What is Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by two types of viruses. The viruses are called herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), one of several sexually transmitted diseases. The most outward sign of a herpes infection is the red blisters that form on the genital area during a breakout. The blisters will appear at the site on your body where you made contact with the virus on an infected person.
Blisters or sores are caused by your body’s natural immune response, as it fights the infection. In addition to the genitals, lips, and anus, they may also affect the fingers, tongue, gums, eyes, and nipples.
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How is the Herpes Virus Transmitted?
Genital herpes is usually transmitted through direct contact with active blisters or open sores, most often during sexual contact with an infected sex partner. However, it also can be spread even if sores are not visible or present. The virus is able to pass through broken skin or the thin membranes of the genitals, urinary orifice, anus, or cervix.
Herpes can be passed from one part of the body to another, such as from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex. Oral herpes is usually caused by HSV-1 and can result in cold sores or fever blisters on or around the mouth. However, most people do not have any symptoms. An infected person may also infect another part of his/her own body if he/she touches the sore and then touches another moist or vulnerable area of the body. Genital herpes is usually spread by having vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools, or from touching objects around you such as silverware, soap, or towels. If you have additional questions about how herpes is spread, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes
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Most people who have genital herpes have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms. You may not notice mild symptoms or you may mistake them for another skin condition, such as a pimple or ingrown hair. This is why herpes is easy to transmit and why it is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.
Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 days to 10 days after the initial infection. Some symptoms include:
- Blisters – The clearest symptom of a herpes infection is the appearance of sores or blisters. Herpes blisters are small fluid-filled bumps that develop in clusters. They may cause a burning sensation, especially when urinating.
- Swollen glands
- Fever or chills
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Achy or sore muscles
Genital herpes can cause painful genital sores and can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems.
What Happens During an Outbreak?
Genital herpes outbreak is typically preceded by a prodrome – an early sign of the illness – which includes an itching or burning sensation on the area where the virus is present. You may also experience discomfort in your buttocks, lower back, thighs, or knees. During an initial outbreak, you may have flu-like signs and symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes in your groin, headache, muscle aches and fever.
Within the next few hours, blisters will appear and may be accompanied by swelling or other flu-like symptoms. The genital herpes symptoms will last 3-4 weeks, the blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal. You may feel itching, burning, or tingling on the affected area. In the next several days, the sores will crust over and eventually heal. Generally, the sores won’t leave lasting scars.
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Repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak. Although the infection stays in the body for the rest of your life.
Women with HIV can have severe herpes outbreaks that are long-lasting. Herpes also may play a role in the spread of HIV. Herpes sores can make it easier for HIV to get into your body.
Diagnosing Genital Herpes
Often, your doctor can diagnose genital herpes by looking at visible sores. And there are three primary tests used to positively diagnose genital herpes. However, a negative result doesn’t necessarily rule-out herpes.
Cell culture
Your OB-GYN can swab a sample of an active sore and test it for the herpes virus.
PCR blood tests
This test is very accurate and can be conducted even if you do not have sores. It looks for traces of the virus’s DNA in your blood. It’s the most commonly performed test.
Antibody tests
This type of blood test looks for the presence of the specific antibodies your body produces to fight the virus. The antibodies indicate that your body has been exposed to the virus.
If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of, or suffering from Genital Herpes, or have questions about it, please see your doctor. We also invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please click here to make an appointment or call us at (844) 863- 6700.
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