Genital Herpes Transmission

Genital herpes Transmission Herpes Simplex virus is the causative agent of the fairly prevalent herpes infection. It is classified as a sexually transmitted illness which is transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse from an infected person to healthy contacts. On the basis of area of primary infection and site of involvement, herpes virus is divided into two categories HSV I, which causes oral infection such as oral sores and blisters, etc. and HSV II which causes genital herpes such as formation of sores or blisters in the genital region.

The incidence of HSV II in general population has significantly increased in the past few years, which can be attributed to the higher rate of sexual activity in young and immature teenagers. HSV II virus does not cause immediate signs of disturbing infection after gaining access in the biological system. The viral agents have a propensity to reside in the neurons until its reactivation and have high rate of replication at the site of infection. This multiplication process of HSV II is termed as shedding also because in this stage the infected person is capable of shedding and transferring the infection to healthy contacts upon sexual encounter. After causing infection, it gets back to its original residing site i.e. ganglions (collection of neuron outside the brain) until it is reactivated again.

Facts About Genital Herpes Transmission
In most cases, herpes virus does not show its symptoms immediately. This is because virus enters a unique latent, inactive, dormant phase in which it shows no activity. Hence the infected person does not know if he/she is carrying the herpes virus. Following are some facts that must be considered regarding the spread and symptoms of genital herpes:

• Direct contact from an active infected person: Direct contact with the sores of an infected person such as contact through mucous membranes, or through anal or vaginal sex is the main source of spreading genital herpes.


• Direct contact from an inactive infected person: The herpes virus can also go into a latent phase in which it does not replicate and even if replicate it does not show any symptoms. So there are chances that a person may get infection from an inactive person who transfer the infection through the process of shedding.


• Vertical transmission: Herpes virus can also be transferred through non-vaginal route such as oral sex. In some cases this virus is transferred from mother to child during the period of pregnancy, but these cases are very rare.


• Asymptomatic shedding: This stage includes the transmission of virus through sexual contact when the infected person is not showing any symptom of genital herpes such as sores and blisters, etc.

Note:

It should be noted that Herpes virus only enters in the systemic circulation after direct physical contact with the infected viral products, mostly via mucous membrane. It does not spread through contaminated toilet seats or tubs.

Consult your doctor immediately if you start developing any symptoms even if the symptoms are general in nature like fever, nausea, vomiting, generalized Weight Loss, etc. after sexual contact with a known carrier.

Prevention of Genital Herpes Transmission
1. Limit Your Sexual Activities
If you are developing the symptoms of herpes infection such as sores, blisters around the genitals or Cold Sores around mouth, then you must restrain yourself for oral, vaginal or anal sex until you are fully recovered. Kissing should be avoided if cold sores are present. Sex toys must be shared with caution such as after proper cleaning or washing.

2. Use Protection During Sex
If you have multiple sex partners, it is highly recommended to always use a condom or other physical barriers during sex even if the symptoms are not visible. Condom only covers the skin of the penis, so if there are any sores present around the anal opening, then extra care should be taken.

3. Test for Diagnosis
If you are aware of your carrier status of herpes and you are observing positive symptoms of infection in your partner, it is highly recommended to seek genitourinary consultation to confirm the diagnosis and initiate therapy.

4. Avoid Sharing Daily Use Accessories
Although herpes virus can only survive inside a living cell and not on nonliving objects such as undergarments or clothing; but for best results, it is recommended to avoid sharing intimates like towels, hair brush, handkerchief, etc. with others as a precautionary measure.

5. Stay Informed About Medications Available
If you are experiencing the symptoms of genital herpes, you must collect sufficient information about antiviral medications. The exact cure of herpes infection is not known, but antiviral medications are available to restrict the symptoms and prevent the spreading of virus through shedding. Consultation with your doctor should be taken as a prior step after developing symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Herpes Virus Transmission
Having genital herpes is a matter of serious concern and can greatly compromise the quality of sexual life. People are always looking for valuable and vital information pertinent to the early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Some frequently asked questions are:

1. What Are the Chances of Complications?
The severity of this disease becomes intense during the time of an active outbreak. A little contact with an infected sore may result in the transfer of infection to otherwise healthy area. Certain areas, especially body parts with open mucous membranes, are sensitive in nature such as eyes, mouth, open wounds, etc. and are at higher risk of developing complications of genital herpes.

2. What Are the Chances of Transferring the Infection to the Baby During Pregnancy?
If you have conceived during the phase of active infection, you must consult your doctor. The doctor may run some tests and perform physical examination to see if the sores are present in the birth canal. If the birth canal is clear, the doctor will most likely approves a vaginal delivery but if there is any evidence of infection within the vaginal canal, then the baby will be ideally delivered through cesarean section to minimize the risk of complications in the newborn.

