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Herpes
– an infectious disease that is sexually transmitted. Caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Characteristics of the disease are pain, itching, ulcers in the genital area. The route of infection is sexual contact.
Symptoms of genital herpes
Most people who are infected with herpes do not know it because the symptoms are either mild or non-existent.
Main symptoms include:
- groin pain;
- severe itching in the groin;
- pain in the buttocks or leg;
- red spots, blisters, open sores;
- painful urination;
- headache;
- muscle pain;
- temperature rise.
Factors that cause exacerbations of the herpes virus:
- stress;
- menstruation;
- avitaminosis;
- chronic illness;
- operation.
Causes of genital herpes
The causative agents of genital herpes are two types of virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2.
HSV-1 usually causes cold sores around the mouth, but the genital area can become infected during oral sex.
HSV-2 is usually the cause of genital herpes. HSV-2 is highly contagious, especially if you have an open wound, but it is also possible for the virus to spread even when there is no visible damage to the skin or mucous membranes.
HSV-2 is very common. According to experts, 45 million people in Russia over the age of 12 have HSV-2 infection, although for many it does not manifest itself in any way.
What to do if you have genital herpes
If you suspect that you have genital herpes, consult an experienced gynecologist or dermatologist. He can diagnose herpes using various testing methods. Because people with herpes may also have other sexually transmitted diseases, your doctor will test you for other infections. If you suspect you have had a flare-up of herpes, a blood test can confirm this. A blood test can determine whether you have HSV-1 or HSV-2 in your body. But if you have HSV-1, a blood test cannot determine whether the infection is oral or sexual.
Complications of genital herpes
In the body of healthy adults, genital herpes does not cause any other serious complications other than rashes. People with weakened immune systems may experience more severe and prolonged periods of exacerbation.
If childbirth occurs during an exacerbation period, the baby may become infected while passing through the birth canal. Genital herpes in newborns can cause pathologies such as brain damage, blindness, or even cause death. The infection is more common among infants born to mothers who have had an exacerbation of the disease during pregnancy.
Treatment of genital herpes
There is no definitive cure for genital herpes. However, there are a number of drugs that help to quickly get rid of the manifestations of infection, which the venereologist will tell you about during the consultation.
If treatment is started promptly and carried out daily, it reduces the likelihood of infecting your partner.
Prevention of genital herpes
Prevention measures for HSV are the same as for other STDs. Particular care should be taken during periods of exacerbation of the disease so as not to become a source of infection for other people. Having genital herpes increases the risk of transmitting other STDs, including the AIDS virus. Prevention of HSV consists of abstaining from promiscuous sex and having a single sexual partner who is not a carrier of the infection.
You can also:
- use a condom during every sexual intercourse;
- limit the number of sexual partners.
If you are pregnant, make sure you tell your OB/GYN that you have HSV. He or she may recommend that you start treatment at around 36 weeks of pregnancy to avoid complications during childbirth. If the period of exacerbation coincides with the onset of labor, your doctor will probably suggest you have a cesarean section to prevent infection of the newborn at the time of birth.
Personal hygiene for genital herpes
If you are experiencing an exacerbation of infection:
- avoid sex;
- keep ulcers clean and dry;
- Avoid touching the ulcers with your hands and be sure to wash your hands after touching them;
- remember that the virus can become active even in the absence of external signs of illness;
- wait until the ulcerations are completely healed before resuming sexual relations;
- Always use latex condoms to reduce the chance of infecting your partner.