Genital Herpes Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is Genital herpes?

Genital herpes is defined as a sexually transmitted disease, causing herpetic sores. It is a viral disease and a common gynecological problem. These fluid-filled sores, called blisters, ooze fluid when broken open. Genital herpes occurs in 16% of people aged 14 to 49 years. Here is a detailed discussion of genital herpes symptoms, causes, and treatment.

What are the genital herpes symptoms?

Herpetic blisters appear about two days after contracting the virus. However, blisters may not appear until about 30 days later.

Genital herpes symptoms for men include blisters on the scrotum, penis, around the anus, or buttocks. For women, herpes symptoms include blisters around the vagina, buttocks, and anus.

Other genital herpes symptoms for men and women include:

• The appearance of mouth, face and lip blisters
• The appearance of blisters on body parts that came in contact with the infected areas
• The blisters may break open and ooze fluid
• The infected areas start with itching before blisters appear
• Body aches, headache, and fever
• An outbreak of blisters occurs with a crust appearing over the sores within a week
• Swollen lymph glands

A baby born with herpes may experience facial, body and genital ulcers. Babies get infected through vaginal delivery. Complications of genital herpes in babies include brain damage, blindness, and death.

If pregnant, tell your doctor that you have genital herpes so they can help you prevent transmission of the virus to your baby during delivery. They may suggest you deliver your baby via cesarean section.

What are the causes of genital herpes?

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes genital herpes while herpes simplex virus type 1 (HVS-1) usually causes cold sores.

These viruses enter the body through mucous membranes (thin layers of tissue lining body openings). Mouth, nose, and genitals contain mucous membranes.

The viruses get integrated into the cells once inside the body. Then they stay in the pelvic nerve cells with the capability to multiply or adapt easily to their environment. As a result, it is difficult to treat them.

HVS-1 and -2 can be found in semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, and other body fluids.

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

Your doctor can make a diagnosis of genital herpes by visually examining the sores. Additionally, laboratory tests may be used to confirm if it is a herpes infection. However, laboratory tests may not be necessary.

Before an outbreak occurs, a blood test can diagnose a herpes infection. So if you think you have or are exposed to genital herpes, talk to your doctor. Don’t wait for genital herpes symptoms to occur before talking to your doctor.

What is the treatment?

The good news is that treatment reduces outbreaks. The bad news is that the treatment does not cure herpes simplex viruses.

Antiviral drugs are used to quicken the healing process of the sores. They also help reduce pain. Take medications once you notice symptoms of an outbreak such as itching and tingling to reduce symptoms.

People who get outbreaks or have other genital herpes symptoms need medications to minimize their risk of getting outbreaks in the future.

At home, use mild cleansers when bathing with warm water. Always clean and keep dry the infected site. Wear loose clothes to allow for good healing of the sores.

Genital herpes and pregnancy

If you are pregnant and have genital herpes here is what to know and do. You may be concerned about your baby because genital herpes can get to your baby during vaginal delivery. Keep in mind that transmission occurs during vaginal delivery if you have an active outbreak.

So if you are pregnant and have genital herpes, tell your doctor about it right away. Your doctor will discuss with you what may happen before, during and after delivering your baby. They will prescribe some pregnancy-safe medicines/treatments. Also, they may suggest a cesarean section.

It is important to note that genital herpes can cause miscarriage or delivery of a premature baby.

My Final thoughts

You should aim to prevent getting infected with genital herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases. To this end, practice safe sex. Use condoms properly all the time you have sex with someone.

Genital herpes has no cure, but it can be managed with medications. After a herpes infection, the disease stays dormant in the body until an outbreak is triggered. Outbreak triggers include stress, sickness or tiredness.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options that will help you manage your outbreaks.

Finally, do not wait for genital herpes symptoms to occur before meeting your doctor.

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