One out of five teenagers and adults in the United States are affected with herpes simplex virus type 2. This accounts for 45 million people in the country. HSV-2 is the usual cause for genital herpes. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is an infection of the genitals, buttocks or anal area of a person. HSV-1, another type of the virus, most commonly produces infections on the mouth and lips which causes fever blisters or cold sores. This virus is spread through close contact with an infected person. This may be through sexual intercourse, oral sex or close skin-to-skin contact. Asymptomatic shredding also plays an important role in the spread of the disease. Small amounts of the virus may be shed at the places or near places of the first infection.
The symptoms brought about by the disease are called outbreaks. The first outbreak appears within two weeks after being infected. This can last for several weeks. What the person experiences are tingling or sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. This can happen in the inside of the vagina and on the cervix of women. The other part of the body that can be infected is in the urinary tract of men and women. Small red bumps will appear first then this will develop into blisters. This will in turn develop into sores that are itchy and painful. A crust will be developed and this will heal without leaving a scar, usually for two to four weeks. Fever, headache, muscle aches, painful or difficult urination, vaginal discharge for women and swollen glands in the groin area for men are also experienced by the person affected with genital herpes. Most people affected with HSV-2 though are not aware of their infection. The sores may not be present or if it is, may be small and can be easily overlooked. This makes it easier for the disease to spread as the individual is unaware of his condition. In this case, a diagnosis is important. A blood test can be taken to show whether a person is infected with HSV. This is the determining factor for doctors to diagnose if the person has genital herpes.
Complications may develop if genital herpes is not treated. Some people may get ocular herpes, a herpes infection of the eye. This can sometimes lead to serious eye disease, including blindness. A woman that is pregnant can pass to her baby the infection and this may lead to the baby’s serious brain, eye or skin problems and can even lead to death. Having genital herpes is also important in the spread of HIV infection. This can make people more susceptible to the disease and can worsen the condition of those already affected.
Antiviral medicine can treat the symptoms and help prevent future outbreaks. This can be taken in two ways. One is through episodic treatment, taken as each outbreak occurs. The other is through suppressive treatment. This is taken daily to prevent outbreaks from happening. Some examples of antiviral medicines are acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir. The health care provider will advise you on what treatment to follow basing on your symptoms. The surest way not to get infected with genital herpes is by abstaining from sexual contact or to be in a monogamous relationship with a person who is not infected. Using condoms during intercourse does not guarantee protection from genital herpes as this may not cover all infected areas.
Other sources for genital herpes:
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections Resource Center from the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals
- Center for Diseases Control Genital Herpes Fact Sheet
- Genital Shedding of Herpes Simplex Virus among Men
- Herpevac Trial for Women
- The American Social Health Organization
- Links to genital herpes pictures (Hardin MD/Univ of Iowa)
- Mayo Clinic on Cold Sores
