Genital Herpes
What is Genital Herpes?
Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease characterized by pain, itching and sores in the genital area. It is caused by herpes simplex virus and sexual contact is the predominant reason of its spread.
The virus usually enters the body through small breaks of the skin and the mucous membrane. There are various other forms of herpes, including oral herpes, ocular herpes (keratitis), herpetic whitlow, herpes gladiatorum, cerebral herpes infection encephalitis, Mollaret’s meningitis, neonatal herpes, and Bell’s palsy.
The disease attacks both men and women equally. According to an estimate, in United States, one out of six teens and adults carry the herpes simplex virus.
Genital herpes may be a STD, but there is no reason to stop sexual activity due to the infection. By taking simple steps one can stay away from the infection.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes
Many people remain unaware of the disease as the symptoms may be too mild. Sometimes genital herpes show no specific symptom. Usually, the first outbreak is the most symptomatic. Many people never suffer from a second outbreak; however, there are examples of second outbreaks after as long as 40 years.
The most common symptoms of genital herpes include small red bumps, open sores or blisters in the genital, anal or nearby areas. Pain and itching in the genital area is also a common symptom of genital herpes.
The initial symptoms of genital herpes may appear after a few weeks of sexual intercourse with an affected partner. Usually, the small, red bumps appear after initial pain and itching episode. Rupture of the bumps lead to bleeding or oozes. When the ulcers heal, scabs are formed.
In women, sores may be present in genitals, anus, cervix or vaginal area. In men, sores may appear in penis, scrotum, buttocks, anus or thighs or inside the urethra.
Diagnosis of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is usually diagnosed by taking a sample of the sore from the affected area and testing for simplex virus. Additionally, a blood test can also reveal the presence of simplex virus. A cell culture test may also be undertaken to diagnose the viral disease. In cell culture the viruses are allowed to multiply by providing appropriate conditions and the area is observed under a microscope to detect the presence of virus.
The direct fluorescent antibody test is another way of diagnosing genital herpes. In this process a fluorescent dye is mixed with the antibodies. When the individual takes it, the antibodies stick to the viruses and the glow can be seen under special microscopes.
These tests, however, may provide negative results if the sores have started healing, or if it is not the first time when you have the outbreaks.
The Tzanck and PCR tests are also quite common for determining the presence of the virus. In the Tzanck test, a sample is stained with a dye and observed under a microscope. The HSV affected cells look different from others in this test.
The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test detects the pieces of virus’ DNA.
However, the most preferred methods for detecting HSV are blood and culture tests. Generally, tests for other sexually transmitted diseases are also performed with the herpes tests, as the symptoms of some other sexual diseases are quite similar.
Causes of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by two types of viruses.
HSV -1 or HSV type 1: This virus is mainly responsible for oral infections. Cold sores and fever blisters are common symptoms of this type of virus’ infection. This virus may spread from mouth to genitals during oral sex.
HSV -2 or HSV type 2: This virus is mainly responsible for genital herpes. The most preferred ways of spread of this virus is through sexual contact or skin to skin contact. As the virus dies quickly when out of human body, the virus does not spread through the towels, toilets or other objects used by an infected person. HSV -2 is highly contagious and can spread without having an open sore. Usually, the infection shows no recognizable symptoms and the carrier may be unaware of any such infection.
Types of Genital Herpes
As mentioned earlier, there are two types of genital herpes depending upon the two types of viruses that cause the disease.
Treatment of Genital Herpes
Till now, there is no specific cure for genital herpes. In some cases, oral antiviral medications may be prescribed. These medications include acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These medications are usually prescribed to heal the sores sooner and to stop frequent relapses. If taken regularly, the medications may also decrease the chances of infecting the sexual partner.
Living with Genital Herpes
Taking important precautions and effective steps, one can live a fuller and healthier life. Many people are interested in keeping their children and other persons away from the disease, if they have genital herpes. Taking some important precautions, such as avoiding common lipsticks, cigarette and drinking cups may be useful. The affected person should not kiss children so that the virus may not spread through skin to skin contact. Moreover, the mothers who are suffering from genital herpes should take special care to save their newborns from getting affected. It is advisable to wash the hands before and after caring for their infants. If the women have cold sores, it is important to wear a surgical mask while handling the infants. Kissing and skin to skin contact should be avoided until the oral lesions have dried or disappeared.
Having genital herpes does not mean an end of sex life. However, it may be a wise decision to avoid sexual activities when the herpes symptoms are most active. Early redness and a tender skin may be the signs when you should consider not having sex. However, for surety of having genital herpes, talk to your doctor.
Prevention of Genital Herpes
Prevention of genital herpes is of utmost importance as there is no cure of the disease. Practicing safer sex is the first step for preventing genital herpes. Before making a sexual relationship, it is wise to discuss the conditions with your partner. The important point to know is that it is quite possible to have an STD without knowing about it. Therefore enough precautionary measures should be taken. Sexual contacts should be avoided if you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or are exposed to any STD. Avoiding sexual contact with affected individuals is also advisable.
Using a condom while having sex may also reduce the risk of getting infected or infecting the partner. It has been observed that female condoms are better in reducing the risk of infection than male condoms. Moreover, it may be useful for those women whose sexual partner prefer not having condoms.
Women affected with genital herpes may transmit the disease to the baby while giving birth. As genital herpes can be a serious disease for the newborns, it is advisable to let the healthcare professional know if the mother has genital herpes. It is also important to let the healthcare professionals know if the mother is having an outbreak in the last phase of pregnancy. Using condoms during pregnancy, while having sex, is an important step for preventing herpes.
Oral sex should be avoided if your partner is having cold sores or lesions. The spread of herpes, especially the HSV-1 virus, is through oral contacts.
Taking these important steps one can reduce the spread of genital herpes to sexual partners or other persons who are vulnerable of having an infection.
