What is Herpes?
There is a lot of stigma around sexually transmitted diseases. People with such diseases are often considered to be dirty somehow, and maybe even of questionable repute. The reality is, however, that anybody can catch such diseases. This includes people that live ‘clean’ and healthy lives.
Among the most common of all sexually transmitted disease is herpes. Symptoms of the condition can be very mild, and many people with the condition will not even be aware they have the disease at all. The disease will go on to cause some potentially serious complications in a small number of cases, however.
1. Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a relatively common sexually transmitted disease. There are several ways the disease can be passed on, but sex is the mode of transmission in the vast majority of cases. Once somebody has been infected by the disease, it will often remain dormant, and symptoms to return from time to time.
There is no known cure for genital herpes, and the patient may face recurrences of the disease for the rest of their lives. However, it may be possible to avoid triggers that cause symptoms to appear. The symptoms of the condition are also not usually dangerous, even though they can be uncomfortable.
2. HSV-1
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, and there are two main types of this virus. One of these is HSV-1. While it is often responsible for causing genital herpes, HSV-1 is usually responsible for oral herpes. As the name suggests, the symptoms of oral herpes are typically experienced in and around the patient’s mouth.
Recurrences of symptoms with HSV-1 are not common, but they can happen. The disease is transmitted through skin to skin contact with an infected person. It is possible for somebody to have their genitals infected after oral sex with somebody that’s infected by oral herpes.
3. HSV-2
The other variety of herpes virus is HSV-2, which is the most common cause of genital herpes. It is also spread by skin to skin contact with another infected person, and usually from sexual intercourse with somebody who is infected. It is a very contagious virus, which helps to make it as common as it is.
There is some speculation that it is possible to contract the disease from contact with towels, toilet seats, and other objects that have been in contact with infected people. However, the herpes virus is unable to survive for long outside of its host, meaning that it is very unlikely the disease will be transmitted in this way.
4. Sores
Perhaps the most typical symptom of genital herpes is sores in the genital area. The sores will be located where the infection initially took place, and they can also spread to other parts of the body by rubbing and scratching. The sores will typically be found around the anus, in the urethra, on the thighs and buttocks, and around the mouth.
In men, the sores are also likely to be found on the testicles and on the penis. In women, they can be found in the cervix, vagina, and the labia. The sores are very contagious and contact with them should be avoided where possible.
5. Other Symptoms
Genital herpes can also cause other symptoms in addition to the sores. This includes fever, aches and pains, and a headache. These symptoms will sometimes be mistaken for another disease like the flu to begin with. Swollen lymph nodes are another potential symptom, particularly those that are located in the groin.
The patient’s genital region is also likely to be itchy, and it can also be painful. Small bumps and blisters can also appear in the genital region, and the blisters can result in ulcers if they burst. As these ulcers heal, scabs will also develop in the genital region.
6. Recurrences
As mentioned, the symptoms of genital herpes are likely to recur from time to time. The frequency of the recurrences varies from case to case, and some people might have several recurrences a year. As time goes by, however, the occurrences are likely to become less frequent. Any sores are also likely to heal quicker the longer the patient has had the disease.
There are some signs that can help somebody with genital herpes to know that a recurrence is likely coming. One of these is a pain in the legs, lower back, and in the buttocks. Another is a tingling or burning sensation at the location where the initial infection first happened.
7. Complications
The symptoms of genital herpes are not serious and will usually pass with no real harm being done. However, the disease can sometimes go on to cause potentially dangerous complications. One of these is that the disease can cause some people to develop an inflamed bladder, which will sometimes need treatment.
The disease can also be passed on to newborn babies from their mother, potentially resulting in blindness, brain damage, and even death. The rectum can become inflamed, and people with the disease are more likely to contract other sexually transmitted diseases. Genital herpes can even go on to cause meningitis in a small number of cases.
8. Prevention
Anybody can become infected with genital herpes. The only way to be sure to avoid it is to not have sex, although even this is not a guarantee. However, people that take appropriate cautions are a lot less likely to catch it than those that don’t.
Being careful with sexual partners can help, and try to avoid sex with other people who are known to be promiscuous. Reducing the number of people you have sex with will also make it less likely that you catch genital herpes. When you do have sex, it is a good idea to use condoms that will offer some protection against transmission of the disease.
9. Diagnosis
In many cases, a brief physical exam is enough for a doctor to reach a diagnosis. They might also want to ask you questions about your symptoms, and also ask you questions about your lifestyle choices. Tests can be performed if the doctor wants more information to confirm the diagnosis.
One such test is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which allows experts to test your DNA for signs of the virus. Your doctor may also want to take scrapings of the infected tissues so they can be examined. A blood sample may also be taken so experts can look for the antibodies that help to fight the virus.
10. Treatment
As yet there is no known cure for genital herpes. However, treatment is available that can help to manage the patient’s symptoms. This tends to involve antiviral medication that can help to limit the severity of symptoms when they arise. They can also help sores to heal sooner, and cause the symptoms to last for less time.
In addition, medication can help to reduce how often the symptoms will recur. They can also help to reduce the chances of the disease from being spread to other people. If you have recently been diagnosed, then you should let recent sexual partners know so they can also get checked and get treatment if necessary.
