Genital Herpes: Symptoms and Treatment

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What is genital herpes?

A sexually transmitted disease (STD), genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus is generally found in infected people’s saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions.

In men, genital herpes causes blisters or sores on the penis, scrotum, or buttocks (near or around the anus). Women suffer from blisters or sores, around or near the vagina, anus, and buttocks.

It generally produces very mild symptoms, hence many people are not even aware that they have genital herpes.

How does genital herpes occur?

Genital herpes virus spreads through sexual contact. This occurs even if the person carrying the virus does not have symptoms or show signs of infection.

Once the virus enters through the skin, it travels along nerve paths. The first outbreak of genital herpes may appear as early as two days after you have contracted the virus, or even after 30 days.

The virus may also become dormant in the nerves and remain inactive there indefinitely.

In some patients, the virus may become active from time to time. Active viruses travel back along the nerve path to the surface of the skin, where some viruses are shed. When viruses are shed, in some cases there usually is an outbreak of symptoms such as the appearance of sores and blisters, while in others the condition may remain undetected.
In either case, since the virus is active it easily passes from one partner to another during sexual contact. A condom may also not be able to protect the uninfected partner, since the virus may be on a part of the skin which is uncovered.

The herpes simplex virus cannot survive outside the body, therefore, it's nearly impossible to contract the infection through contact with toilets, towels or other objects used by an infected person.

What are the symptoms of genital herpes? How is genital herpes diagnosed?

The common symptoms of genital herpes include:

  • blisters in the mouth, lips (this is known as herpes labialis), face, vagina, penis, in and around the anus, buttocks and any part of the body that comes into contact with the infected areas
  • itchiness or tingling in the infected areas
  • blisters can convert to open sores oozing fluid
  • crust over the sores
  • swollen lymph glands
  • headaches
  • body aches
  • fever
  • pain while urinating
  • meningitis
  • encephalitis
  • eczema herpetiform
  • eye infection

Diagnosis

An examination of the blisters or sores can reveal to the doctor if it is genital herpes.

He may suggest you to undergo some laboratory tests such as blood tests to confirm the diagnosis, although laboratory tests are not always necessary. Blood tests effectively diagnose herpes simplex virus even before the symptoms appear.

What are the complications of genital herpes?

The common complications that may stem from genital herpes include:

  • Encephalitis
  • Myelitis
  • Lumbosacral radiculitis
  • Pneumonitis (lung infection)
  • Spread of the virus to other organs
  • Incontinence
  • AIDS
  • Bladder problems
  • Rectal inflammation

If you are pregnant and have contracted genital herpes, chances are you will transmit herpes to your baby. Babies who contract genital herpes can suffer from serious complications such as:

  • blindness
  • brain damage due to herpes meningitis
  • chronic herpes skin infection
  • death

Who is prone to genital herpes?

People who are prone to genital herpes include:

  • people with a history of prior sexually transmitted diseases
  • those who are too young of age for first sexual intercourse
  • those who have a high number of sexual partners
  • those of poor socioeconomic status
  • those with compromised immune systems, notably patients with HIV
  • patients who have undergone transplants

What is the treatment of genital herpes?

To treat genital herpes your doctor may prescribe some anti-viral drugs. These drugs can reduce the duration and frequency of herpes outbreaks. They can also help reduce the risk of transmission of the virus to a susceptible partner.  The treatment plan will depend on your general health condition. If other health complications such as, encephalitis or AIDS develop due to the genital herpes infection, the doctor will prepare a treatment plan for you accordingly.

It is necessary to describe your medical history and symptoms in detail to your doctor, so that he can perform the appropriate tests for the diagnosis.

In the Spotlight - Latest News on Genital Herpes

Would you like to consult a doctor for Genital Herpes ?

Questions answered by trusted doctors

Verified User
How can i cure genital herpes ? How to reduce risks for future ? How can my partner be tested for STI ?
Dr. Rita Bakshi
Gynecologist/Obstetrician, Delhi
Hello, It is difficult to suggest without examination. Visit a gynecologist and get yourself evaluated and seek proper treatment.
Dr. Shreedevi Tanksale
Gynecologist, Mumbai
You can treat herpes by oral medication. Depends on the extent and type of lesions.
It would be better if you consult dermatologist.
Blood tests for STI include
HIV
HBsAg
VDRL
Anti herpes virus antibody titres may be done for you and partner after appropriate examination
Dr. Pritam Prakash Sulakhe
Infertility Specialist, Pune
its very difficult to answer ur question without examining patient.but yes it can be treated with oral antiviral agents. need to rule out systemic imminocompromised states. partner need evaluation.
Verified User
I have genital herpes and my lesions are healed .. if I use a condom in the future and get exposed to HIV can I get it if I don't have an outbreak? I've read somewhere that the risk increases ?
Dr. Venkat Raghav
General Physician, Bangalore
Hello....... Condoms don't give 100percent protection from sexually transmitted diseases. There is always a chance, of 0.1 percentage.. If there is lesion in genitals chance of infection increases.. Because HIV spreads through blood.. Consult general physician for further information.
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Did you know?

Genital herpes affecting more people in India by the year

The annual years of healthy life lost per 100,000 people from genital herpes in India has increased by 2.0% since the 1990s.

Older men affected more

For men, the health burden of genital herpes in India, as measured in years of healthy life lost per 100,000 men, peaks at age 55-59.

Middle aged women affected more

Women are harmed at the highest rate from genital herpes in India at age 45-49.

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Home Remedies

Apply Apple Cider Vinegar

Dip some cotton in apple cider vinegar and dab it on the affected areas at least three or four times a day. Apply it as soon as you experience the initial tingling sensation.

Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

Apply some hydrogen peroxide solution on the affected area with some cotton. Leave it on for at least 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off. Repeat the process every 3 hours for a couple of days.

Apply Garlic

Crush some garlic and apply it on the affected area. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the procedure at least three to four times everyday till you experience relief.

Apply Lemon Balm

Apply some lemon balm oil or tea bags on the area affected by genital herpes three or four times a day. You can also wash the area with lemon balm tea.

Apply tea tree oil

Dilute some tea tree oil with some peppermint oil. Apply this mix to the affected area three to four times a day till you experience relief from the symptoms.