There are two forms of genital herpes - herpes simplex virus-1 and herpes simplex virus-2. Although herpes-1 is most often associated with cold sores and fever blisters, both forms of herpes may be sexually transmitted. During pregnancy, herpes may cause miscarriage or stillbirth. If active herpes infections are present during childbirth, newborn infants may suffer serious health damage, including developmental disabilities and, rarely, death. Transmission to a newborn is more common during the first episode of the herpes infection and less common during recurrent herpes outbreaks. More than 45 million Americans have been diagnosed with genital herpes. One million new cases are diagnosed every year. Like many other viruses, the herpes simplex virus (HSV) remains in the body for life.
Common symptoms:
- a recurring rash with clusters of itchy or painful blistery sores appearing on the vagina, cervix, penis, mouth, anus, buttocks, or elsewhere on the body
- painful ulcerations that occur when blisters break open
- the primary outbreak may cause pain and discomfort around the infected area, itching, burning sensations during urination, swollen glands in the groin, fever, headache, and a general run-down feeling.
Symptoms usually appear from 2-20 days after infection — but it may be years before an outbreak occurs.
Recurrences are sometimes related to emotional, physical, or health stresses. During recurrences it is important to observe strict rules of day-to-day hygiene. Wash hands frequently and do not touch the sores. If the sores are touched inadvertently, wash hands immediately. Be particularly careful when handling contact lenses and touching the eyes.
How HSV is spread:
- touching, sexual intimacy — including kissing
- vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse.
HSV may be passed from one partner to another, or from one part of the body to another, whenever contact is made with an active herpes virus. Oral sex play can pass herpes from the mouth to the genitals or from the genitals to the mouth.
HSV is most contagious from the time the sores are present until they are completely healed and the scabs have fallen off. Unfortunately, recent studies show that some people may be contagious when they have no symptoms. Mucous membranes of the mouth, anus, vagina, penis, and the eyes are especially susceptible to infection.
Diagnosis: Can be confused with syphilis, chancroid, and other sexually transmitted infections. Examination of the sores and laboratory culturing of fluid samples taken from the sores are important. Definitive diagnosis may not be possible if the sores are dried or scabbed by the time you see a clinician. If you think you have herpes, it is important to have a diagnosis early in the outbreak.
Treatment: No cure. Symptoms can be relieved and the number of recurrences reduced with the drugs valacyclovir, acyclovir, and famciclovir.
Protection: Partners should refrain from sexual intimacy from the time they know the blisters are going to recur until after the scabs have completely fallen off the healed sores. Condoms offer some protection against the virus between outbreaks.
[ return to top ]
