GENITAL HERPES

Condition

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both are easy to get and can infect the area around the mouth, the area around the genitals, or both. Because both remain in the body for life, outbreaks can occur from time to time.

The first outbreak of genital herpes is usually the worst, with multiple, painful blisters that break open and form sores. The sores may last several weeks. Other symptoms, which are more common in the first outbreak than in later ones, can include:

Some people have few or no symptoms, however, and may not know they are infected. When there are symptoms, they usually appear from two to 20 days after exposure to the virus. HSV can be diagnosed by culturing the blisters or sores for the virus or with blood tests to find antibodies to the virus.

A woman who already has genital herpes when she becomes pregnant poses little risk of passing the infection to her baby. If a first outbreak of herpes occurs in the first trimester, however, the virus can be passed on to the fetus and cause a miscarriage. If HSV is present at the time of delivery, contact with the sores can lead to serious, even life-threatening infection in the newborn. A cesarean section may be done to protect the baby.

Causes

HSV is very easily passed from one person to another. An infected person can transmit the virus even if he or she has no symptoms. It can be transmitted during intercourse, oral sex or any other skin-to-skin contact. The virus is spread rarely, if at all, by contact with objects such as a toilet seat. Things that may trigger a recurrence in an infected person include stress, getting your menstrual period, lack of lubrication during sex, vaginal infections (such as a yeast infection) and some illnesses.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR GENITAL HERPES

Call Your Doctor Right Away (night or day) If

Call Your Doctor During Regular Office Hours If

Although there is no cure for HSV, there are prescription creams, ointments and medications your doctor can prescribe to treat it. Ongoing use of some antiviral drugs can help speed healing during an outbreak and help prevent recurrent episodes or shorten their duration. If you often get outbreaks when you get your period, your doctor can prescribe medication to help prevent these recurrences. There is medication available for pregnant women who have HSV that is safe for both mother and baby.

^Back to Top

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR GENITAL HERPES

  1. Take any and all medicine your doctor gives you exactly as prescribed.
  2. Avoid sexual activity during outbreaks and for at least a week after sores have healed.
  3. Use condoms between outbreaks.
  4. Keep the infected area clean and dry.
  5. Wash your hands with soap and water after having contact with the area on or around the infection or wear rubber gloves when cleaning or treating the area.
  6. Wear loose, cotton underwear.
  7. Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol) or naproxen (Aleve) may help relieve pain. Ibuprofen or naproxen may be taken up to 28 weeks of pregnancy but is not recommended after that time because they may harm the baby. Pregnant women should avoid taking aspirin because it can contribute to bleeding and also because it can cause stomach upset.
  8. Do not use powders, sprays or deodorant soaps on or around the infection.
  9. If you have genital herpes, inform everyone with whom you may have had sexual contact.
  10. Avoid situations that may trigger outbreaks.
^Back to Top

For More Information Click on the Links Below

References

View Anatomic Index of Topics

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new healthcare information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional