Genital herpes in men

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a chronic relapsing sexually transmitted disease. The causative agent is predominantly herpes simplex virus type II (or HSV-2). Herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1), the so-called “cold on the lips”, causes infection around or inside the mouth and is transmitted more often by oral contact. In most cases, HSV-1 goes to the child from the mother, or in childhood through contact with sick relatives.

“The source of infection with herpes is only a person, and it doesn’t matter what form and course of the disease he has,” says doctor of the highest category, dermatologist-venereologist Elena Rastrygina. – It is believed that more than 90% of the world’s population is infected with both types of herpes simplex, and only 30% of people find their clinical manifestations.

About half a million people fall ill with genital herpes every year. The highest rates are observed in men aged 27 years. Most of the infection is asymptomatic, so it is not diagnosed. Genital herpes is a disease for life. In men, the genitourinary tract becomes the place of constant circulation of the infection.

Causes of genital herpes in men

The causes of genital herpes in men most often become a large number of sexual intercourse, since the main route of transmission of the herpes simplex virus is sexual. Infection is possible with all forms of sexual contact: genital, genital-anal, oral-genital. Sexual contact with a person who is actively shedding the virus results in an infection in 75-80% of cases.

Less commonly, infection occurs through a household or medical route – medical instruments, rubber gloves, sheets, towels, etc. There is also transmission of infection from mother to fetus. One of the unusual ways of infection is autonucleation. This is the case when the patient infects himself by transferring the infection from one place to another (for example, from the face to the genitals).

Symptoms of genital herpes in men

The main symptom of genital herpes is a rash in the genital area in men. The incubation period after infection lasts about 7 days. Most often, the glans penis, pubis, scrotum, perianal region are affected. With the localization of rashes in the urethra – burning, itching, soreness during urination, there may be a discharge of a light yellow color. Eruptions are profuse, like small white vesicles. After the vesicles burst and erosions form, the burning sensation and itching increase. This can lead to soreness during intercourse. Also, with the first clinical episode of genital herpes in men, the following symptoms of intoxication may occur:

• increased body temperature;
• headache;
• general malaise;
• muscle pain, especially in the lumbosacral region;
• enlargement and soreness of the inguinal nodes;
• sleep disorders.

Treatment of genital herpes in men

The first step is antiviral therapy. According to the 2015 federal clinical guidelines for the treatment of patients with genital herpes, the most effective drugs for the treatment of genital herpes are acyclic nucleosides such as Acyclovir, Famciclovir and Valaciclovir. With a recurrent course of the disease, systemic interferon is used. A drying aniline dye (fukortsin) is also used locally. If a secondary infection has joined, additional antibiotics are prescribed. The duration of the rash during treatment ranges from 2-3 to 10-14 days, depending on the severity of the condition.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of “genital herpes” in men is made on the basis of clinical symptoms.

Laboratory research methods are used to clarify the etiology of the disease, with atypical forms of the disease, as well as for the purpose of differential diagnosis with other diseases. This is necessary to exclude other diseases!

Molecular biological methods using test systems approved for medical use in the Russian Federation examine the contents of vesicles, biological fluids and body secrets (mucus, urine, prostate secretion), scrapings, swabs from tissues and organs, swabs-imprints.

Genital herpes in men must be distinguished from scabies, drug rash, contact dermatitis, streptococcal impetigo, pemphigus, erythema fixed, Queira erythroplasia, chancriform pyoderma. Erosive and ulcerative rashes on the genitals are differentially diagnosed with syphilis, chancre, inguinal granuloma, Crohn’s disease, trichomonas balanoposthitis, Behçet’s disease, Zun’s plasma cell balanitis.

Modern treatments

Theoretically, patients with severe herpes virus diseases and frequent recurrences of genital herpes can resort to vaccination. Domestic herpetic vaccine is used only in remission and not earlier than 2 weeks after the symptoms disappear. Vaccination cycles take place 2 times a year and are designed for 5 injections. Treatment is carried out strictly under the supervision and prescription of a doctor!

However, studies in recent years have shown that all vaccines created at the moment are too weak to help in the fight against relapses, or do it for a short period. Unfortunately, there are no ideal options to get rid of the manifestations of the herpes virus forever.

Prevention of genital herpes in men at home

To prevent infection with HSV-1 and HSV-2, the systematic use of a condom and the restriction of sexual intercourse can. If a man lives with a partner or relatives who have a disease, it is necessary to refrain from close contact during an exacerbation of the infection, use personal utensils, personal hygiene products and keep the bathroom clean.

If a man is infected himself, you need to wash your hands thoroughly, even if you accidentally touch the rash, so as not to transfer the infection. With regular sexual contact with an infected partner, you can consult a doctor for preventive antiviral therapy.

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