Genital Herpes Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The main way the virus is spread is through sexual contact. After the first infection, the virus remains dormant in the body and reactivation can occur several times a year.
Genital herpes can cause pain, itching, and sores in the genital area. However, someone who is infected also sometimes does not show signs and symptoms. If a person is already infected, the infection can also be passed on even if there are no visible sores.
Symptom
Can the symptoms of genital herpes be recognized? Most individuals infected with HSV do not know their infection status, as they generally show no signs and symptoms or only show mild signs and symptoms. If there are signs and symptoms, they generally appear 2–12 days after exposure to the virus.
Signs and symptoms of genital herpes can include:
- Itchiness or pain, which can be experienced in the area around the genitals.
- Small red spots or white blisters, which may appear days to weeks after infection.
- Genital sores, which can make it difficult to urinate.
- Scabs, which are caused by crusting of the skin when a wound is in the healing phase.
When complaints first appear, this can be accompanied by signs and symptoms that resemble the flu, such as headaches, body aches, and fever.
Sores can develop when a person is infected, and the virus can be transmitted if someone touches the wound and then scratches or rubs their hands on other parts of the body, including the eyes.
Men and women can experience sores on the buttocks, thighs, anus, mouth, and urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the bladder during urination). In addition, women can experience sores on the area around the vagina, external genitalia, and cervix, while men can get sores on the penis and scrotum.
Reason
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus has two types, namely:
- HSV type 1, the type that generally causes sores or blisters in the area around the mouth. HSV type 1 is generally transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, although it can also be spread to the genital area during oral sex.
- HSV type 2, the type that commonly causes genital herpes. The virus can be transmitted through sexual contact or skin contact. HSV type 2 is fairly common and highly contagious, even if a person doesn’t have an open sore.
Both types are highly contagious and can be passed from person to person through direct contact. Genital herpes is generally transmitted through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an infected person. Even if someone with genital herpes has no symptoms, they can still spread the condition to others.
Diagnosis
Determining the diagnosis of genital herpes is generally made based on medical interviews, direct physical examination, and certain supporting examinations. Some of the checks that can be done include:
- Viral culture, which is done by taking tissue samples or small parts of the wound to be observed more closely in the laboratory.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which is a process for copying a person’s Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) (a molecule that contains genetic information in the body) from blood, wound tissue, or spinal fluid. From the DNA, it can be seen whether or not there is HSV and the type of HSV.
- Blood tests, to observe the presence of antibodies to HSV and detect the presence of herpes infection in the past.
Treatment
Treatment of genital herpes depends on whether the infection is being experienced for the first time or is a recurring infection. Treatment is generally carried out using antiviral drugs prescribed by a doctor, with the aim of:
- Speeds up the wound healing process when the first signs and symptoms appear.
- Reducing the severity and duration of complaints.
- Reducing the frequency of recurrences of the disease.
- Minimizing the possibility of transmitting the virus to other individuals.
There are several types of antiviral drugs that doctors can prescribe, including acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir.
Prevention
Some things that can be done to prevent genital herpes or treat it early are:
- Using a condom when having sexual intercourse with a partner whose status of sexually transmitted infection is unknown.
- Periodically check the status of sexually transmitted infections for individuals who have sex with more than one partner.
- Immediately consult a doctor if you feel you have signs and symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection.
- Avoid kissing if you or your partner have sores around the mouth.