Genital Herpes- A Dangerous Sexually Transmitted Disease

Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 1:27
Pleasure, Sexual Health
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Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is known to afflict over 30 million people in the United States. There are 2 types of herpes simplex viruses – HSV-1 and HSV-2 that are known to cause genital herpes and oral-labial herpes also known as cold sores.

Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-1, although both virus types can cause either genital or oral labial lesions, usually transmitted through anal sex. The infection caused by HSV-1 virus is known to have affected over 90% of adults at some point of time.

Most individuals are exposed to it during childhood. HSV-2 infection is more prominent during adolescence and early adulthood between 18-25 years. Approximately 10-20% adults have antibodies to HSV-2.

How is Genital herpes transmitted?
HSV-2 virus is usually sexually transmitted. It is easier for the infection to be transmitted when someone has active sores, but HSV-2 can be transmitted during sexual activity in the absence of any lesions. Since HSV does not have any symptoms, a carrier might not even know that he/she is infected by the virus. This makes it extremely difficult for one to control the spread of the virus.

In case you have been infected by the virus at any point of time, you must be very careful and inform your partner. Any form of sexual contact should be avoided in the presence of sores. Jellies and spermicidal foams may provide added protection.

Babies delivered by women infected with HSV can contract the infection when passing through the birth canal. If not treated on time almost 65% of newborns die and those who survive end up with brain damage. Thus, pregnant women with HSV need to inform their doctors and take appropriate precautions.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes:
HSV is usually asymptomatic in nature. However, symptoms often become prevalent within 2-20 days of sexual encounter with an infected partner. The first episode of genital herpes is accompanied by flu like symptoms and genital lesions that heal within 3 weeks, but the virus remains alive in an inactive state in the body.

An outbreak of herpes can occur at any point of time and recurrent episodes are less severe than the initial one. Stress, illness, menstruation and intercourse can trigger outbreaks.

How is genital herpes treated?
There is no cure for HSV. Once infected the person carries the virus for his/her entire lifespan. The medication clover (zovirax) is administered to patients suffering from HSV to provide temporary relief. Continuous use of this medication can shorten the severity and duration of outbreaks.