3. Can Herpes Lead to the Development of AIDS?
The causative agent of genital herpes and AIDS are different. So having herpes may not lead to AIDS; however, if you have engaged in sexual activity with an AIDS patient, the sores and blisters of herpes can definitely increase the rate of transmission.

Genital Herpes Treatment

Genital herpes Treatment Herpes infection is caused by Herpes Simplex virus (also referred to as HSV). It is a sexually transmitted disease. There may be no signs or symptoms in the early course of infection, but some patients may experience varying degree of pain, appearance of sores and itching in the genital region during the course of illness. Genital herpes is contagious. Once you get infected the virus multiplies almost instantaneously. In many people, the virus continues to maintain its existence in a state of dormancyafter initial infection which might cause flaring or reactivation of virus weeks or months later. Although, there is no curative treatment so far, a number of pharmacological options are available to control the symptomatology.

Are There Any Treatments for Genital Herpes?


In many cases genital herpes remains unresponsive for several years. It may not show any symptoms for months after initial infection, which is why infected individual may not even realize that he/she is harboring the virus. Unfortunately, since the major transmission route is sexual contact, it is likely that an asymptomatic person pass on the infection to healthy sexual partners.

Symptomatic individuals develop few characteristic symptoms such as appearance of painful sores around the genitals, mostly around the anal opening. These sores appear as outbreaks and may recur at periodic intervals.

If you are experiencing one or more of these issues such as sores, pain and itching, you must consult your doctor at earliest convenience. Clinically, herpes is usually diagnosed via swab test or serology (blood sampling) in some cases. Medical evaluation is important so that your doctor can guide you about functional therapeutic solutions to manage your symptoms. In addition, you can also get valuable tips to optimally manage your sex life.

1. Antiviral Medications
Despite extensive medical research, so far there is no curative therapy to completely cure the herpes simplex infection. Up till now, anti-viral agents are the most promising therapy because these prescription agents are highly potent at restricting the multiplication of virus. If appropriate therapy and dosing regimen is used, the episodic outbreak of sores can be adequately managed. Antivirals also deceases the chances of recurrence of sores. These agents are also used because they help in minimizing the chances of transmitting the infectious viral products to sexual contacts.

Some of the most popular and highly recommended anti-viral drugs are:

• Acyclovir


• Valacyclovir


• Famciclovir

2. Episodic Treatment
Episodic treatment is ideally advised to patients soon after the onset of initial symptoms of herpes infection such as pain and itching. Episodic treatment helps a great deal in eliminating the sores and also plays a vital role in preventing the risk of recurrence. Medical evaluation by a registered doctor becomes necessary as soon as you observe the symptoms. Episodic treatment largely comprises of antiviral agents with a quick onset of action.

3. Suppressive Treatment
Antiviral medications can be consumed as suppressive therapy to prevent the recurrent attacks. This type of regimen comprises of medications that are consumed on daily basis. The aim of therapy is to help in reducing the frequency of outbreaks. Use of condoms or other methods of physical barriers during sexual intercourse also plays a significant role in the suppressive treatment. The doctor will guide how to use antivirals for a longer period of time without increasing the risk of dose-associated systemic side effects. Usually suppressive treatment is not given if the frequency of outbreaks is less than 6 times per year.

What Can You Do to Treat Genital Herpes at Home?
Following measures are taken for relieving the symptoms without requiring prescription pharmacological agents:

• Use of analgesics such as aspirin to reduce the pain.


• Use of cold packs for relieving itching.


• Urinating in water-baths or in showers to avoid sore pain exceptionally helpful for females who have active sores on the labial lips.

Following measures can also be taken to promote the healing of sores:

• Hygiene maintenance of sores, washing properly than pat dry.


• Do not leave it moist, as this may increase the risk of fungal infection.


• Avoid sore picking.


• Do not use any medicated cream without seeking consultation or advice from your primary care provider.


• You can apply Vaseline or a local anesthetic ointment such as lidocaine to reduce the pain.


• Keep yourself hydrated.

You may watch a video to learn some home remedies to deal with genital herpes:

Ways to Reduce Outbreaks
Following measures are advised by healthcare providers to reduce the outbreaks of herpes simplex virus:

• Maintain your sleep pattern which adequately helps in boost your immune system naturally.


• Add fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet that are rich in antioxidants and vital nutrients. Micronutrients also help in enhancing natural immunity.


• Keep yourself Stress free.


• Protect yourself from extreme conditions such as extreme cold temperature or high temperature.

When to See a Doctor
Consultation to the doctor becomes necessary when:

• You are experiencing any side effects from the medications prescribed.


• Frequent episodes of genital soring or outbreaks of herpes that compromises the quality of your life or relationships.


• If the sores are getting worse even after taking medications and self-care.

This disease in many cases does not show any symptoms so it becomes difficult to identify whether the person is carrying this virus or not. Self-care and proper consultation with the doctor helps in regaining the quality of life.

