From symptoms to remedies: how to treat genital herpes
The most common manifestation of HSV is certainlycold sores. Perhaps because it is less visible and more embarrassing, we rarely hear genital herpes discussed. Instead, it should be talked about more precisely so that we know how to recognize it, or even better prevent it. It is in fact a sexually transmitted infection with extremely troublesome symptoms.
Genital herpes: what is it
As mentioned earlier, this is a sexually transmitted viral infection triggered by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). Depending on the part of the body affected by this virus, it is classified as:
- HSV-1 generally when it infects the mouth and lips;
- HSV-2 when it causes an infection in the private parts.
In fact, both strains of virus can cause genital lesions.
Genital herpes: how to contract it
Transmission, we have said many times, occurs through sexual intercourse of any kind (vaginal, anal and oral). Not only that, it can also be conveyed through kissing and caressing or through the exchange of objects used for sexual pleasure. So simple mucosal rubbing may be sufficient. However, the virus mainly benefits from the moist and warm microenvironment produced by sweat and body fluids that is created during actual intercourse.
HSV-2 ishardly transmitted through contact with external objects such as a toilet seat or bathtub.
People who do not know they have herpes play an important role in transmission, as they are unaware that they could infect their partner during sexual intercourse. And this kind of carrier is very common as the symptoms are often mild. Infection can occur either during the symptom onset period or the asymptomatic period, during which HSV survives latent in nerve cells. Contagiousness is highest during the symptomatic stages and tends to be greatest in the first year after initial infection. This is why it is crucial to always have protected relationships.
It is estimated that about 60 percent of sexually active adults carry the virus. Male genital herpes is less common than female genital herpes. In fact,women are three times more likely to become infected than men.
How to prevent infection
Having protected intercourse, we have already said, is definitely a right and unavoidable precaution. But there are other cautions to follow. First, one should avoid touching the infected area during the outbreak manifestation oralways wash hands after contact with it. Also, at theonset of the first symptoms, it would be a good idea to abstain from sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal) even if protected, at least until they have disappeared completely.
Also learn about and prevent another virus that affects the genitals: the HPV virus or better known as the papilloma virus.
Female and male genital herpes symptoms
HSV-2 can cause an acute first episode that usually disappears within 15 days. The virus then remains in the body in a dormant state but, in 50-60% of cases, may reawaken periodically causing symptoms similar to the first time, although milder. Heralding the onset of obvious symptoms are itching, tingling or burning muscles. Next, blisters appear that later split, giving way to painful ulcers that are destined to dry out and heal in about ten days.
This first manifestation could likewise cause swelling of the genital tissues with urethral or vaginal discharge or difficulty urinating. In cases of anal herpes, local pain, discharge, and modest bleeding may occur. During this acute phase, the glands in the groin area may also swell and become painful.
Other milder symptoms that more generically arise during the first manifestation of the infection are:
- small blisters
- flaking on the skin
- vague redness
- rash
The following symptoms, although less localized, may also be triggered during the first episode:
- fever,
- headache,
- muscle pain
Regarding the most common female genital herpes, characteristic signs and symptoms include small fluid-filled bl isters or boils on the vulva and vagina that turn into painful ulcers. Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) also occurs in most patients. Indeed, in some cases the latter is the only sign of genital herpes. Other symptom may be pain during urination with infection and inflammation of the urethra (urethritis).
The subsequent course of viral infection, between outbreaks and asymptomatic phases, is difficult to predict. Subsequent manifestations are usually less obvious and painful than the first. The following triggers are those mainly responsible for relapse:
- sunlight
- menstrual cycle
- vigorous relationships (with excessive rubbing)
- fatigue
- stress
Genital herpes cure
Obviously, DIY treatments are ineffective for this viral inflammation. First, at the onset of any of the above symptoms, you should rush to the doctor. Through analysis of the patient he may be able to diagnose genital herpes, however, some cases are difficult to recognize. The virus can be detected through a laboratory test performed on a sample taken from a suspected herpes sore. However, this test is not to be considered 100% reliable.
There are no drugs for genital herpes that permanently eradicate the virus, but certainly there are drug treatments that can speed up and alleviate the course of acute phases by preventing future episodes.
- Oral antiviral drugs. They should be taken immediately before the outbreak (when only a tingling or itching sensation is felt, with no blistering yet) or within 24 hours of the virus manifestation. In severe cases, antiviral drugs can be administered intravenously.
- Topical antiviral drugs. In fact, genital herpes cream tends to be preferred over an oral drug solution.
In addition to stopping the development of symptoms, drug therapy taken promptly and daily can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
Among the most frequently prescribed drugs are:
- Acyclovir
- Famciclovir
- Valacyclovir
Genital herpes: who to turn to
Do you suspect that you have genital herpes? Do you want to prevent relapse? For drug treatment that can help you cope with infectious manifestations, see a venereologist, an expert in sexually transmitted diseases. We are here to help you live more peacefully with this disorder. To book an appointment, email us at
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or call us at 06 45471658. We are waiting for you at 212 Cola di Rienzo Street.
