Genital herpes is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV): HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes, which manifests as cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes, which manifests as blisters or sores on or around the genitals, anus or mouth. However, both types of HSV can infect any part of the body and cause either oral or genital herpes.
How is Genital Herpes Transmitted?
Genital herpes is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, such as vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be spread by touching a herpes sore and then touching another part of the body, such as the eyes or fingers. The virus can be passed even when there are no visible symptoms or sores, as it can remain dormant in the nerve cells for long periods of time. This is called asymptomatic shedding.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes
The symptoms of genital herpes vary from person to person and depend on several factors, such as the type of HSV, the site of infection, the immune system, and the frequency of outbreaks. Some people may have no symptoms or very mild symptoms that go unnoticed or are mistaken for other skin conditions. Others may experience painful and recurrent outbreaks that affect their quality of life and emotional well-being.
The first outbreak of genital herpes usually occurs within two weeks after exposure to the virus and lasts for several weeks. It is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, body aches and swollen lymph nodes in the groyne area. The first outbreak is typically the most severe and may cause multiple blisters or ulcers that rupture and ooze or bleed. The sores then crust over and heal within a few weeks.
Recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes are common and tend to be less severe and shorter than the first one. They may occur at any time, but are more likely to happen when the immune system is weakened by stress, illness, medication or other factors. The frequency and duration of recurrent outbreaks vary from person to person and may decrease over time. Some people may have warning signs before an outbreak, such as tingling, itching or burning sensations in the affected area.
Is There a Cure for Genital Herpes?
There is no cure for genital herpes, but antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and lower the risk of transmitting the virus to others. These medications can be taken daily as suppressive therapy to prevent or reduce outbreaks, or episodically as soon as an outbreak starts to shorten its course. Antiviral medications can also help prevent complications of genital herpes, such as neonatal herpes (a serious infection that can affect newborn babies) and encephalitis (a rare but potentially fatal inflammation of the brain).
In addition to antiviral medications, people with genital herpes can take steps to manage their condition and prevent transmission to others. These include:
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry to avoid bacterial infections.
- Applying cold compresses or ice packs to reduce pain and swelling.
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to ease discomfort.
- Avoiding sexual contact during an outbreak or when prodromal symptoms are present.
- Using condoms or dental dams during sexual activity between outbreaks to reduce the risk of transmission.
- Informing sexual partners about their status and encouraging them to get tested for HSV.
- - Seeking emotional support from friends, family, counsellors or support groups.
Genital herpes is a common and manageable condition that does not have to interfere with one's health, happiness or sexual relationships. With proper treatment and care, people with genital herpes can lead normal and fulfilling lives.
Sources
- Debbo Africa: https://debbo.africa
- Genital herpes - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/symptoms-causes/syc-20356161
- STD Facts - Genital Herpes - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
- Herpes Simplex: Genital, Oral, Symptoms & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22855-herpes-simplex