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes






Genital herpes also called simply as “herpes” is the most common sexual infection affecting millions of people in the USA. It is the Herpes Simplex Virus that gets transmitted through sexual intercourse from one person to another. Both men and women are infected with herpes and the main symptoms of herpes are itching and painful sores in the genitals. Even if a person has no visible sore he can infect virus to others if he carries the virus.

Though there is no cure for genital herpes still medications are available for reducing the intensity of its symptoms. Using condoms is the only way to prevent this infection. Herpes virus gains entry through tiny tears on the skin of the genital organs and travels through the nerve roots finding suitable place in the spinal cord. It can remain dormant for several years and become active when your immunity is lowered. Once the virus becomes active it would again travel to the original site of infection causing painful sores and blisters. Genital herpes is contagious.

Causes :

Genital herpes is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus-2. The outbreak of this infection will be high if the immunity of the infected person becomes weak due to hormonal imbalance, stress or any other infection. Genital herpes will spread through sexual contact and is highly contagious. And one cannot receive it by sharing towels or using the toilet of the infected person.

HSV-1 is the virus affects your mouth causing Cold Sores being the symptoms of Oral Herpes. It will gain entry into the vagina or men’s genital when a person has oral sex with the infected person. More than 50 million people in the America are carriers of genital herpes. Women are more infected than men by HSV since they do not show any symptoms. Most of them will have minimal symptoms like mild itching or no symptoms at all.

Symptoms :

In most of the cases genital herpes will not produce any symptoms and if at all they have symptoms it is only mild. There will be mild itching and pain on the genital area few weeks after sexual contact with the infected person. It takes several weeks or months to develop red blisters or tiny white bumps on the genitals. In some cases it becomes ulcer oozing out foul smelling liquid.

In women blisters can appear on the vagina, buttocks or even anus. In men sores will be seen on the penis and scrotum area apart from anus and buttocks. In addition it may cause inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) and whitish vaginal discharge. In rare cases it will cause pain while urinating. Some people may get flu like symptoms after the initial outbreak of the virus. The symptoms are not the same for all persons. The virus may recur even after months or years. Stress, hormonal imbalance, illness or intake of medications can aggravate the symptoms.

The virus becomes dormant during the incubation period which may be for 3-7 days. The initial symptoms are observed only after two weeks causing itching of the genitals and redness of the skin. There is every chance for the infected person to spread the virus to others even though he/she has no symptoms.

Who are at risk?

Being a women and having many sex partners increases the risk of genital herpes. Apart from genital herpes you are inviting risk for getting other sexually transmitted diseases. Pregnant women have increased chance to transmit the infection to the fetus causing more complications for the newborn. Painful sores can cause inflammation of the cervix and urethra making it difficult to urinate and pass stools. In rare cases, this infection can travel to your brain through cerebrospinal fluid causing Meningitis.

Tests and Diagnoses :

The symptoms are self sufficient for detecting genital herpes on physical examination of the genitals. Your doctor may request for blood test for detecting the presence of HSV and also viral culture taking the sample tissue from the inflamed area. Some doctors may conduct polymerase chain reaction test for detecting the genetic material of the virus.

Treatment :

Treatment can be given only for reducing the intensity of the symptoms. Medications are given for healing the ulcer/sores in the genital area. It would also prevent further occurrence of the virus. Taking strong drugs in the initial stage will reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to other partners.

Mostly, doctors will give antiviral drugs like Acyclovir, Famvir or Valacyclovir for treating genital herpes. In case of severe symptoms the infected person will be hospitalized to give antiviral drugs intravenously. All the treatment given for genital herpes can reduce the symptoms and prevent further infection. It would also reduce the duration of the outbreaks.

Usually the first episode will be severe and recurring episodes would be mild causing mild discomfort. In case of suspicion you need to take antiviral medications before 24 hours of initial outbreak. You can start using the drug if you feel sudden tingling sensation or indication of formation of sores in the genital area after having sexual contact with some person.

Coping :

You need to tell your partner once you are detected with genital herpes. It is for the safety of your partner that you should communicate with him/her. Instead of putting the blame on others you have to take steps for preventing further infection.

Pictures of Genital Herpes :

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Genital Herpes

Prevention :

• Avoid having sexual contact with multiple partners and unknown persons.
• Having pain or sore or blisters on the genital area is clearly an indication of carrying infected virus.
• Abstain from sex until you are completely cured.
• Practice safe sex and insist that your partner uses condom.
• Avoid touching the eyes or mouth after touching the infected genitals that carry blisters.
• During outbreaks it is essential to wash your hands frequently.
• Restrain from having any sort of sexual activities (including kissing or oral sex) once you have spotted initial blisters and avoid having sex until the blisters are healed completely.

Outlook :

Very often the outbreaks of genital herpes recur. For some it can be 1-2 outbreaks during a year but for others it can be more than 8 outbreaks also.