Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by a virus eruption of the pelvic area. Intimate relations usually transmit it. It affects males and females. Genital herpes involves the vagina, cervix, labia, thighs, gluteal region, penis, and lower abdominal area, scrotum, and any surrounding tissue. It often travels with other sexually transmitted diseases. It may be diagnosed alone or with other STD's. There are 2 primary types of herpes. Type 1 usually occurs above the waist and usually exhibits fever blisters of the lips or mouth. Approximately 1-4% of Type 1 can be transmitted onto the genitals; this is usually spread by oral sex to below the waist onto the genitalia. Type 2 is almost always below the waist. Both Type 1 and Type 2 may or may not come to the surface. The infection could be contained within the skin causing pain in the skin or redness on the skin, individually or together.
To help prevent genital herpes, you should avoid intimacy or direct contact if either partner has blisters, ulcers, sores, a history of herpes, redness, pain in the area, or a possible infection. A rubber condom should always be worn during intercourse. Do not have intercourse with an active infection, re-exacerbation, suspicion, or tingling pain in these areas. Do not have oral intimacy with a partner who has cold sores on the mouth. People are most contagious with tingling at the eruption site just before and during an outbreak. The longer the infection is present and the longer it is healing, usually the less contagious the lesion. The most contagious time is in the prodrome when you feel a tingling and itching just before and at the time of the outbreak. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor if you have had any genital lesions in the past or any questionable contacts. Often patients may exemplify painful blisters, itching, burning or irritation on the vaginal area or penis and there may be tingling or pain before the outbreak. The lesions may extend into the vagina to the cervix and up the urethra or the lower abdomen or pelvic regions. In a few days, the blisters rupture and develop into painful ulcers that may last 1-4 weeks. You may experience difficult urination, large inguinal lymph nodes, fever, malaise, general swelling or feeling of pain in the area.
Complications beyond generalized disease are rare. Death can rarely occur in persons who must take anti-cancer drugs, have cancer or take immunosuppressive drugs. Transmittal to a newborn infant can cause sepsis, blindness or rare death. Genital herpes is currently considered incurable, but symptoms and recurrence can be controlled, and much more tolerable with treatment. The virus eventually returns to its dominant state. Symptoms recur when it is reactivated. Recurrent symptoms are not usually new infections, but they could be as well.
Diagnosis is usually determined by the general appearance of the lesion, and confirmation may be made by a laboratory study of fluid or scrapings from the lesion, or even better, specific blood tests. We can tell with blood testing if it is a new infection or old re-infection and if the virus is Type I or Type II. Treatment is directed toward relieving symptoms and preventing complications or spread of the virus. Women should wear cotton underpants or pantyhose with a cotton crotch. To reduce pain during urination, women may urinate in the shower. Women should make sure to have an annual Pap smear, especially with exposure or positive diagnosis.
People who are infected should stay out of the sun and avoid foods that are acidic or spicy. Tomatoes, pineapples, tomato sauce, pizza, spicy foods like peppers (which are acidic) can suppress the T cells in the blood. These T cells and T helper cells are the cell that keeps it under control. When they are not controlled they emerge and can cause infection. Sunlight penetrates the skin and blood vessels and decrease the effectiveness of the T cells in the blood. These key T cells keep the virus in the ganglion under control. When they are suppressed, it takes the opportunity to emerge and can cause significant infection. Medications usually consist of an antiviral medication in oral form, along with L-Lysine for relief. You should avoid any and all sexual relations until all symptoms completely subside for several days.
Notify your physician if you or a family member has any symptoms of genital herpes, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve in several days. If you have unusual vaginal bleeding or swelling occurs or if fever returns during treatment or you become generally ill, immediately call your physician or go directly to an emergency room.
John Drew Laurusonis
Doctors Medical Center
www.doctorsmedicalctr.com
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