GENITAL
HERPES
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED VIRAL
INFECTION
GENITAL HERPES
GENITAL HERPES OVERVIEW
Herpes genitalis (or genital herpes) refers
to a genital infection by HERPES SIMPLEX
VIRUS.
Genital herpes is a common, highly infectious
disease caused by a virus. It is transmitted
from one person to another during sexual
activity.
Genital herpes causes blisters or groups of
small ulcers (open sores) on and around the
genitals in both men and women.
Genital herpes cannot be cured; however, there
are medications that can be prescribed to treat
outbreaks and minimize the symptoms
Genital herpes is extremely widespread, largely
because it is so contagious. Carriers can
transmit the disease without having any
symptoms of an active infection.
The highest rates of infection are seen among
the poor, those with less education, those using
cocaine, and those with many sexual partners.
Genital herpes is spread by direct contact with
an infected person. Sexual intercourse and oral
sex are the most common methods of spreading
genital herpes. Any type of skin-to-skin contact,
however, is capable of spreading herpes.
GENITAL HERPES CAUSES
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes
simplex virus (HSV). There are two types:
HSV-1 and HSV-2. Most genital herpes
infections are caused by HSV-2.
HSV-1 is the usual cause of what most people
call “fever blisters” in and around the mouth
and can be transmitted from person to
person through kissing. Less often, HSV-1 can
cause genital herpes infections through oral
sexual contact.
GENITAL HERPES SYMPTOMS
Signs of genital herpes tend to develop within three
to seven days of skin-to-skin contact with an
infected person.
Genital herpes infections look like small blisters or
ulcers (round areas of broken skin) on the genitals.
Each blister or ulcer is typically only 1 to 3
millimeters (1/32 inch to 1/8th inch) in size, and
the blisters or ulcers tend to be grouped into
"crops." Usually the blisters form first, then soon
open to form ulcers.
Herpes infections may be painless or slightly
tender. In some people, however, the blisters or
ulcers can be very tender and painful.
LOCATION OF GENITAL HERPES
In men, genital In women, the lesions
herpes sores (lesions) may be visible outside
usually appear on or the vagina, but they
around the penis. commonly occur inside
the vagina where they
can cause discomfort
The ulcers or blisters or vaginal discharge
may also be found but cannot be seen
anywhere around the except during a
genitals (the doctor's examination.
perineum) and in and
around the anus.
First outbreak of genital herpes
Later outbreaks of genital
The first genital herpes
herpes
outbreak is usually the most
painful, and the initial episode
may last longer than later If the disease returns, later
outbreaks. Symptoms may last outbreaks generally have much
for two to four weeks. less severe symptoms. Many
Some people develop other
people with recurrent disease
signs of genital herpes develop pain or a tingling
infection, particularly with the sensation in the area of the
first episode including: infection even before any
blisters or ulcers can be seen.
This is due to irritation and
•fever, inflammation of the nerves
•muscle aches, leading to the infected area of
skin.
•headaches (may be severe),
•vaginal discharge or painful These are signs that an outbreak
urination, and
is about to begin. The condition
•swollen and tender lymph nodes is particularly contagious during
in the groin (these swell as the this period, even though the skin
body tries to fight the infection). still appears normal.
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE
If an individual is experiencing an initial episode of genital
herpes and cannot be seen by a regular doctor within the
first few days of the illness, it is advisable go to a hospital's
emergency department to have medical treatment started.
Some people can become quite ill from genital herpes
infections. If an individual has a high fever, severe
headache, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, he or
she should go to the hospital for evaluation.
People with severe medical illnesses (particularly HIV or
AIDS) may become very ill from genital herpes infections.
The herpes virus may quickly spread to the brain, lungs, and
other organs. Individuals in this situation should seek
prompt medical attention for genital herpes outbreaks and
go to a hospital if there is any sign of illness other than
sores on the genitals.
EXAMS AND TESTS
Many doctors will begin treatment based only on the
appearance of the sores, if the sores seem typical of
herpes. Doctors may also take a swab of the sore and send
the swab to the laboratory to see if the virus is present. A
number of types of tests may be ordered to establish the
diagnosis, including:
a culture of the virus;
polymerase chain reaction to demonstrate the genetic
material of the virus; and
using antibodies to the genital herpes virus to demonstrate
the presence of the virus in clinical specimens.
These types of tests generally require at least a few days.
In some cases, blood tests to confirm the presence of an
immune response to the herpes virus may be ordered.
GENITAL HERPES TREATMENT
Self-Care at Home Medications
Individuals infected with the Treatment with medication is
genital herpes virus should: effective in shortening the
•avoid excessive heat or sunlight, initial outbreak of the
which makes the irritation more infection, lowers the chance
uncomfortable; that the infection will come
•not use perfumed or antibacterial back, and makes any later
soaps, feminine deodorant, or outbreaks less severe.
douches;
•wear comfortable, loose fitting •There are similar antiviral drugs
cotton clothing; available for the treatment of
•take aspirin, acetaminophen genital herpes infection, These
(Tylenol and others), or ibuprofen antiviral medications vary in cost
(Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, etc.) if and how often they should be
helpful; and taken. All should be taken for 7-
•use cool cloths on the affected 10 days.
area if it soothes the pain.
The patient's doctor may extend the course of therapy if
ulcers have not healed in 10 days. Examples of these
antiviral medications include:
◦acyclovir (Zovirax)
◦famciclovir (Famvir)
◦valacyclovir (Valtrex)
For continuous prevention, a few individuals who have
frequent outbreaks (generally over six recurrences per
year) can only control the outbreaks by taking
medication every day. Acyclovir, famciclovir, and
valacyclovir are all used to treat recurrent disease. This is
known as suppressive therapy. Suppressive therapy has
been shown to decrease the frequency of genital herpes
recurrences by 70%-80% in those who have frequent
recurrences, and many individuals taking this treatment
report no symptomatic outbreaks.
PREVENTION
People with genital herpes outbreaks are highly
contagious. Anyone with active disease should avoid
any sexual contact when sores are present. Even the
use of a condom does not prevent the spread of disease
because not all sores are covered by the condom.
Although the chance of spreading disease is greatest
when sores are present, people who have had genital
herpes may always be contagious to some degree, even
if they have received medical treatment. The virus can
become active and be transmitted to a sexual partner
even when the skin appears completely normal. For
this reason, safe sex practices (use of a condom) should
be used between disease outbreaks to lessen the
chance of spreading disease to a sexual partner.
THANK YOU!
QUESTIONS :
1. What are the most common methods of spreading
genital herpes?
2. What is the usual cause of what most people call
“fever blisters” in and around the mouth and can be
transmitted from person to person through kissing?
3. How many days the signs of genital herpes tend to
develop after a skin-to-skin contact with an
infected person ? Signs of genital herpes tend to
develop within three to seven days of skin-to-skin
contact with an infected person?
4. What are the two types of herpes simplex virus?
5. What are the signs of genital herpes infection,
particularly with the first episode/outbreak?
ANSWERS :
1. Sexual intercourse and oral sex
2. HSV-1
3. three to seven days
4. HSV-1 and HSV-2
5. •fever,
•muscle aches,
•headaches (may be severe),
•vaginal discharge or painful urination, and
•swollen and tender lymph nodes in the groin
(these swell as the body tries to fight the
infection).
