ABOUT Genital Herpes - Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
What Is Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes is an infection that causes painful genital ulcers. It can also cause vaginal or penile lesions in some infected people. A person who has the virus that causes genital herpes continues to have outbreaks of sores following periods of not being symptomatic.
Some people have infrequent outbreaks, while others
have frequent outbreaks. First-time symptoms are often more severe than
subsequent episodes."
Genital herpes is caused by 2 types of viruses: HSV-1
and HSV-2, which are transmitted to somebody else through close contact with
skin lesions on the mouth or genitals. When this happens, the virus may be
spread from one part of your body to another.
Symptoms
Genital herpes may cause a few or many symptoms. They
can include:
HSV-1 causes sores that occur on the genitals and
around the rectum, vagina, and anus. HSV-2 causes sores around the mouth or
genitals.
Treatment is based on whether or not there are any
symptoms present other than the history of the outbreak. If you have no signs
of infection, you might not need treatment at all.
The herpes simplex viruses infect skin cells that line
your body's cells. The viruses enter the skin cells and then cause them to
multiply by turning on genes that increase cell division. Skin cells that have
been infected multiply into many lesions.
The virus that causes genital herpes can also cause
symptoms in the genitals of a person who does not have any symptoms of the
infection.
Symptoms include itching, burning, and swollen painful
vulvar or vaginal parts. In some people, herpes sores may also occur on the
cervix or anus.
If you have symptoms or know you have herpes, tell your
doctor so these lesions can be treated.
Diagnosis
When a lesion occurs on the mouth or genitals, a swab
from the sore is collected and tested for the herpes simplex virus. The tests
can also be used to help confirm someone has genital herpes.
The tests do not confirm that the virus causing an
infection is HSV-2 (the virus that causes genital herpes). They determine
whether or not you have antibodies to HSV-2.
Antibodies are substances produced by your body's
immune system in response to an infection. When you have HSV-2, your body
produces antibodies and they indicate that you may have been infected with this
virus in the past.
Treatment
If you have genital herpes, the sores can be treated
with antiviral medicines. To fight the infection, your doctor may prescribe an
antiviral medicine.
The medicine is intended to prevent the virus from
multiplying and producing more sores that cause pain or other symptoms.
You may start taking the medicine when you feel that a
herpes outbreak is coming on. If you are with someone who has genital herpes,
this may be when they are about to have an outbreak so they will notice it
earlier than you would.
The treatment can help prevent or reduce how severe any
symptoms are after contact with the infected person occurs. You should not take
the medicine if you are already having an outbreak.
The number of lesions you have, how long they have been
there, and their severity is important when determining which medicine to use.
Your doctor can determine which antiviral medicine will
work best for your situation. Several different medicines that fight HSV are
available. All of them are prescription medicines.
Outbreaks of genital herpes can recur, but medicines
can help prevent or lessen their severity and frequency.
Most people who have genital herpes get between four
and seven outbreaks each year. The first outbreak may be the worst, but over
time future outbreaks tend to cause less pain and discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions On Genital Herpes
Are There Any Side Effects From Taking The Medication? How Will I Know If I React To The Medication?
In general, most people who take antiviral medicines
for genital herpes do not have side effects. However, some people may
experience only mild or no side effects. Most people who take these medicines
do not develop drug interactions, but it is possible.
If you experience severe side effects like rashes,
hives, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, headaches, chills, dizziness, or
difficulty breathing that occur anytime after starting your medicine or need
medical treatment for any of these complications, stop taking the medicine and
call your doctor immediately.
These may be signs of a serious drug allergy and you
should not take the medicine again. Even if you do not have any symptoms, your
doctor will need to monitor you for any side effects while you are taking the
medicine because some people who take these medicines may develop severe side
effects, such as problems with their liver.
Why Can't I Just Take Over-The-Counter (OTC) Pain Medication Like Aspirin Or Acetaminophen?
If it is caused by HSV-1 (such as cold sores), then
taking aspirin or other pain relievers will not help. For either herpes 1 or
herpes 2, other medications that help to relieve symptoms should be used.
