Genital
Herpes Information
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on all genital herpes treatment orders.)
When individuals refer to genital herpes they
are primarily concerned with two prevalent types, HSV-1and HSV-2. There
is a common belief that HSV-1 attacks above the waist and is responsible
for cold sores, while HSV-2 attacks below the waist and is responsible
for the genital herpes ulcers.
However, both herpes viruses HSV-1 and II
can cause ulcers on the oral mucosa and the genital region. Herpes
HSV-1is primarily the cause of recurrent cold sores while HSV-2 are
generally responsible for the genital ulcers.
Herpes is Greek is herpein meaning "to creep". The
Latin name is appropriate describing the way herpetic lesions "creep"
and erupt in blisters in a serpent-like pattern.
Fortunately,
there is now an antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any pain
associated with genital herpes outbreaks
(click here for details).
Additional Genital Herpes Information
The following genital herpes information has
been compiled from a variety of resources in order to give you
comprehensive information concerning the herpes simplex virus:
What is genital herpes?
How is genital herpes virus spread from one individual to another?
How common is genital herpes?
What can an individual expect after he/she is infected with genital
herpes?
How is genital herpes diagnosed?
What are the symptoms associated with genital herpes?
Is there a cure for genital herpes?
What are the names the medications used to treat genital herpes?
What can patients do to lessen the pain associated with genital
herpes ulcers?
How can you protect yourself from the genital herpes virus?
How often will I recurrent outbreaks of the genital herpes virus?
How is genital herpes spread from one person to another?
HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found and transmitted
from the herpes ulcers. However, the ulcers doe not have to be
present for an you to become infected with the virus. The genital
herpes virus is contagious when their are no apparent lesions
present.
An individual almost always acquires an HSV-2
infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2
infection. HSV-1 causes most infections of the mouth and lips,
however, an individual can acquire HSV-1 in the genital area
secondary to oral-genital sexual contact.
Fortunately,
there is now an antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any
pain associated with the genital herpes outbreaks
(click here for details).
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How common is the genital herpes virus?
In Europe, an estimated 21 percent of persons
18 years and older are infected with genital herpes virus type 2
(HSV-2) the genital herpes virus type most associated with genital
herpes. The prevalence has increased by 30 percent in the past 15
years. Many individuals with HSV-2 are asymptomatic, and an
estimated 80 percent of cases of genital herpes HSV-2 are never
diagnosed.
Fortunately,
there is now an antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any
pain associated with the genital herpes outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the genital herpes topics
What can you expect if you are infected with the genital herpes
virus?
Many time after you are infected with genital
herpes the virus is asymptomatic, you will not be aware that you
have acquired the genital herpes virus. However, after a dormancy
period the initial presentation of the virus can be very painful.
The first episode will usually occur within two weeks after the
initial contact with the virus.
Fortunately,
there is now an antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any
pain associated with the genital herpes outbreaks
(click here for details).
Women can experience a very severe and painful
primary infection. Herpes blisters first appear on the labia majora
(outer lips), labia minora (inner lips), and entrance to the vagina.
Blisters often appear on the clitoris, at the urinary opening,
around the anal opening, and on the buttocks and thighs. In
addition, women may get herpes blisters on the lips, breasts,
fingers, and eyes. The vagina and cervix are almost always involved
which causes a watery discharge. Other symptoms that occur in women
are: painful or difficult urination (83%), swelling of the urinary
tube (85%), meningitis (36%), and throat infection (13%). Most women
develop painful, swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) in the groin
and pelvis. Approximately one in ten women get a vaginal yeast
infection as a complication of the primary herpes infection.
Acyclovir will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any
pain associated with the genital herpes outbreaks (click here for
details).
Men usually experience the herpes blisters on
the penis but can also appear on the scrotum, thighs, and buttocks.
Fewer than half of the men with primary herpes experience the
constitutional symptoms. Some 30% to 40% of men have a discharge
from the urinary tube. Some men develop painful swollen lymph nodes
(lymphadenopathy) in the groin and pelvis. Although less frequently
than women, men too may experience painful or difficult urination
(44%), swelling of the urinary tube (27%), meningitis (13), and
throat infection (7%).
Fortunately,
there is now an antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any
pain associated with the genital herpes outbreaks
(click here for details).
Following the primary outbreak you can expect
to have some seven to ten recurrent episodes during the first year.
Although the secondary episodes are generally not as pronounced as
the primary outbreak they can still be very painful. Fortunately
there are medications i.e.
Acyclovir that can decrease the recurrent episodes.
