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Genital herpes is defined as a viral STI, which is a type of virus that is caused by a small, non-living virus that takes over cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. Genital herpes is usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2. Herpes voster is another type that causes chickenpox and the shingles.

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This picture is demonstrating the statistic that 1 in 5 individuals in the United States are infected with HSV-2.

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There are approximately 750,000 people in the US infected with this virus each year. Genital herpes is now considered to be fairly common in the United States. In 2018, the CDC estimated 572,000 new cases of genital herpes infections in the US in ages 14 to 49. This translates to an average of about 1 in 6 Americans between these ages being infected.

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This disease often causes extremely painful blisters on the external genitalia of both of the sexes, and sometimes on the thighs, anus, mouth, urethra, and buttocks as well. Sores appear where the infection initially entered the body at, and can be spread to other parts of the body by rubbing or scratching the infected area and then touching another part of the body, including the eyes. Women can also develop sores in or on their vaginal area or cervix. Men can develop sores on or in the penis or scrotum. It is spread by having sex with someone with the infection or contact with a herpes sore, saliva from a partner with an oral herpes infection, genital fluids from a partner with a genital herpes infection, or touching skin in the oral area of a partner with genital herpes. Although they are widely believed myths, it is not physically possible to get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools as well as from touching objects, like silverware, soap, or towels.

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(Cold sores, itchiness, pain, genital blisters/sores)

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Genital herpes can lie dormant in the body for years, however usually symptoms present themselves 2 to 12 days after the initial exposure to the virus. Most individuals with genital herpes will have very mild symptoms, if any. Mild symptoms can often go unnoticed or be mistaken for other skin conditions, such as a pimple or ingrown hair, and because of this most people do not know they have herpes.  Genital herpes may cause pain, itchiness, and sores in your genital area. During the initial outbreak, an individual may experience flu-like symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes in the groin, headache, muscle aches, and fever. Painful urination, smelly genital discharge, or bleeding between periods (if the individual has a menstrual cycle) are other indicators of a herpes infection. However, there are some individuals that may have no signs or symptoms of genital herpes for years. If infected, an individual remains contagious, even without visible sores. The sores caused by genital herpes infection usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth, which is known as an "outbreak". These blisters then break the skin and leave painful sores that take at least a week or more to heal. The painful sores caused by genital herpes can often be severe for individuals with suppressed immune systems.

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(HSV, skin-to-skin contact, immunosuppression, unprotected sex, stress)

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There are two types of herpes simplex virus infections that cause herpes. HSV-1 is the type that usually causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. It is often spread through skin-to-skin contact, but can also be spread to the genital area during oral sex. Recurrences are much less frequent than with the HSV-2 infection. HSV-2 commonly causes genital herpes, and spreads through sexual and skin-to-skin contact. It is very common and highly contagious, regardless if there is an open sore. Other risk factors of genital herpes are associated with being a woman, because they are often more likely to get genital herpes than men because it is easier sexually transmitted from men to women than women to men. During sex delicate vaginal tissue can tear, making it more accessible for the infection to get into the body. Black women are considered to be especially vulnerable, with an estimated average of 1 out of every 2 Black women between the ages of 14 and 49 are infected with HSV-2. Multiple sex partners also increases risk because each additional sex partner raises the risk of being exposed to the virus. Not using condoms regularly during intercourse increases the risk as well.

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A doctor can often diagnose genital herpes based on solely a physical exam, which is simply examining the sores that are currently present. In addition to the physical exam the results of certain laboratory tests such as a viral culture, which involves taking a tissue or fluid sample, or scraping a sample of the sores can be done for further testing and examination in the laboratory. These tests will ultimately provide the definitive answer on whether or not a person is infected. A Polymerase chain reaction test, also known as PCR, is also performed by taking a copy of an individuals DNA from a sample of their blood, tissue from a sore, or spinal fluid. This DNA is then tested to establish whether or not there is a presence of HSV and if present, determine the type. If no sores or blisters are currently present, a blood test is then performed by analyzing a sample of blood for the presence of HSV antibodies to detect a past herpes infection. Although a herpes blood test can determine whether not a person is infected with the herpes virus, it cannot determine who infected them or when the infection was contracted.

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This is an image of Zovirak, an antiviral medication used to treat genital herpes.

