Everything You Know About Genital Herpes

What is the definition of genital herpes ?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted illness that is very infectious (STI). The genitals of those who have genital herpes develop painful blisters. Blisters can occur on the anus or inside it. These infections can go away for months or even years before reappearing.

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV can be transmitted during vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Kissing or close (skin-to-skin) contact with someone who has open sores can also give you HSV.

What varieties of herpes viruses are there ?

Herpes is an infectious virus family. Blisters and sores are caused by all of these viruses. The following are some of the most prevalent herpes viruses

Type 1 Oral herpes virus (HSV-1) produces cold sores on the lips, gums, tongue, and within the mouth. In certain circumstances, it might lead to genital herpes. When you kiss someone who has open herpes sores, this kind generally spreads by saliva. HSV-1 can also be transmitted through sharing toothbrushes, lipsticks, or dining utensils.

HSV-2 is the kind that causes genital herpes. Herpes zoster (herpes zoster) is a kind of herpe Chickenpox and shingles are both caused by this virus.

What is the prevalence of genital herpes ?

HSV-2, the virus that causes genital herpes, is carried by around one in every six Americans aged 14 to 49.

Who is at risk for genital herpes ?

Teenagers and adults of all genders and races are affected by genital herpes. If you have numerous sexual partners and don’t use condoms, it can spread.

Women are more vulnerable. Delicate vaginal tissue might rip, allowing an infection to enter more easily. Women of colour are particularly susceptible. HSV-2, the virus that causes genital herpes, is infected in one out of every two African-American women between the ages of 14 and 49.

What causes genital herpes ?

The buttocks, anus, and inner thighs can all be infected with genital herpes sores. The vagina, vulva, labia (vaginal lips), and cervix are all parts of the female reproductive system (tissue that connects the vagina and uterus). Lips, mouth, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of the mouth are all parts of the mouth. Testicles and penis (parts of the male reproductive system).

Is herpes genitalis contagious ?

Genital herpes is spread by a virus that is very infectious. You can spread genital herpes to others or catch it from an infected person. It’s possible to infect another individual with the herpes virus even if they don’t have blisters or symptoms.

Is it possible to get genital herpes from a person who has cold sores ?

Yes. Herpes viruses of various types can infect other parts of the body. If you have oral intercourse with someone who has HSV-1 open sores, you might develop herpes sores on your genitals.

What causes herpes genitalis ?

A sexually transmitted infection, often known as a sexually transmitted disease, or STD, is genital herpes. The illness is caused by a contagious virus.

Intercourse, including anal, vaginal-penile, and vaginal-vaginal, has been proven to be a way for genital herpes to spread.

• Oral intercourse (providing or receiving) with an infected person.
• Ejaculation-free skin-to-skin contact.
• Touching raw wounds, even when nursing, is not a good idea.
• A mother with an active infection gives birth to her child.

Objects such as toilet seats cannot transmit genital herpes. However, genital herpes can be transmitted through shared sex toys. (To keep yourself safe, wash sex toys before and after each use, and don’t share them.) If you do, use a condom to keep them safe.)

What are some of the signs and symptoms of genital herpes ?

Some people never show any signs or symptoms. They are unaware that they are infected with the herpes virus, which causes genital herpes. They might unintentionally infect others. It’s difficult to tell when or from whom you received the herpes virus because you might carry it for years without showing any symptoms.

Symptoms are generally at their worst during the first outbreak or flare-up (called primary herpes). Symptoms usually occur two to twenty days following the infection. Symptoms might continue up to four weeks if they are active.

• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, tiredness, and body pains are possible.
• Itching or irritation in the genital area.
• Blisters or sores on the vaginal area that are painful and burst open.
• Urination that hurts (dysuria).
• Lymph nodes that are swollen.

Is it possible to contract genital herpes more than once ?

HSV-2, the virus that causes genital herpes, has no treatment. Infections might resurface (called a recurrence). The recurrence of symptoms is generally less severe than the initial outbreak. With subsequent outbreaks, the symptoms don’t persist as long. It’s possible that some people will only suffer one or two outbreaks throughout their lives. Others may experience up to five outbreaks each year.

The virus travels from skin cells to nerve cells after infection. It becomes inactive in nerve cells (latent). Illness or fever, for example, might cause the virus to reactivate.

Anything that lowers the immune system’s defences.

• Menstruation.
• Stress.
• Exposure to the sun.
• Surgery.

How do you know if you have genital herpes ?

Symptoms of other STIs, such as syphilis, are similar. Your healthcare practitioner will collect a fluid sample from the blisters to test for the herpes virus in addition to a physical checkup. A blood test can screen for HSV-2 antibodies, a sign that reveals you’ve been exposed to the virus, whether your blisters have healed or you don’t have any.

What is the best way to manage or treat genital herpes ?

You may not need or desire therapy if you have moderate symptoms or infrequent breakouts. These methods can help alleviate symptoms during an outbreak. Apply a cold compress to your genitals. Apply the ice pack to your underpants or wrap it in a washcloth.

Keep your genitals as dry as possible. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing and choose for cotton or other non-synthetic underwear. Sores that are moist take longer to heal. Soak in a hot tub. To alleviate discomfort, take no steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Dress in loose-fitting clothes.

Antiviral drugs can help avoid epidemics. They can also assist to alleviate symptoms and speed up the healing process. This medication is available as a tablet, an intravenous injection, or a topical cream. Antivirals, when taken on a regular basis, can help to avoid an epidemic. They reduce the risk of the virus spreading to others.

What are the genital herpes complications ?

People with genital herpes who have open sores are twice as likely to get HIV as those who do not. Another reason to wear condoms is to reduce the chance of infection.

What are the effects of genital herpes on pregnancy ?

Genital herpes has no impact on your fertility or capacity to conceive. Pregnant women who have been diagnosed with herpes genitalis should begin taking a daily antiviral at 36 weeks of pregnancy to avoid outbreaks before delivery. You can transfer the herpes virus to your kid if you have an active infection at the time of childbirth. Blindness, brain damage, skin infections, and mortality are among risks associated with neonatal (at birth) herpes. To reduce this risk, your healthcare practitioner will undergo a caesarean section.

If I have genital herpes, is it safe to breastfeed ?

Yes, if there isn’t an open lesion on the chest or breast. It’s possible to transfer the virus to your nipples through contact if you’re nursing and have an active outbreak. Hand washing properly can help prevent the spread of this infection. Herpes sores on the breast should not be nursed. Until the wounds heal, you can pump breast milk. If the pump comes into touch with an open sore, don’t feed your infant expressed breast milk.

What can I do to avoid genital herpes ?

If you’re sexually active, you can protect yourself and others against the herpes virus and other STIs by following these steps

• Limit your number of sexual partners or be faithful with one.
• Get tested for STIs and follow through with any necessary treatment.
• If you have genital herpes, tell your sexual partners so they can get tested.
• During oral sex, use condoms, especially dental dams.
• If you have an outbreak or are around someone who has symptoms, wash your hands often.
• If your sexual partner has genital herpes, do the following steps to reduce your chances of contracting the virus:
• When your spouse is experiencing active symptoms, avoid having sex. (Because condoms may not completely cover all sores, you may still contract the virus.)
• Ascertain that your spouse is taking antiviral medicine as directed.
• Wait till the scabs have gone off before having sex.