Genital herpes: in a nutshell

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is within the same family as the virus that causes cold sores on the lips. However, for both men and women, when this virus affects the genitals, it can cause much more discomfort and can result in more serious complications. Sometimes, genital herpes is asymptomatic, meaning the person is unaware that they are infected and that they are contagious.
Genital herpes is generally transmitted sexually. In men, it can affect the scrotum or the tip of the penis, while in women it affects the vulva, vagina and cervix. In both men and women, genital herpes can be found in the urethra, as well as the anal and perianal area.
Genital herpes causes the appearance of small clustered vesicles that tend to recede on their own within one or two weeks. In some cases, genital herpes cause pain, burning and itching, with other symptoms sometimes including fever, migraine, muscle pain and difficulty urinating.

Description

Genital herpes is a very common viral infection that is transmitted through sexual intercourse. It causes clusters of whitish blisters and inflammation, resulting in itching, pain, and discomfort.

Causes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted virus meaning that it is transmitted during skin to skin contact during sexual intercourse with an infected partner. Often the virus causes no symptoms, so the person may be completely unaware that they have it.
It appears as though the virus is most easily transmitted from men to women.
Increased risk of infection can also be linked to weaknesses in the immune system, particularly in cases of stress, illness or during menstruation.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of genital herpes are pain and itching. A few days after infection, clusters of small red or white blisters may form. Painful ulcerations of varying depth may also appear and bleed. Both types of blister will usually heal on their own within a few weeks.
The second stage of infection causes the onset of flu-like symptoms:

• fever
• muscle aches
• headaches
• general malaise
• swollen inguinal lymph nodes

Diagnosis

Genital herpes is diagnosed following a medical check-up. The observation of symptoms by a medical professional is usually enough for diagnosis, but for a more thorough examination, cytological tests can be run, which involve analyzing cells from the vesicles. Other diagnostic means are usually unnecessary given the often spontaneous remission of the virus within a few weeks. In any case, the previous or current presence of the virus can be detected by blood testing for specific antibodies.

Treatment

Treatment is performed both locally and systemically. Locally, anti-herpetic creams can be applied, but these are not recommended for use on the vagina or on the cervix. Meanwhile, systemic therapy with antivirals such as acyclovir can reduce symptoms but does not prevent recurrence.

Prevention

Prevention of genital herpes is similar to all other sexually transmitted diseases. Importantly, it requires people who know they have the virus to abstain from sex, or to use a new condom during each sexual act.
Women who are pregnant, or who suspect they may be pregnant, should notify their primary care physician, who will assess the need for antiviral therapy.