These antiviral drugs work by interfering with the replication of the viruses and are most effective when taken as early in the infection process as possible. For the best results, drug treatment should begin during the prodrome stage before blisters are visible. Depending on the length of the outbreak, drug treatment could continue for up to 10 days.
During an outbreak, keep the infected area as clean and dry as possible. This will help your natural healing processes. Some doctors recommend warm showers in order to cleanse the infected area. Afterwards, towel dry gently, or dry the area with a hair dryer on a low or cool setting. To prevent chaffing, some people also find it helpful to avoid tight-fitting undergarments. Most creams and lotions do no good and may even irritate.
Visit Herbal Remedies. Do not forget to visit Breast Spray for Breast Enhancement and Breast Cream
Who gets genital herpes?
Anyone who is sexually active can get genital herpes. You may get genital herpes if you have sex with an infected person. You can also get genital herpes if you have oral sex with someone who has cold sores. You can still be infected even if your partner doesn´t have an open sore, or any signs or symptoms of genital herpes.
Causes
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are both double-stranded DNA viruses that are part of the herpes family of viruses known as Herpesviridae. There are eight types of viruses in the herpes family known to cause infection in humans.
The most common form of transmission is through sexual intercourse. The infection can cause blisters that shed viruses. People who have blisters are always infectious. If another person rubs against a blister, the virus can enter through the skin. However, not all people who are infected always produce skin blisters and it is possible for the virus to be produced and spread in the absence of the visual clue of the blisters. Kissing can also transmit the virus if the mucous membranes of the mouth are infected.
What are the Symptoms of Herpes?
Herpes symptoms tend to vary from person to person: some people may experience very mild symptoms, while others may have more painful and longer-lasting outbreaks. Initial herpes symptoms appear within two weeks of infection. You may notice a tingling or burning sensation around your genitals or rectum followed by the appearance of small, painful red sores. These sores can develop on the vagina, penis, cervix, rectum, or mouth, and may eventually develop into blisters.
For many people with herpes, the symptoms will return. A return of symptoms is called a recurrence. Recurrences are more likely with HSV-2 infection than with HSV-1. People will often notice warning symptoms minutes to days before a recurrence, such as an itching, tingling, or burning sensation in the affected area. The symptoms of a recurrence tend to be less severe and not as long-lasting as the first episode. Over the years, the recurrent attacks may continue but they usually become less severe with time.
How does the doctor make a diagnosis?
In most cases, a description of the condition and the appearance of the blisters will be enough to make a diagnosis. After the first attack, further attacks can be milder and therefore more difficult to diagnose. Therefore, most doctors will advise referral to a specialist genitourinary clinic (GUM clinic) for confirmation of the diagnosis. This is usually done by a virological analysis of the watery fluid in a blister.
Genital Herpes: Treatment
There is no cure for herpes virus infections. There are antiviral drugs available which have some effect in lessening the symptoms and decreasing the length of herpes outbreaks. There is evidence that some may also prevent future outbreaks. These antiviral drugs work by interfering with the replication of the viruses and are most effective when taken as early in the infection process as possible. For the best results, drug treatment should begin during the prodrome stage before blisters are visible. Depending on the length of the outbreak, drug treatment could continue for up to 10 days.
During an outbreak, keep the infected area as clean and dry as possible. This will help your natural healing processes. Some doctors recommend warm showers in order to cleanse the infected area. Afterwards, towel dry gently, or dry the area with a hair dryer on a low or cool setting. To prevent chaffing, some people also find it helpful to avoid tight-fitting undergarments. Most creams and lotions do no good and may even irritate.
Visit Herbal Remedies. Do not forget to visit Breast Spray for Breast Enhancement and Breast Cream
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