A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

HERPES : GENITAL

What is Genital Herpes ?

Herpes simplex virus is a virus which can infect the skin on any part of the body. The thin skin covering the mouth and genitals is particularly prone to infection. If infection occurs on the genitals, then it is called genital herpes. If it occurs around the mouth it is called oral herpes. Usually the sores appear on the head of the penis (the glans) and the foreskin in men. Sores may also be found on the shaft of the penis and the scrotum. In women the sores are most commonly found on the skin around the vagina (front passage). They may also be present on the cervix (neck of womb) and inside the vagina. In men and women they may appear around and inside the back passage. This is called anal herpes and is part of genital herpes. Initially the sores look like small blisters (vesicles). These then break down to form painful ulcers. When the ulcers begin to heal, a crust forms around the edges. The whole process takes 2 to 3 weeks in patients who are suffering with their first attack. The glands in the groin become enlarged and painful. During a first attack it is quite common to experience 'flu-like aches, headaches and a fever. There is often pain on passing water. Subsequent attacks tend to be shorter and may be as short as 2 days. The pain usually diminishes with subsequent attacks. It is clear that many people never suffer these typical attacks and remain well throughout, or only suffer minor irritation for which they do not need to seek help. With recurrent attacks of genital herpes, patients may experience shooting pains in the back of the thighs. Many people have such mild symptoms that they do not know they have herpes infection. However, they can still infect their partner(s) during these attacks.

How does Genital Herpes occur ?

Genital herpes is caught through having sexual intercourse with an infected person who is shedding virus at the time. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 10 days after contact. After the initial attack, the virus remains inactive in the nerve cells. Occasionally the first attack is so mild that it goes unnoticed. As a result there appears to be a longer gap between the sexual contact and the onset of symptoms. Genital herpes can be caught through having oral sex with a person who has oral herpes.

Why does Genital Herpes occur ?

The risk of catching genital herpes increases with the number of sexual partners. However, it is not uncommon to find genital herpes occurring in a monogamous (one partner) relationship. This is because the symptoms of recurrent herpes may be so mild that they go unnoticed. Using a condom probably offers some protection, depending on the site of the sores.

Treatment Involved for Genital Herpes

The doctor may make the diagnosis after a clinical examination. If an infection is suspected, a visit to the local clinic (sexually transmitted disease (STD clinic) or genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic) is possible without a referral letter. The address of the clinic can be found in the telephone book. The diagnosis can be confirmed by sending a specimen from the sores to the laboratory for analysis. The results are most likely to be positive if the test is done early in an attack. A negative result does not rule out genital herpes. A special blood test may be available, but not all hospitlas have access to this.General herpes can be controlled, but not cured, by the drugs acyclovir (Zovirax), valaciclovir or famciclovir. The earlier the treatment is started, the sooner it will get better. Drugs are used for the initial attack, and for patients who suffer from frequent, severe attacks. The sores heal more quickly if kept clean and dry. This can be helped by bathing them in salt water (put a tablespoon of salt in a cup of water and use cotton wool to apply it). Painkillers may be needed for bad attacks.It is important not to have sexual intercourse until the sores have healed. It may be advisable for the partner to be examined too. However, there is little point in taking a test if there are no sores.

During Treatment for Genital Herpes

Symptoms settle with the use of drugs within 2 to 3 weeks in an initial attack. There are virtually no side-effects.

After Treatment for Genital Herpes

Some patients suffer frequent attacks (more than six per year). It may then be helpful to take one of the drugs on a regular basis to suppress attacks. This means taking at least two tablets every day. Genital herpes can be passed on to a baby if an attack is present at the time of delivery. Babies become infected very rarely, but if they do it can be serious. It is important to let the doctor looking after the pregnancy know about genital herpes. Genital herpes does not cause cancer of the cervix (neck of the womb). However, the two conditions sometimes happen together.

If Genital Herpes is Left Untreated

The sores do settle on their own if left untreated. Whilst they are present, you would of course be infectious to your partner.

Effects on Family of Genital Herpes

Your sexual partners are the only people (other than your doctor) who need to know about the infection. It is the responsibility of the infected person to inform them. The information that is given to the doctor is treated in the strictest confidence. He or she is not allowed to pass this information on to the sexual partner(s) of the infected person. There is a small risk of passing on genital herpes when there are no sores. Because of this it is a good idea to discuss things openly with your partner.