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Genital herpes is known to be an STI also known as a sexually transmitted infection which is brought about by two different types of HSV (which is known as herpes simplex viruses) namely HSV 1 and HSV 2. HSV 1 on one hand is popular for creating cold sores in the mouth and can also cause genital herpes by means of oral genital contact. HSV 2 on the other hand is more popularly affiliated with infections on the genitals and is commonly transferred by means of sex.
It is important to note that once you are infected with herpes, the virus becomes prevalent in your body forever and doesn’t go away. It is known to dwell in your nerve cells and comes alive every now and then which then leads to persistent occurences. There is no cure for herpes but there are very great treatment that are available for managing the symptoms and lowering the transference rate.
Globally, Genital herpes is known to be one of the most common STIs. Based on information from the World Health Organiza500 million people that have been infected with HSV 2tion (WHO), there are over in a global range, and there are a lot more that have the HSV 1 in the genital area. Just only in the United States, there is an estimate from CDC that a range of 1 in 6 people from ages of 14 to 49 are known to have genital herpes, but a lot of them are not aware because of how asymptomatic the infection can be.
There are different symptoms of genital herpes and they can be different based on individuals. Also there is a factor of the first outbreak and the later ones.
- Difficulty in urinating
- Painful sores or ulcers on places like the buttocks, genitals, thighs or anus
- Groin with inflated and swollen lymph nodes
- Appearance of sores especially after Itching or burning sensation
- Fever and chills,
- Muscle pain and tiredness
- It is normally calmer and brief
- It might happen several times a year, but then with time it decreases
- You might notice a burning sensation in a particular area before it reoccurs.
It is importang to know that not everybody has symptoms that are noticeable, some people don’t show symptoms at all and this is how they can mistakenly transfer herpes to their intimate partners.
It is common for genital herpes to be transferred through the following means:
- By having anal, vagina or oral sex with someone that is infected
- If you come in contact with sores from herpes or surfaces that have the infected fluids.
- Having skin to skin contact even when there are no visible sores
The major reason why herpes is widely spread is because of the term called asymptomatic viral shedding. In this case the person doesn’t have any symptoms that are visible and that is why it is so easy to spread herpes.
In the case of mother and the child, if the mother has been infected with herpes, she can transfer the virus to her newborn child during child birth especially if she has been actively seeing symptoms of herpes. This is called neonatal herpes. It is actually very rare but a very critical condition.
It is very important to have a careful and correct diagnosis in order to manage herpes properly. It is important for healthcare specialist special to use the following:
- The sores should be visually examined
- Some blood tests like type-specific serologic tests to discover HSV antibodies
- A test of PCR or Viral culture of a swab from a sore
Some tests like serological tests is important to find out if someone has the HSV 1 or HSV 2 on if the infection has been present since or just now.
Even as there is zero cure for genital herpes, treating it can help to enhance your well-being and help in lowering the risk of transferring the virus. Some medications to treat it includes antiviral medications like Acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir.
You can take this medication when you have an outbreak in order to make the duration brief and reduce how severe it is or you can even use it as a suppressive therapy to help you in lowering the repetitive appearance and viral shedding.
You can use suppressive therapy more if you are under the categories of:
- People that have regular outbreaks
- Situations where one partner does not have herpes and the other one has. This is also known as serodiscordant couples
- If you have HIV or your immune system is weak
In order to prevent genital herpes, you would need to practice habits like communication, awareness and behaviours that are protective. It is also important to do the following:
- If you notice that you are itching or tingling because these are usually the early signs, it is advisable to stop having sex during that period
- Ensure to use latex condoms all the time and in the proper manner even though there is no 100% guarantee of its effectiveness
- If you are sexually active and you also have herpes, it is advisable to undergo daily anti-viral therapy
- You have to talk about your STI status with people that you are sexually involved with and also think about going for a combined test.
- Abstain from all sexual activities during the period of an active outbreak
If you are pregnant and you happen to have herpes, it is very important to tell your doctor at the early stages so that there would be preventive measures available for your baby.
There is a very huge stigma and label that comes with having genital herpes, and this can further lead to some issues like depression, anxiety and fear of going for healthcare or even telling people about your status. But it is important to note that there are a lot of people that are living normal and healthy lives, having fulfilling relationships and even having children with herpes.
It is important to be educated, to have the proper emotional support and also being able to communicate with your partner. Also, you should know that herpes have a threat to your life and it doesn’t lead to issues like infertility or cancer so there’s nothing to worry about.
Q1: Can I contact genital herpes from oral sex?
Yes. HSV-1, which is usually in the mouth can be transferred during oral sex to the genitals.
Q2: Is there a cure for herpes?
As of now there is no cure for herpes but there are current and ongoing researches. There are also a lot of clinical trials that are trying out so many vaccines.
Q3: What is the duration for herpes outbreaks?
The duration for the first outbreak can be around 2 to 4 weeks. The outbreaks that follow after can be a little bit shorter and around 5 to 10 days.
Q4: Can I still engage in sexual activities i I have genital herpes?
Yes, you can if you take the necessary precautions. It is important to let your partner know, make use of protection, and use antiviral medication in lowering the risk of transmission.
Q5: Will herpes be cured after some time?
No, having herpes means having an infection that lasts for a lifetime. You might not have outbreaks as frequent as you used to with time, but the virus would always be in your body.
Q6: How can I support a partner who has genital herpes?
It is important to be empathetic and not judge. You should be open to educating yourself about the virus, having productive conversations and coming up with ways to protect each other.
Due to its minor symptoms, Genital herpes can go on detected for a while but it is also a condition that can be managed. It is very important to understand the virus, its method of transmission, how it is being presented and how it can be managed in order to live a very confident life and coexist with others.
That’s why the fact that there is no cure for genital herpes, there are different and various public methods to help people properly manage the condition. It doesn’t matter if you have herpes or you know someone that has it, the most important methods for handling it are empathy, information and discussions.
At Media Health Group, we are firm believers that there is no off limit topic, especially when it comes to health. We are always here to support you through every facet of your life with empathy and understanding.