What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes

It is a sexually transmitted infection that can't be cured.

What causes genital herpes?

It is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The Type 1 virus typically gives cold sores on the lips, while the Type 2 virus affects the genitals. With the increasing practice of oral sex, Type 1 is now also a common cause of genital herpes.

Who are at risk?

Anyone who has ever had sex (especially with someone who has it) is at risk. It can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and also by touching the infected area of the person who has it.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The disease can range from being totally without symptoms, and therefore unknown to the person carrying it, to mild itchy, tender red spots on the genitals, to excruciating blisters and sores of the genirals with fever and general unwellness. Other symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Shooting pains in the back and legs
• Swollen groin glands
• Difficulty passing urine

After the first attack, which may last up to 3 weeks, recurrences may occur, of which are often milder and shorter-lived. The recurrences may be frequent (e.g. monthly) or rare.

What are the complications?

• You can spread it to others.
• You have a higher risk for HIV infection.
• If you are pregnant, your baby could get infected while being born.

How is it diagnosed?

A doctor specializing in the skin or in sexual infections will often make a diagnosis based on the patient's history and on examination. Swabs can be sent to the lab, which may be helpful in trying to confirming the diagnosis.

What are the treatments?

The goal of treatment for genital herpes is to provide relief from herpes sores and to shorten the time for the outbreak to heal. Treatment works best if it is started as soon as possible after the start of an outbreak.

Anti-viral drugs, such as aciclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir, are recommended to treat first genital herpes outbreak. Most people find relief and recover more quickly (e.g. heal the sores) from the first attack by taking antiviral medicines. Antiviral medicines also helps prevent further outbreaks and reduces the risk of people passing the virus to their sex partner(s).

To reduce pain and fever from genital herpes, one may use non-prescription drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophencan.

Patients may need some counseling to come to terms with the infection, and to learn how to prevent transmission to sexual partners.