Genital HerpesWhat is genital herpes?Genital herpes is a contagious viral infection that affects an estimated 45 million Americans (more than one in five). Each year, as many as 1 million new cases are believed to occur. The infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV and both can cause the symptoms of genital herpes. HSV type 1 most commonly causes sores on the lips (known as fever blisters or cold sores), but it can cause genital infections as well. HSV type 2 most often causes genital sores, but it also can infect the mouth. The virus remains in certain nerve cells of the body for life, causing periodic symptoms in some people. Many people who are infected with HSV never develop any symptoms. How is genital herpes transmitted?The infection is usually acquired by sexual contact with someone who has genital herpes. People with oral herpes can transmit the infection to the genital area of a partner during oral-genital sex. Herpes infections also can be transmitted by a person who is infected with HSV but has no noticeable symptoms. Such asymptomatic shedding of the virus may be fairly common, occurring from 5 percent to 20 percent of the time in infected individuals. What are the symptoms of genital herpes?Symptoms of a primary episode of genital herpes vary widely from person to person. They usually occur within two to 10 days of exposure and typically involve small red bumps that may develop into blisters and open lesions. These “bumps” appear at the site of infection, which may be in or around the vaginal area, the cervix, the penis, urinary tract of both men and women, and around the anal opening, buttocks or thighs. Sores also may appear on other parts of the body where broken skin has come into contact with HSV. Over a period of days, the sores become encrusted and then heal without scarring. Other symptoms of a primary episode of genital herpes may include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen glands in the groin area, painful urination or vaginal discharge. Can genital herpes reoccur?After invading the skin or mucous membranes, the virus that causes genital herpes travels to the sensory nerves at the end of the spinal cord. Even after the skin lesions have disappeared, the virus remains inside the nerve cells in a latent state. In most people, the virus reactivates from time to time. When this happens, the virus travels along the nerves to the skin, where it multiplies on the surface at or near the site of the original herpes sores, causing new lesions to erupt. It also can reactivate without any visible sores. At these times, small amounts of the virus may be shed at, or near, sites of the original infection, in genital or oral secretions, or from inapparent lesions. This shedding is infrequent, but it is sufficient to infect a sex partner. The symptoms of recurrent episodes are usually milder than those of the first episode and typically last about a week. A recurrent outbreak may be signaled by a tingling sensation or itching in the genital area or pain in the buttocks or down the leg. These are called prodromal symptoms and, for some people, they can be the most painful and annoying part of a recurrent episode. Sometimes no visible sores develop. At other times, blisters appear that may be very small and barely noticeable or may break into open sores that crust over and then disappear. The frequency and severity of the recurrent episodes vary greatly. While some people recognize only one or two recurrences in a lifetime, others may experience several outbreaks a year. The number and pattern of recurrences often change over time for an individual. Scientists do not know what causes the virus to reactivate. Although some people with herpes report that their recurrences are brought on by other illness, stress exposure to sunlight or menstruation, recurrences often are not predictable. How is genital herpes diagnosed?The sores of genital herpes in its active stage are usually visible to the naked eye. Several laboratory tests may be needed, however, to distinguish herpes sores from other infections. The most accurate method of diagnosis is by viral culture. A blood test can detect antibodies to the virus, which indicate that the person has at some time been infected with HSV, but it cannot determine whether a person has an active genital herpes infection. During an active herpes episode, whether primary or recurrent, it is important to follow a few simple steps to speed healing and to avoid spreading the infection to other sites of the body or to other people:
Oral acyclovir markedly shortens the course of a first episode and limits the severity of recurrences if taken within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. People who have very frequent episodes of the disease can take oral acyclovir daily for up to one year to suppress the virus’ activity and prevent most recurrences. Acyclovir does not cure herpes, but it interferes with the virus’ ability to reproduce itself. Other new drugs – famciclovir and valacyclovir – now on the market work in a similar manner. Does genital herpes cause any complications?Genital herpes infections do not cause permanent disability or long-term damage in healthy adults. However, in people who have suppressed immune systems, HSV episodes can be long-lasting and unusually severe. Regardless of severity of symptoms, genital herpes frequently causes psychological distress in people who know they are infected. A pregnant woman who develops a primary episode of genital herpes can pass the virus to her fetus and may be at higher risk for spontaneous abortion and premature delivery. If a woman has active genital herpes at delivery, a cesarean delivery is usually performed. Half of fetuses/infants who acquire herpes in this manner either die or suffer neurologic damage. Early detection and therapy can lessen many serious complications. Genital herpes, like other genital ulcer diseases, increases the risk of acquiring HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, by providing an accessible point of entry for HIV. Persons with HIV can have severe herpes outbreaks, and this may help facilitate transmission of both herpes and HIV infections to other persons. Can genital herpes be prevented?Not having sex is the best protection against herpes and other STDs. Having sex with only one uninfected partner who has sex with you is also safe. Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of genital herpes and other STDs, but only when the infected areas are covered or protected by the condom. Herpes lesions may occur in areas that can be covered or protected by a condom, but they also may occur in areas that cannot be covered or protected by a condom. Counseling and help for those who have genital herpes is often available from local health departments. The American Social Health Association (ASHA) maintains a Herpes Resource Center. For information on its programs, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the center at P.O. Box 13827, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. ASHA also has a herpes hotline, 919-361-8488, that operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Eastern time).
Where can I get more information?Illinois Department of Public Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN) American Social Health Association (ASHA) |
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Illinois Department
of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments |