|
 Genital
herpes is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease. Features of genital
herpes include pain, itching and sores in your genital area.The cause of genital
herpes is a strain of herpes simplex virus (HSV), which enters your body through
small breaks in your skin or mucous membranes. Sexual contact is the primary way
that the virus spreads.
Signs and symptoms
The
majority of people who've been infected with HSV never know they have the
disease because they have no signs or symptoms. The signs and symptoms of HSV
can be so mild they go unnoticed. The first outbreak is generally the worst, and
some people never experience a second outbreak. Other people, however, can
experience outbreaks as long as 40 years after the initial outbreak.
Genital
herpes symptoms may include: -
-
Small, red bumps, blisters (vesicles) or open
sores (ulcers) in the genital, anal and nearby areas
-
Pain or itching around your genital area,
buttocks or inner thighs
 The
initial symptom of genital herpes usually is pain or itching, beginning within a
few weeks after exposure to an infected sexual partner. After several days,
small, red bumps may appear. They then rupture, becoming ulcers that ooze or
bleed. Eventually, scabs form and the ulcers heal.
In women,
sores can erupt in the vaginal area, external genitals, buttocks, anus or
cervix. In men, sores can appear on the penis, scrotum, buttocks, anus or thighs
or inside the urethra, the channel between the bladder and the penis.
Genital herpes is different for each
person.
 Causes
Two types
of herpes simplex virus infections can cause genital herpes: -
-
HSV type 1 (HSV-1)
This is the type that usually causes cold sores or fever blisters around your
mouth, though it can be spread to your genital area during oral sex.
-
HSV type 2 (HSV-2)
This is the type that commonly causes genital herpes. The virus spreads through
sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact. HSV-2 is very common and highly
contagious whether or not you have an open sore.
Complications
-
Contraction of other STDs:
-
Having genital herpes can increase your risk of transmitting or contracting
other sexually transmitted diseases, including the AIDS virus.
-
Newborn infection:
-
A mother with open sores can spread the infection to her newborn as the infant
passes through the birth canal. Genital herpes may result in brain damage,
blindness or death for the newborn. Mothers experiencing their first outbreak of
herpes at the time of delivery are the most likely to transmit the infection to
their babies.
Prevention
The
suggestions for preventing genital herpes are the same as those for preventing
other sexually transmitted diseases. The key is to avoid being infected with
HSV, which is highly contagious while lesions are present. The best way to
prevent infection is to abstain from sexual activity or to limit sexual contact
to only one person who is infection-free.
Self-care
If you
have an active infection: -
-
Avoid having sex.
-
Keep the sores clean and dry.
-
Avoid touching the sores, and wash your hands
after contact with sores.
Remember
that the virus can spread even when no symptoms are present. Wait until all
sores are completely healed before resuming sexual activity, and always use
latex condoms to reduce the chance that you'll infect your partner. |