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How is genital herpes virus diagnosed?
Some 80% of all case of genital herpes remain
undetected. Studies show that a high percentage of individuals that
become infected from an undiagnosed partner. Therefore, proper
diagnosis is essential in controlling the spread of the virus.
The virus often goes undiagnosed secondary to a
wide range of symptoms associated with the infection or there is an
absence of any visible lesions or symptoms. Many individuals are
often embarrassed and distressed and do not seek medical help.
An accurate diagnosis can help you if infected
take control of your health and benefit from treatment, Acyclovir,
that will reduce their symptoms and their frequency of genital
herpes virus. Proper diagnosis also decrease the risk of spreading
the virus to other individuals. Doctors should take the
responsibility to properly educate you if diagnosed with the herepes
simplex about how to protect their partners. The following represent
the different methods in which the HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be diagnosed:
Physical Exam
The genital herpes virus can be accurately
diagnosed by your doctor based on your medical/sexual history and
visual exam of the classic fluid filled herpetic lesions.
Unfortunately, this method may not be reliable to make an accurate
diagnosis. The active or latent genital herpes in many infected
patients are asymptomatic or the patient's symptoms may have already
resolved by the time he/she visits the physician.
Virus Culture Detection Tests
In
order to prepare a viral culture a doctor must collect cells at the
base of the genital lesion using a sterile cotton swab The sample is
then tested in the laboratory. An individual must have a active or
live infection at the time of the swab test to produce a positive
result. If the herpetic lesions or ulcers have begun to heal the
test may give a false-negative report. However, when active lesions
are present, this method is seen as the gold standard for diagnosing
genital herpes.
Serology Blood Tests
When
an individual becomes infected with the herpes virus the body will
produce antibodies designed to fight the virus. These antibodies are
specific to each virus and remain permanently in the bloodstream. A
blood test for a genital herpes virus can indicate if someone has
been infected at some time during their life.
However this form of testing cannot indicate
when or where on the body the initial infection took place, i.e.
around the genital or facial region. When an individual who does not
have HSV-2 first acquires the virus, their body starts to produce
antibodies. They undergo a process called seroconversion which means
they go from having no detectable antibodies seronegative to having
detectable antibodies seropositive. The length of time from first
infection to when antibodies are detectable varies from person to
person, and with the ability of the test to detect antibodies in
early infection. Therefore, it is possible for a person in the early
stages of infection to give a negative result on a blood test
despite having herpes.
Therefore, if an individual believes that he/she
has been infected with the virus and the test is negative this
individual should repeat the test in three to four months. The older
blood tests could not reliably tell the difference between HSV-1 and
HSV-2 antibodies, however, there are new commercially available
tests that have recently been developed bringing new options for
diagnosing HSV:
The HerpeSelect™ type-specific HSV antibody
detection tests produced by Focus Technologies can effectively
distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2. These kits after collection
must be sent back to a central laboratory for results.
The POCkitŪ HSV-2 Rapid Test is a single unit,
membrane-based immunoassay for the qualitative determination, either
in heparinized capillary whole blood taken by finger stick or in
serum, of circulating IgG antibodies specific for genital herpes
virus type 2 (HSV-2), which arise as a result of infection with
HSV-2. It is intended for in-vitro diagnostic use by health
professionals in Point of Care testing (the lab work does not need
to be sent to a central laboratory). The presence of antibodies to
HSV-2 may be indicative of a previous infection with HSV-2 and may
be of value in determination of previous immunological experience
and to aid in the diagnosis of HSV associated disease. This assay
will not differentiate whether infection is currently in a latent or
active state nor does the test diagnose HSV-1
Fortunately,
there is now an antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any
pain associated with the genital herpes outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the genital herpes topics
What are the symptoms associated with the genital herpes virus?
Unfortunately, most individuals who are
infected with genital herpes are not aware that they have the virus.
Many times there are no initial symptoms or individuals do not
recognize the symptoms as herpes. Most individuals infected with
the genital herpes virus will experience some of the following
symptoms within two weeks:
- Feeling of malaise or the feeling of being
excessively tired.
- Itching and/or burning in the genital or
anal region.
- Discharge from the vagina.
- Feeling of pressure in the abdomen region.
- Swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin.
- Pain in the genital area, buttocks and
legs.
Following the prodrome period individuals will
begin to notice the herpetic lesions forming in the region where the
virus has entered the body i.e. mouth, penis, vagina or the anus.
Small red bumps appear first that subsequently develop into blisters
and then open crusting sores.
