GENITAL HERPES

Genital Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It is similar to the herpes virus that appears on the face. There are two types of herpes virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2, and both can cause Genital Herpes.

The first (primary) infection with herpes, is often extremely painful and quite severe. There is usually severe pain and inflammation around the site of infection, and the client can feel generally unwell. It is very common to have a burning sensation when passing urine.

After the primary episode of infection, the herpes virus enters into a dormant phase. The herpes simplex virus reactivates from time to time, causing recurrences in symptoms. This may be if you are having emotional difficulties, or if their general immunity is lower that usual, following an illness. Once you are familiar with the initial symptoms of a pending herpes outbreak, you can get treatment before the herpes becomes too painful. The virus may reactivate without causing any symptoms at all.

As with any STI, anyone who is having sexual intercourse can become infected with herpes. The people most at risk are those having unprotected sexual intercourse, i.e. not using a condom, and especially those who change their partner frequently or have more than one partner at a time. The most common age of those in the primary phase of herpes are 20 to 24 years. (Both men and women).

Signs and Symptoms

Some individuals who contract herpes may have no symptoms, whereas others have severe symptoms which may be recurrent in the genital area. Itching and tingling may occur in the genital area, followed shortly after by blisters or sores.

Women generally notice that herpes occurs on the vulva, in the vagina, or around the anus or buttocks. Sometimes the pain is unbearable, and even sitting down can be difficult.

Men who have Genital Herpes, can have sores and ulcers anywhere around the genitalia or anus.

Herpes is often difficult to diagnose, if there is no current outbreak. It is essential that a correct diagnosis is made in the primary phase of a herpes outbreak by a doctor, so that the correct treatment and subsequent relief of the symptoms can take place.

Is Genital Herpes Serious?

The majority of people carrying the herpes virus, experience mild and infrequent symptoms. Some may experience more frequent and recurrent episodes of Genital Herpes than others.

There is a risk of the transmission of herpes from mother to baby, during labour and birth. A neonatal infection of herpes is potentially problematic, and it is important for a woman who has an episode of Genital Herpes around the time of delivery, to inform the obstetrician who is caring for her so that adequate treatment and care can take priority. Women who have recurrent herpes prior to experiencing pregnancy, are at very low risk of transmitting the virus to their babies.

Prevention of Genital Herpes

The only way to ensure the individual does not become infected with herpes is to avoid direct contact with the virus. Once again, those who are sexually active, and those who practice unprotected sex are at risk of becoming infected with herpes. If someone has an active Genital Herpes sore or indeed cold sore, then it is better to avoid sexual intercourse or oral sex as there is a very high risk of virus transmission at this time.

Diagnosis of Genital Herpes

The diagnosis of Genital Herpes is usually made by taking a viral swab from the blister or ulcer. It is generally not possible to make a diagnosis based purely on the appearance of the herpetic sores, as these can vary.

It is possible to take a blood sample, to detect the level of virus in the blood, but this is not always diagnostic, and will need to be repeated at a time when there is no apparent episode of herpes.

Treatment of Genital Herpes

The primary episode of herpes is treated with antiviral drugs, which actively reduce the length and severity of the infection. It is important to ensure that adequate pain relief is available at the time of the outbreak, to help relieve symptoms.

In general, recurrences of herpes are mild and of short duration, and do not require any treatment. Continuous antiviral therapy can be used for those who suffer frequent prolonged recurrent episodes of herpes to prevent symptoms occurring. There is no cure for herpes, but of those who are not diagnosed and subsequently treated, most will eventually stop having recurrences.

It is possible to have more than one sexually transmitted infection (STI) at the same time. It is advisable to have a full check up in the GUM clinic where you can be checked for a number of STI's.

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