Frequently Asked Questions about Genital Herpes

This picture depicts a common lesion when the HSV-2 infects a region on the penis.

 

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is the symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are different types of herpes viruses. Herpes simplex virus 1 & 2 both of these can cause genital herpes. However, HSV 1 commonly  causes cold sores and fever blisters, HSV 2 is often the reason behind genital herpes.

Who can get genital herpes?

A person who is sexually active can get genital herpes virus. Sexual activity includes all forms of sexual contact be it vaginal, oral, or anal contact.

Can I spread genital herpes virus even without an outbreak?

It is estimated that up to 70 percent of people contract genital herpes virus from an infected partner who has no visible symptoms or signs. This confirms the the belief that you can transmit the virus even without an outbreak. This is known as asymptomatic viral shedding.

What are the genital herpes symptoms?

Symptoms of genital herpes can vary greatly from one individual to another. Some people may have severe symptoms, while others may have mild symptoms. Most of the infected individuals have mild symptoms that may go unnoticed for years.

At the start of an outbreak, many people feel itching, tingling, or burning feeling in the area where their herpes symptoms will develop. Symptoms in the first outbreak can be severe (such as many painful sores). Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, fever, swollen glands, particularly in the groin and classic small fluid filled blisters appear on the skin, pain in the buttocks, the back of the legs, or even lower back.

Pictures of genital herpes


 

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

Physical diagnoses is done primarily done by observing visible sores or lesions. However, the health care provider may take a sample from a lesion and do a laboratory tests to check for the virus. Blood tests are also there. But these test can give wrong results and are not 100% accurate.

Can herpes be active in the absence of any symptoms?

Yes. The genital herpes causing virus can become active without producing any  symptoms. During this period it can transmit to another individual. This is often called asymptomatic viral shedding.

Is there any genital herpes treatment?

Antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir, Valtrex, Famvir are used in treatment of genital herpes. Of these, Acyclovir can be taken the very first time you get herpes and during later outbreaks of the virus. These drugs if taken at an early stage of the outbreak, make the outbreaks shorter and less severe. People can also take these genital herpes medications on daily basis to prevent recurrent outbreaks.

How can I reduce the risk of spreading the herpes virus?

Various medications are available to reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes virus. Medicines like Acyclovir, Famvir, Valtrex are proven to reduce any transmission significantly. Avoid any form of sexual contact from the time the symptoms appear until the sores have healed. In case you have sex then always practice safe sex. Condoms can help reduce the risk of spreading the genital herpes virus.

Does infection with herpes virus I'm more susceptible to other diseases?

If you have herpes get it treated. Because there is formidable evidence that when a persons body is compromised by herpes virus the individual is at a increased risk for contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Having genital herpes doubles the risk of acquiring HIV.

Can herpes virus get transmitted to the baby during pregnancy?

If you contracts the herpes virus during pregnancy or have an outbreak at the time of delivery, it is very much possible to transmit the virus to the newborns. Babies born with herpes may are at a great risk of brain damage, severe rashes, eye problems, or they may even die. Therefore it is strongly advises  that pregnant women who suspect that they may have genital herpes gets into the contact of her healthcare provider.  Who may prescribe medications and advise  precautions that can be taken by you to protect the baby from the virus.

Are the routine check-ups sufficient in diagnosing genital herpes?

No routine test can diagnose the viruses which cause genital herpes, not even pap smears test. Only the HerpeSelect test that is approved by the FDA can detect type-specific antibodies to both HSV 1 & 2 viruses.