Genital Herpes

For many sufferers of genital herpes, the anxiety that comes from anticipating breakouts and feelings of disfigurement can prevent them from reaching out and seeking the treatment they need. The result is that genital herpes has become one of the most common sexually transmitted infections affecting the global population. According to the Centers for Disease Control; Prevention, about 1 in every 6 Americans between the ages of 14 to 49 years, (40 to 50 million American adults,) have genital herpes. 

While there is currently no cure for this condition, it can be successfully managed and controlled with medication and prudent lifestyle changes.

What are the symptoms of genital herpes? 

Symptoms of genital herpes include: 

• Small red bumps or white blisters in the genital region 
• Pain and/or itching in the affected area 
• Ulcers that form when blisters burst or leak 
• Scabbing that forms when the ulcers heal 
• Less commonly, flu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes in the groin, muscle aches, fever, etc. 

It’s important to note that not everyone shows symptoms of infection, which can cause some infected people to unknowingly infect their partners. Generally, it can take 2 to 12 days for symptoms to appear after the onset of infection. 

What causes genital herpes? 

Genital herpes is caused by two types of herpes simplex viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both viruses can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and sexual contact, though HSV-2 causes more recurrent outbreaks and may be considered more contagious. 

What can increase my risk of getting genital herpes? 

You may face an increased risk of getting infected if you are a woman, since the virus is more easily transmitted from men to women rather than the other way around. Having multiple sex partners and/or having unprotected sex with a partner you don’t know well can also raise your risk of infection. 

Are there complications that can occur from having genital herpes? 

Herpes outbreaks can increase the likelihood of developing the following health issues: 

• Infection of newborns during childbirth 
• Bladder issues or urethral inflammation 
• Higher susceptibility to other sexually transmitted infections 
• Rectal inflammation 
• Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord) 

What can do I to prevent genital herpes? 

You can prevent infection by avoiding sexual contact with an infected partner during an outbreak, having sex only with partners who are infection-free, or using latex condoms every time you have sex. 

Once you are infected, there are some things you can do to reduce the recurrence of outbreaks, such as: 

• Paying attention to your triggers, which will vary with each person (stress, certain medications, specific foods, UV light exposure, etc.) 
• Practicing good stress management (yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, etc.) 
• Eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep to support strong immune function 
• Using lubricants to decrease friction during intercourse 
• Taking certain herbal supplements (consult your healthcare provider) 
• Wearing breathable, non-irritating clothing 

What treatments are available for genital herpes? 

There is no cure for genital herpes, but prescription antiviral medications can: 

• Accelerate the healing of sores during an outbreak 
• Reduce the severity and duration of subsequent outbreaks 
• Prevent or dramatically lower the incidence of recurring outbreaks 
• Lower the risk of transmitting the virus to your partner 

Do not let genital herpes control you and stop you from living the life you deserve. By scheduling an online visit with one of our veteran physicians at NeedMD, you can get the treatment you need at your convenience, in the privacy of your own home.