What is Genital Herpes ?
Genital herpes is a common, highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It is transmitted from one person to another during sexual activity. Genital herpes causes blisters or groups of small ulcers (open sores) on and around the genitals in both men and women. Genital herpes cannot be cured; however, there are medications that can be prescribed to treat outbreaks and minimize the symptoms.

* Genital herpes is extremely widespread, largely because it is so contagious. Carriers can transmit the disease without having any symptoms of an active infection.

* The highest rates of infection are seen among the poor, those with less education, those using cocaine, and those with many sexual partners.

Genital Herpes Causes
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Most genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-2. HSV-1 is the usual cause of what most people call "fever blisters" in and around the mouth and can be transmitted from person to person through kissing. Less often, HSV-1 can cause genital herpes infections through oral sexual contact. The genital sores caused by either virus look the same.

* Genital herpes is spread by direct contact with an infected person. Sexual intercourse and oral sex are the most common methods of spreading genital herpes. Any type of skin-to-skin contact, however, is capable of spreading herpes.

Note: People with herpes may spread the disease even if they do not realize they have an infection. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that people with herpes can transmit infection even while their disease appears to be inactive and no sores can be visibly seen.

* Many people remember having an episode of genital herpes when it occurs. But as many as 90% of those infected fail to recognize the symptoms or have no symptoms at all. It is not clear whether these people never had an initial herpes outbreak or whether they never noticed a mild infection.
In these individuals genital herpes is still contagious, and they may have additional outbreaks, nonetheless.
 

Genital Herpes Symptoms
Signs of genital herpes tend to develop within three to seven days of skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Genital herpes infections look like small blisters or ulcers (round areas of broken skin) on the genitals. Each blister or ulcer is typically only 1 to 3 millimeters (1/32 inch to 1/8th inch) in size, and the blisters or ulcers tend to be grouped into "crops." Usually the blisters form first, then soon open to form ulcers. Herpes infections may be painless or slightly tender. In some people, however, the blisters or ulcers can be very tender and painful.

Location of genital herpes
* In men, genital herpes sores (lesions) usually appear on or around the penis.

* In women, the lesions may be visible outside the vagina, but they commonly occur inside the vagina where they can cause discomfort or vaginal discharge but cannot be seen except during a doctor's examination.

* The ulcers or blisters may also be found anywhere around the genitals (the perineum) and in and around the anus.

First outbreak of genital herpes
The first genital herpes outbreak is usually the most painful, and the initial episode may last longer than later outbreaks. Symptoms may last for two to four weeks.

Some people develop other signs of genital herpes infection, particularly with the first episode including:

* fever,

* muscle aches,

* headaches (may be severe),

* vaginal discharge or painful urination, and

* swollen and tender lymph nodes in the groin (these swell as the body tries to fight the infection).

Later outbreaks of genital herpes
* If the disease returns, later outbreaks generally have much less severe symptoms. Many people with recurrent disease develop pain or a tingling sensation in the area of the infection even before any blisters or ulcers can be seen. This is due to irritation and inflammation of the nerves leading to the infected area of skin.

* These are signs that an outbreak is about to begin. The condition is particularly contagious during this period, even though the skin still appears normal.
 

When to Seek Medical Care
With an initial outbreak, if an individual has signs or symptoms of a genital herpes infection, he or she should seek the care of a doctor as soon as possible, particularly if the diagnosis of genital herpes has not been previously diagnosed. Although genital herpes infections generally are not medical emergencies, treatment is more effective when it is started within the first few days of the outbreak.

Later outbreaks rarely need immediate medical attention.

* If an individual has had a genital herpes outbreak before, discuss options for preventing further outbreaks with a doctor.

* People with severe underlying medical problems (particularly HIV or AIDS) are at higher risk of severe illness if the disease is untreated. These individuals should contact a doctor immediately upon noticing genital herpes sores.

* A pregnant woman with signs or symptoms of genital herpes must inform her doctor as soon as possible. Prompt medical therapy may reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to newborn children by exposure in the birth canal.

In otherwise healthy people, genital herpes outbreaks rarely require hospital visits. If an individual is experiencing an initial episode of genital herpes and cannot be seen by a regular doctor within the first few days of the illness, it is advisable go to a hospital's emergency department to have medical treatment started.

* Some people can become quite ill from genital herpes infections. If an individual has a high fever, severe headache, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, he or she should go to the hospital for evaluation.

* People with severe medical illnesses (particularly HIV or AIDS) may become very ill from genital herpes infections. The herpes virus may quickly spread to the brain, lungs, and other organs. Individuals in this situation should seek prompt medical attention for genital herpes outbreaks and go to a hospital if there is any sign of illness other than sores on the genitals.
 

Genital Herpes Treatment
Self-Care at Home

Individuals infected with the genital herpes virus should:

* avoid excessive heat or sunlight, which makes the irritation more uncomfortable;

* not use perfumed or antibacterial soaps, feminine deodorant, or douches;

* wear comfortable, loose fitting cotton clothing;

* take aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol and others), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, etc.) if helpful; and

* use cool cloths on the affected area if it soothes the pain.
 

Self-Care at Home
Individuals infected with the genital herpes virus should:

* avoid excessive heat or sunlight, which makes the irritation more uncomfortable;

* not use perfumed or antibacterial soaps, feminine deodorant, or douches;

* wear comfortable, loose fitting cotton clothing;

* take aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol and others), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, etc.) if helpful; and

* use cool cloths on the affected area if it soothes the pain.
 

Prevention
People with genital herpes outbreaks are highly contagious. Anyone with active disease should avoid any sexual contact when sores are present. Even the use of a condom does not prevent the spread of disease because not all sores are covered by the condom.

Although the chance of spreading disease is greatest when sores are present, people who have had genital herpes may always be contagious to some degree, even if they have received medical treatment. The virus can become active and be transmitted to a sexual partner even when the skin appears completely normal. For this reason, safe sex practices (use of a condom) should be used between disease outbreaks to lessen the chance of spreading disease to a sexual partner.

  Genital Herpes Boosts HIV Risk

  Oral Herpes

  Healthcare Provider

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