Genital Herpes – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the first outbreak.

Symptoms of a Genital Herpes

Someone who has been exposed to the genital herpes virus may not be aware of the infection and may never have an outbreak of sores. However, if a person does have an outbreak, the symptoms can cause significant discomfort.

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

The signs and symptoms associated with HSV-2 can vary greatly. Health care providers can diagnose genital herpes by visual inspection if the outbreak is typical, and by taking a sample from the sore(s) and testing it in a laboratory. HSV infections can be diagnosed between outbreaks by the use of a blood test. Blood tests, which detect antibodies to HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection, can be helpful, although the results are not always clear-cut.

The initial symptom of genital herpes usually is pain or itching, beginning within a few weeks after exposure to an infected sexual partner. After several days, small, red bumps may appear. They then rupture, becoming ulcers that ooze or bleed. Eventually, scabs form and the ulcers heal.

Genital Herpes Causes

Genital herpes is spread by direct contact with an infected person. Sexual intercourse and oral sex are the most common methods of spreading genital herpes. Any type of skin-to-skin contact, however, is capable of spreading herpes.

HSV type 1 most commonly infects the mouth and lips, causing sores known as fever blisters or cold sores.

HSV type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth.

Genital Herpes Treatment

There is no cure for genital herpes. There are, however, oral medications to help control the course of the disease. Medication can shorten the length of an outbreak and help reduce discomfort.

If you have repeat outbreaks, taking medication on a daily basis can greatly reduce the symptoms. In many cases, it can prevent outbreaks for a long time.

Do not use perfumed or antibacterial soaps, feminine deodorant, or douches.

Wear more comfortable, loose cotton clothing.

For pain, you may take aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil).

Try not to touch the sores and if you do touch them, wash your hands with warm soap and water right away

Avoid having sex during an outbreak

Vaccines

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States is currently conducting phase III trials of Herpevac, a vaccine against HSV-2.[106] The vaccine has only been shown to be effective for women who have never been exposed to HSV-1. Overall, the vaccine is approximately 48% effective in preventing HSV-2 seropositivity and about 78% effective in preventing symptomatic HSV-2.[106] Assuming FDA approval, a commercial version of the vaccine is estimated to become available in 2008.[citation needed] During initial trials, the vaccine did not exhibit any evidence of preventing HSV-2 in males.