What is Genital Herpes?

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted virus that causes blisters and open sores on the genitals. Sometimes there are no symptoms. These viruses cause some problems in the infected area. It does not spread to a large area, it shows its effect where it is infected. Genital herpes virus has mild and short-term symptoms. Herpes, which manifests itself with itching and burning , continues for an average of 3 days. However, if there is no improvement in the time period exceeding 7-10 days or if the lesions increase, a specialist should be consulted.

Genital Herpes Symptoms

People withgenital herpes have some kind of blister or lesion on the genital part of the body. These lesions can cause pain. In women, it appears on the buttocks, anus, thighs, vulva or vagina. In men, they occur on the penis or scrotum. Usually, before the lesions show themselves, the affected person will experience a tingling or burning sensation in the part where the lesions will progress, which will be evident when urinating, as well as itching in the genital area or a symptom associated with the disease. We can list the symptoms of genital herpes as follows;

  • Blisters in the mouth or lips
  • High fever, headache, joint pain
  • Inability to urinate

The symptoms ofgenital herpes usually disappear and come back in the form of recurrent infections. For many people, the first infection is the most dangerous and lasts for 2-3 weeks. Subsequent infections are generally less painful and short-lived. Some triggers can cause the germs to reoccur;

  • Viral or bacterial germs
  • Menstrual periods
  • Distress

Recurrent genital herpes is most common in the first year after the first infection, decreasing in number as time goes on.

How is genital herpes transmitted?

Herpes can be transmitted when an infected person has lesions (blisters and open sores) on their body and has no symptoms. Taking antiviral medication can help minimize the risk of passing genital herpes to your sexual partners. You can do the following to prevent transmission of this virus;

  • Inform your sexual partner that you have genital herpes.
  • Make sure you use a condom every time you have sexual intercourse.
  • Do not have sexual intercourse while symptoms are present.

What is the causative agent of genital herpes?

The causative agent of genital herpes is called 'Herpes Simplex Virus'. Genital herpes is a viral virus that affects the genital part in women and men and is generally sexually transmitted. The infection with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 progresses 2-20 days after sexual contact with an infected person on the buttocks, penis, vagina and the mouth of the uterus. Infections cause pain and itching sores, fever, joint pain and burning when urinating.

What are the Different Types of Herpes Virus?

There are two types of herpes simplex virus. These are HSV I and HSV II viruses. HSV I generally causes cold sores and sores in the mouth. This virus is also seen as an upper respiratory tract infection in early childhood. HSV II causes many genital herpes viruses. In addition, HSV I can cause genital herpes and HSV II can cause oral herpes virus.
Experts may not be able to tell the difference between the types by physical examination alone, but there are differences between the two viruses. The genital herpes condition caused by HSV II is more likely to recur.

What causes genital herpes?

Genital herpes virus is transmitted through sexual intercourse as a result of skin contact. Although the condom provides partial protection because it cannot completely cover the genital area, it does not have 100% protection. It has been observed that HSV-1 causes infection in the genital part as a result of mouth-genital contact.

How Common Is Genital Herpes?

Approximately 10 million to 20 million adults in our country have genital herpes. The HSV II virus is common in women and individuals with many sexual partners. In most people with HSV II, the condition does not always manifest itself with symptoms, most people do not realize this condition.

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CreatorNP Istanbul Hospital Editorial Board
Updated At05 March 2024
Created At24 August 2022
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