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What is it? There are two forms of genital herpes — herpes simplex virus-1 and herpes simplex virus-2. Although herpes-1 is most often associated with cold sores and fever blisters on and around the mouth, both forms of herpes may be sexually transmitted. More than 45 million Americans have been diagnosed with genital herpes. One million new cases are diagnosed every year. Like many other viruses, the herpes simplex virus (HSV) remains in the body for life. Symptoms usually appear from 2-20 days after infection — but it may be years before an outbreak occurs. During pregnancy, herpes may cause miscarriage or stillbirth. If active herpes infections are present during childbirth, newborn infants may suffer serious health damage, including developmental disabilities and, rarely, death. Transmission to a newborn is more common during the first episode of the herpes infection and less common during recurrent herpes outbreaks. Women who are at risk of passing HSV during childbirth may elect to deliver via cesarean section. This may reduce or eliminate the risk to the newborn. Condoms offer some protection against the virus between outbreaks.
How is it spread? Herpes is spread through touching and sexual intimacy — including kissing, vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. HSV may be passed from one partner to another or from one part of the body to another, whenever contact is made with an active herpes virus. Oral sex play can pass herpes from the mouth to the genitals or from the genitals to the mouth. Mucous membranes of the mouth, anus, vagina, penis, and the eyes are especially susceptible to infection. HSV is most contagious from the time the sores are present until they are completely healed and the scabs have fallen off. Additionally, recent studies show that some people may be contagious when they have no symptoms of an outbreak. Testing for HSV is done through examination of the sores and laboratory testing of samples taken from the sores. An accurate diagnosis may not be possible if the sores are dried or scabbed by the time an examination and test is done. If you think you have herpes, it is important to get healthcare early in the outbreak.
Symptoms may include:
a recurring rash with clusters of itchy or painful blister-like sores on the vagina, cervix, penis, mouth, anus, buttocks, or elsewhere on the body
painful ulcerations that occur when blisters break open
The first or primary outbreak may cause
pain and discomfort around the infected area including itching
burning sensations during urination
swollen glands in the groin
fever, headache, and a general run-down feeling
Repeat outbreaks (recurrences) can be related to emotional, physical, or health stresses. Some women experience recurrences around the time of their period. During recurrences it is important to observe good hygiene. Wash hands frequently and do not touch the sores. If the sores are touched accidentally, wash hands immediately. Partners should refrain from sexual intimacy from the time they know the blisters are going to recur until after the scabs have completely fallen off the healed sores.
How is it treated?
Herpes has no cure. Symptoms can be relieved and the number of recurrences reduced with the drugs valacyclovir, acyclovir, and famciclovir.
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