During the period when the genital herpes
virus ulcers are evident individuals will also report the following
symptoms:
- Painful or difficult urination
- Vaginal discharge
- Swollen glands in the groin area
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
Fortunately,
there is now an antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any
pain associated with the genital herpes outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the genital herpes topics
Is there a cure for the genital herpes virus?
Antiviral medications such as Acyclovir will
significantly reduce the number of outbreaks and the duration and
severity of symptoms associated with the genital herpes virus.
Fortunately,
there is now an antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any
pain associated with the genital herpes outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the genital herpes topics
What are the names the medications used to treat the genital herpes
virus?
Acyclovir is the drug of choice for treating
the genital herpes infection and can be taken by mouth
(orally). The following also represent the medications that
doctors will also prescribe for the treatment of the genital herpes
virus. However, Acyclovir remains the drug of choice:
Acyclovir is effective in treating both the
primary infection and recurrent outbreaks. When taken or orally,
acyclovir reduces the healing time, virus shedding period, and
duration of vesicles.
Patients with frequent outbreaks (greater
than six to eight per year) may benefit from long term use of
acyclovir which is called "suppressive therapy." Patients on
suppressive therapy have longer periods between herpes outbreaks.
The specific dosage used for suppression needs to be determined for
each patient and should be reevaluated every few years.
Alternatively, patients may use short term suppressive therapy to
lessen the chance of developing an active infection during special
occasions such as weddings or holidays.
Fortunately,
there is now an antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any
pain associated with the genital herpes outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the genital herpes topics
What can patients do to lessen the pain associated with the herpes
simplex ulcers?
There are several things that a patient may
do to lessen the pain associate with genital herpes ulcers including
the following:
- Wear loose fitting clothing and cotton
underwear.
- Using a blow dryer on the "cool" setting
to dry the infected area.
- Placing an ice pack on the affected area
for 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes off and then repeating this
procedure.
- Removing clothing or wearing loose pajamas
while at home.
- Soaking in a tub of warm water.
- Topical ointments may be beneficial if
they contain: glycyrrhizinic acid, components of licorice
glycyrrhiza glabra, vitamin E, tea oil, Melaleuca spp, baking soda
compresses
Fortunately,
there is now an antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any
pain associated with the genital herpes outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the genital herpes topics
How can you protect yourself from the genital herpes virus?
Since the genital herpes virus is a sexually
transmitted disease individuals can protect themselves by abstaining
from sexual contact. The consistent and proper use of latex condoms
can also provide some protection against infection. Condoms do not
provide 100% protection, unfortunately, the condom may not
adequately cover the entire region where the herpetic lesions reside
allowing viral shedding. If a partner has genital herpes there
should be an abstinence from sex until the lesions are no longer
present.
Fortunately,
there is now an antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any
pain associated with the genital herpes outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the genital herpes topics
Individuals should also adhere to the following to prevent the
spread of the virus:
- Practice abstinence
- Wash your hands with soap and water
following contact with the sores (already infected with the virus).
- Keep the infected area clean and dry to
prevent other infections from developing (already infected with the
virus).
- Avoid scratching and/or touching the sores
(already infected with the virus).
- Limit the number of sexual partners you
have in your lifetime.
- Make sure that you and your sexual partner
use condoms every time you have sex.
- Refrain from sexual contact from the first
sign of a recurrent episode until the lesions are completely healed
(already infected with the virus).
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How often will I recurrent outbreaks of the herpes virus?
Recurrent episodes vary amongst different
individuals. However, most individuals have between four to six
episodes per year. Recurrent infection are generally less severe
than the initial outbreak.
Following an outbreak the virus then travels to
the nerve cells where the virus remains dormant. Currently, it is
unknown why the virus becomes active again. However, the recurrent
infections tend to be milder than the primary infections and are
often related to stress, fevers, sun exposure, menstrual periods
etc.
Individuals should know that the virus may be
active without the presence of the typical lesions. During these
times, small amounts of the virus may be shed at or near places of
the first infection, in fluids from the penis, vagina, mouth or from
lesions that not that noticeable.
Antiviral medications such as
Acyclovir can significantly reduce the number of outbreaks and
the duration and severity of symptoms once an outbreak occurs.
Shedding of the virus during these periods may not be noticeable if
there is no pain or increased sensitivity in the region. However,
you may be at increased risk to spread the virus to your partner at
this time.
Fortunately,
there is now an antiviral drug, Acyclovir, that will reduce
the frequency of outbreaks, the severity of the outbreaks and any
pain associated with the genital herpes outbreaks
(click here for details).
back to the top of the genital herpes topics
