Genital herpes

Overview

Genital herpes represents a contagious viral infection that affects primarily the genitals, buttocks and the anal area of the human body.

The disease is caused by herpes simplex virus [HSV] that includes 2 distinct but closely related viruses.

• HSV-1 (in 10% of cases it causes genital herpes contamination)
• HSV-2 (in 90% of cases it causes genital herpes contamination)

Mostly HSV-1 infects the mouth and lips, causing sores like cold sores or fever blisters. HSV-2 most commonly infects the genital area, and seldom the mouth. Although this contagious disease is not dangerous it can be emotionally traumatic and bring nuisance because it can not be cured.

Recent data about HSV

According to some statistics 1 out of 5 Americans is infected with HSV-2. Women are more frequently infected than men. For instance in USA 1 out of 4 women is contaminated with HSV-2. Each year in USA 500.000 individuals are registered as being infected with HSV-1 and 2. But only one third of these individuals are aware of virus's persistence because of its asymptomatic character. That means that individuals are simply unfamiliar with virus's symptoms and do not relate them to HVS.

The ways HVS-1 and HVS-2 are spread

Genital herpes is a transmissible disease that can be easily passed from one person to another by sexual intercourse, masturbation, through contact with contaminated secretions or mucosal surfaces or any body fluids. Oral sex or even close skin-to-skin contact is sufficient for virus's spread. The virus is unlikely to be passed by objects like toilet seat or hot tub, etc. Also the individual can spread the virus to other body's parts by touching the area that shades the virus (auto-inoculation). Nevertheless the easiest way for disease's transmission is undoubtedly considered to be the asymptomatic shedding of HVS.

HVS's Symptoms

Symptoms or the so-called outbreaks of herpes are distinct. They vary from fever to:

• headaches;
• muscle aches;
• painful or difficult urination;
• vaginal discharge;
• swollen glands in the groin area, etc.

First symptoms appear within 2 weeks after you have been infected with this contagious virus. The outbreaks can last for several weeks and might include tingling or sores near the area where the virus has entered the body, such as on:

• the genital area;
• the rectal area;
• buttocks;
• the other parts of the body.

Also HVS can permanently accommodate itself inside the vagina and on the cervix in women, or in the urinary passage of both women and men.

The way the disease progresses

In its initial stage you can notice some red bumps that will further develop into small blisters. After all they become painful and itchy sores healing without leaving a scar. A person is considered to be contagious when healing lesions and active sores are present. There are cases when the virus can become active without causing any visible sores or other outbreaks. In these situations we speak about asymptomatic shedding or shedding without any symptoms. This kind of shedding is a significant factor in HVS's transmission. 1 out of 6 individuals of the general infected population is considered to shed the active virus occasionally with any symptoms. There are persons who have no obvious HVS outbreaks but harbor this virus in their bodily fluids such as saliva, vaginal or penile secretions. The inside of vagina can create a comfortable space for virus's progression.

HVS's prevention

If you are aware of your infected genital area with HVS make sure your partner know this. Contrarily you can freely pass it to your uninfected partner during intercourse. Your uninfected partner has about 75% chance of being contaminated with HVS during intercourse. Oral herpes can be easily passed to the genital area and vice versa. For avoiding the HVS's spread take into account some important rules:

• Do not touch the infected area during an outbreak.
• Wash the hands after contacting the contaminated area.
• Do not have intimate contact from the time of first genital outbreaks until they are entirely disappeared.
• Use condoms for decreasing the transmission. Condoms can impede somehow HVS' s spread.
• Maintain and support your immune system. A weaker immune system is mostly predisposed to contamination with HVS.

HVS's treatment

Up to date there is no cure for HVS. The biotechnology companies are working on the vaccine against HVS development. Until the vaccine is not ready for use, HVS can be treated through suppressive antiviral therapy (for those who have more than 6 outbreaks in a year). You can also use topical (applied directly on the sores) agents. But they are less effective and are seldom prescribed. Your care provider can propose you some medicine for oral use like:

• Acyclovir (Zovirax);
• Famciclovir (Famvir);
• Valacyclovir(Valtrex)

They assure a better and effective treatment and protect you from physical and emotional discomfort and disturbance. Be confident and fair with your partner for avoiding future misunderstandings and negative consequences for your relationship!