Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes is an infection that causes small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the genitals, buttocks or thighs. Infrequently, the blisters may be on other parts of the body, including the mouth, face, or eyes.

Causes

Genital Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex 2 virus. The virus enters the body through a break in the skin or through mucous membranes. After the first outbreak of genital herpes, the virus migrates to nerve endings at the base of the spine, and lies dormant until the next outbreak.
The virus is spread through:
  • Sexual contact, including intercourse and oral and anal sex
  • Fluid from herpes blisters that gets on other parts of the body
  • An infected mother passing it on to her child during pregnancy or childbirth
The virus is most contagious when blisters are present. It is also contagious during the "shedding" stage, before blisters or sores are visible. The virus may also spread when inactive between outbreaks.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The strongest risk factor for getting the herpes simplex 2 virus is unprotected sexual contact with a partner infected with the virus.
Once the herpes simplex 2 virus is present in the body, other risk factors can trigger the blisters to form. Often, the exact cause of an outbreak of genital herpes is unknown.
Risk factors for an outbreak of genital herpes in people already infected with the virus include:
  • Fever
  • Illness or infection
  • Stress
  • Weakened immune system
  • Menstruation
  • Long periods of exposure to sunlight

Symptoms

When the virus is dormant, people with genital herpes experience no symptoms. When the virus is active, symptoms vary and some people still have no symptoms. The frequency of genital herpes outbreaks varies from person to person. Most people have outbreaks at least once per year.
Symptoms include:
Early Symptoms (First Day or Two)
  • Itching, burning, tingling in the genital area.
  • These symptoms stop when the blisters appear.
Later Symptoms
  • Pain in the legs or buttocks
  • Abdominal pressure
  • Flu-like symptoms, swollen glands, and/or vaginal discharge (usually only during initial outbreak)
  • Small, painful, red-rimmed, fluid-filled blisters that often become open sores on the penis, vagina, cervix, buttocks, or urinary tract
  • After a number of days, the blisters/sores dry and become crusty (They heal within 1-3 weeks.)
  • Painful urination
Genital herpes has three phases: Initial Phase – symptoms include:
  • Swelling, itching, burning, and pain in the area where the virus first invaded (usually the penis, vulva, or rectum)
  • A group of tiny blisters in the area of swelling
  • Swollen lymph glands
  • Fever
  • Aches and pains
  • Headache
Latent Phase - no symptoms Shedding Phase - no symptoms, but the person is contagious, and can spread the virus to others

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam, particularly of the blisters. Herpes blisters may look like other infections and may not be visible if inside the urinary tract, vagina or cervix. The doctor may need to take a piece of a blister to analyze it or take a blood sample for testing.

Treatment

Treatments to ease pain include:
  • Non-prescription pain relief drugs
  • Anti-viral creams and ointments
  • Cool cloths placed on blisters or sores
  • Lukewarm baths
  • Wearing loose fitting clothes
Treatments to speed healing include:
  • Oral anti-viral medications
  • Keeping blisters/sores dry when not bathing
Treatments for bacterial infection of the blisters/sores include:
  • Antibiotic medications

Prevention

To prevent the spread of the herpes simplex 2 virus:
  • Avoid sexual contact with an infected partner from the time the partner feels initial symptoms until blisters/sores have completely healed.
  • If your partner is infected, use latex condoms during sex when your partner shows symptoms of genital herpes.
  • Avoid oral sex if your partner has herpes blisters on the mouth or genital area.
  • Avoid touching blisters to prevent spreading to other parts of the body.
  • If you are pregnant and infected with the herpes virus, tell your doctor. Medication given to newborns immediately after birth can decrease the chance that they will be infected. If you have active herpes blisters when it is time to deliver your baby, the doctor may recommend that you deliver by Cesarean section.