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There is no cure for genital herpes. However, treatment with prescription antiviral medications may help the sores heal sooner during an initial outbreak, lessen the severity and duration of symptoms in recurrent outbreaks, reduce the frequency of recurrence, and minimize the chance of transmitting the virus to another. Antiviral medications to treat genital herpes include Acyclovir (Zovirak) and Valacyclovir (Valtrex). These medications are usually well-tolerated and have very few side effects for patients. A doctor may recommend that a patient only take the medicine when they are currently experiencing symptoms of an outbreak or that you can take a certain medication daily, even when they have no signs of an outbreak.

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This is an image of hims, another antiviral medication for genital herpes.

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(Seek treatment, understand asymptomatic infection, don't feel ashamed or assign blame, tell your sexual partner(s), practice safe sex, join a support group)

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When an individual finds out they have genital herpes it can often cause feelings of embarrassment, shame, and anger, among many other emotions. They may be suspicious or resentful toward their partner if they could have possibly infected them, or possibly rejection by their current and future partners. These feelings are all normal responses, but there are several healthy ways to cope with having genital herpes such as communicating with their partner. An individual should be open and honest about their feelings, and trust their partner by believing what they say and not assigning blame to them. Genital herpes can lie dormant in the body for years, so it is often difficult to determine when the window of infection date is. An individual should educate themselves through talking with a doctor or counselor to learn how to live with the condition as well as how to minimize the chance of infecting others. They should also look for treatment options and how to manage outbreaks. Joining a support group in the area or online is a great way to cope as well because you can talk about feelings and learn from others' personal experiences.

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(ice packs, antiviral medication, reduce stress, no touching or scratching, OTC antiviral therapy creams, keep sores clean)

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Although genital herpes varies in each case, the signs and symptoms of it are usually recurrent for several years. Some individuals experience numerous outbreaks each year, while others experience outbreaks less frequently as time passes. After the initial infection, the virus moves from the skin cells to the nerve cells. The nerve cells then become inactive, however, there are certain triggers that can reactivate the virus in the body. For example, stressful conditions, illness or fever, anything suppressing the immune system, menstruation, stress, sun exposure, and surgery are all triggers for herpes outbreaks. The first outbreak may last between 2 to 4 weeks while recurrent outbreaks usually only last between 3 to 7 days. During these recurrences shortly before sores appear the individual will experience burning, tingling, and itching where the infection first entered the body as well as pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. Recurrences are generally less painful than the original outbreak, and the sores heal rather quickly in comparison. Some different remedies to treat these outbreaks include applying an ice pack to the genitals by wrapping it in a washcloth or applying it over the underwear and keeping the genitals dry because moist sores take longer to heal. Soaking in a warm bath and wearing loose-fitting clothing also helps to ease the pain. Taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as applying Topical 1% or 2% lidocaine as a topic analgesic can help more severe cases. The best way to prevent herpes outbreaks is by taking antiviral medications because they lessen symptoms and help them to go away faster, especially when taken daily.

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(Condom use, sexual abstinence, pre-exposure prophylaxis (take antiviral medication before sex)

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Preventing Transmission of Genital Herpes

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Preventing Transmission of Genital Herpes

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If an individuals partner(s) has/ have had genital herpes they can lower the chance of infection by ensuring their partner is taking a daily anti-herpes medication. This is because a daily anti-herpes medicine can make it less likely to pass the infection on to their partner. They can also avoid transmission by abstaining from sex with their partner while they are experiencing herpes symptoms. Condoms may help lower the risk of infection, but it does not terminate it completely. Even with no symptoms, there is still a possible chance of infection of genital herpes when having sex with a person who has it.

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There are several complications associated with genital herpes including an increased risk caused by sores of contracting other sexually transmitted infections, including AIDS. In some cases, genital sores have caused inflammation around the urethra that can cause it to close for several days, requiring the insertion of a catheter to drain the bladder. In some rare instances, HSV infection has also lead to the inflammation of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Genital herpes can additionally lead to the inflammation of the lining of the rectum. Newborn infection is another serious risk because babies born to mothers with genital herpes can be exposed to the virus during the birth. This can result in brain damage, blindness, or even death for the newborn child. It is especially important for expectant mother who have genital herpes to inform their healthcare providers because they can be recommended antiviral medications late in their pregnancy to prevent an outbreak around the estimated due date. If a woman is having an outbreak while in labor, the doctor will suggest a cesarean section to reduce this risk of passing the virus onto the baby. Individuals who have open sores are twice as likely to get HIV, and are also more likely to get cancer than those who do not have it.

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Be sure to get tested for genital herpes and other STIs regularly.

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Be sure to get tested for genital herpes and other STIs regularly.

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If you or anyone you know has any of these signs and symptoms and suspects that they might have genital herpes, please consult with a doctor or a healthcare provider immediately to get tested.