You are here: PharmacyArticlesHerpesWhat is Genital herpes? Read more articles on: Herpes Published on: February 15, 2021 Last Updated On: February 15, 2021 Free Delivery: Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in selected locations. Discreet Packaging: Your privacy is important. That's why we send your medication inside a plain delivery box so no one will know what's inside. What is Genital herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused mainly by the herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). The virus primarily spreads through sexual contact. About 20% of people between the ages of 14 and 49 have this infection.After the initial infection, the virus stays dormant in your body and may reactivate several times a year. Certain factors such as sun exposure or fever may trigger the infection.The most common symptom of genital herpes is herpetic sores, painful blisters in your genital area, which can burst to ooze fluid. But in some cases, it may be possible that you have no symptoms.However, if you are infected, you can transmit the virus even if you do not have sores.As of now, there is no cure for genital herpes, but fortunately, medications are available to ease symptoms and lower the risk of transferring the infection. A barrier contraception method, such as condoms, also helps prevent the risk of getting or spreading the genital herpes infection.Table of Contents What is Genital herpes (HSV -2)Complications due to HSV -2SymptomsRisk FactorsTransmissionDiagnosisPrecautionsPrecautions During PregnancyTreatmentHome RemediesMedicationsFinal ThoughtsWhat is Genital herpes (HSV -2)Two main types of herpes simplex virus cause genital herpes:HSV-1: Mainly responsible for oral herpesHSV-2: Mainly responsible for genital herpesThe herpes virus can enter your body through a break or crack in the skin or mucus membrane, a thin layer of tissue lining the openings such as the mouth, nose, and genitals.After entering your body, the virus replicates in the cells. From here, they travel to the nerve cells of the pelvis, where they stay dormant. They can be activated by certain triggering factors such as fever and sun exposure.The virus is mainly present in the:SemenSalivaVaginal secretionsYou can read more about oral herpes in our previous article.Complications due to HSV -2Complications associated with genital herpes may include:Newborn infection: Infected mothers can transmit the disease to their babies if they are exposed to the virus during the delivery. The virus can cause blindness, brain damage, or death of the newborn.Sexually transmitted infections: Being infected with genital herpes increases the risk of catching other sexually transmitted infections such as AIDS.Meningitis: Rarely, HSV can cause inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord.Bladder disorders: Sometimes, genital sores can cause inflammation of the urethra. This may cause swelling and closure of the urethra, requiring a catheter to drain the urine.Proctitis: Genital herpes may also cause inflammation of the lining of the rectum (proctitis). This is more common in men who have sex with men.ALSO READ All About HerpesSymptomsMany people with genital herpes may have no symptoms, which is known as an asymptomatic infection. In cases where symptoms are present, the most common one is blisters or sores in the genital area.The appearance of a blister or sore is considered as an outbreak. An initial outbreak could occur anytime between 2-30 daysSymptoms in men include blisters on the:ScrotumPenisButtocksSymptoms in women include blisters on the:VaginaButtocksAnusCommon symptoms include:Blisters in the mouth and on the face and lipsItching or tingling before the appearance of the blistersBlisters may break and ooze fluidA crust may be formed over the soresSwollen lymph nodesBody aches, headaches, and feverIn babies, blisters may be found on theBodyFace GenitalsBabies with genital herpes may also have the following complications:Brain inflammationBlindnessDeathGenital herpes is manageable in adults but may cause severe complications in the baby. So, it is essential to communicate to your doctor if you have genital herpes and are pregnant. They will take all the precautions to prevent the spread of infection to your baby during delivery. For instance, getting a cesarean section instead of a vaginal delivery.Risk FactorsGenital herpes can infect anyone regardless of age. The risk depends on your exposure to the virus.The most common risk factor is having sex without using barrier methods. Other risk factors include:Having sex at a younger ageHave a weakened immune systemBeing femaleHaving multiple sex partnersHaving other sexually transmitted infectionTransmissionGenital herpes mainly transmits through sexual contact with an infected person. It is seen that about 20% of sexually active couples have HSV-2.It can transfer through:Anal or vaginal sex with barrier protection such as a condomSharing sex toysIf an infected woman has genital sores during delivery, the virus can infect the baby.ALSO READ Neonatal HerpesDiagnosisYour doctor can diagnose herpes by running a physical check of the sores. They may also advise the following test to confirm the diagnosis of genital herpes:Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test: The test uses the DNA in the blood or tissue sample from the spinal fluid or sore. The DNA is tested to confirm the presence of HSV and the type of HSV.Viral culture: It involves scraping the sores or a tissue sample for examination in a laboratory. Blood test: It checks your blood for the presence of HSV antibodies to find out a past herpes infection.PrecautionsPrecautions for genital herpes are similar to that of other sexually transmitted infections. If you are infected, abstain from sexual intercourse. Limit sexual activity with a single partner who is free from the infection.You can take the following precautions:Avoid sexual intercourse if the partner has an outbreak of herpes in the genital area or any other body partsUse a barrier method of contraception such as a condomWashing hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after touching the infected area during an outbreakPrecautions During PregnancyIf you have genital sores and are pregnant, talk to your doctor. It is best to get tested for HSV-2 if you are not sure if you have one.In case you turn out to be positive for genital herpes, your doctor will recommend antiviral medicines to prevent an outbreak during the pregnancy. Even if you have an outbreak, your doctor will help with precautions such as getting a C-section to avoid the risk of infection to the baby.TreatmentWhile there is no permanent cure for genital herpes, there are various treatment options to manage the symptoms.Home RemediesYou can try the following at home:Squirting water on the blisters to reduce the pain while urinatingApplying cream on the urethra before urinating, such as those with lidocaineUse of aloe vera gel to the soresApplying cornstarch to the affected partHaving a sitz bathBathing in slightly salted waterPain reliever medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophenDabbing petroleum jelly to the soresAvoiding tight clothes to prevent friction with the soresApplying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth. Never apply ice directly to the affected areaALSO READ Herpes Simplex Virus -1MedicationsThe current treatment approach involves managing the symptoms and limiting the number of outbreaks. In many cases, the sores and other symptoms may subside without treatment. But your physician will determine if you need medicine. Initiating treatment within 24 hours significantly lowers the duration of the outbreak. So, medications should be taken at first signs of infection, such as itching and tingling.If required, you may be prescribed one of the following medications:FamciclovirAcyclovirValacyclovirThese medicines lower the risk of you transmitting the infection to others. They also reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms and outbreaks.The mentioned medicines are available as creams or pills. For severe infections, they can also be administered by injection.Final ThoughtsGenital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease mainly caused by the herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). It can be an asymptomatic infection, but when present, the most common symptom is sores or blisters in the genital area.As the virus can be easily transmitted through sexual contact, avoiding sex during an outbreak and using a barrier method of contraception is crucial to transfer the infection.To date, there is no cure for this infection, but the symptoms can be managed through home remedies, over-the-counter medicines, and antivirals. Antiviral medications also reduce the frequency of outbreaks or the risk of transferring the infection to others. We're Here for You: Our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions. Get in touch by text, live chat, phone or email. We're standing by 7 days a week. Automatic Refills: We manage your refills and get in touch with your doctors for prescription renewals so that you always have the medication you need. Read More... 3070 Views Share