Herpes is caused by
a virus: the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
HSV is in a family
of viruses called herpesviruses. This family includes Epstein-Barr virus,
the cause of mono; and varicella zoster, the cause of chicken pox and
shingles.
Although there are
several viruses in the herpesvirus family, each are separate viruses and
different from one another.
There are two types
of herpes simplex; herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex type 2
(HSV-2).
HSV is a common and
usually mild recurrent skin condition.
HSV can cause oral
herpes (cold sores or fever blisters on the mouth or facial area) as well
as genital herpes (similar symptoms in the genital region).
The majority of
oral herpes cases are caused by HSV-1 and the majority of genital herpes
cases are caused by HSV-2; however, both type-1 and type-2 can occur in
the genitals, oral area or both.
How can a person
get genital herpes?
Any person who is
sexually active can get genital herpes.
Herpes is
transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact. This occurs when a
contagious area comes into contact with a mucous membrane, primarily the
mouth and genitals.
Most skin on the
body is too thick for the virus to go through.
If a person with
oral herpes performs oral sex, it is possible for the partner to get
genital herpes.
If a person with
genital herpes has sex, it is possible for his or her partner to get
genital herpes.
Herpes can be
transmitted when there are no symptoms present.
There are several
days throughout the year (called asymptomatic reactivation, asymptomatic
shedding or subclinical shedding) when a person can be contagious without
having a symptom.
There are no
documented cases of a person getting genital herpes from an inanimate
object such as a toilet seat, bathtub or towel. Herpes is a very fragile
virus and does not live long on surfaces.
Genital Herpes
Symptoms - When, What, Where and How Often
While some people realize that they have genital herpes, many do not. It is
estimated that one in five adults in the United States has genital herpes,
however, as many as 90% are unaware that they have the virus. This is
because many people have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Because
symptoms can vary a great deal, we recommend that an individual see a health
care provider to obtain a culture of the symptom.
When do symptoms
appear?
A person may show
symptoms within days after contracting genital herpes, or it may take
weeks, months or years.
Some people may
have a severe outbreak within days after contracting the virus.
Some people may
have a first outbreak so mild that they do not notice it.
It can be difficult
for people to know when and from whom they may have contracted the virus.
What are the signs
or symptoms of genital herpes?
Outbreaks of genital herpes can vary greatly from person to person. They can
be mild for one individual and severe for another. Symptoms may last for up
to 3 to 4 weeks, but they usually heal within 2 to 12 days. Symptoms may
include the following:
One or more sores,
blisters, cuts, pimples, bumps or a rash
Itching, burning or
tingling in the genital area · Aches or pains in the genital area
Flu-like symptoms
(headache, fever, swollen glands in lymph nodes near groin)
Painful urination
and a discharge (vaginal or penile) are possible, but uncommon, symptoms
for genital herpes
Many people have
outbreaks that heal quickly, cause no pain or occur in an unnoticeable
spot. People sometimes mistake herpes outbreaks for:
- Insect
bites
- Jock itch
- Yeast
infections
- Ingrown hair
follicles
- Abrasions or
razor burn
- Hemorrhoids
Where do symptoms
of genital herpes appear?
When a person has genital herpes, the virus lies dormant (sleeps) in the
bundle of nerves at the base of the spine. When the virus reactivates (wakes
up), it travels nerve paths to the surface of the skin, sometimes causing an
outbreak. The nerves in the genitals, upper thighs and buttocks are
connected; therefore, a person can experience outbreaks in any of these
areas. Such areas include:
-
Vagina
-
Vulva
-
Penis
-
Scrotum or testicles
-
Anus
-
Buttocks
-
Thigh
How often do
outbreaks of genital herpes occur?
The amount of
outbreaks someone has varies from person to person.
The average number
of outbreaks per year is four to five.
The first outbreak
may be the most extreme outbreak a person will have.
Usually, there are
more outbreaks during the first year.
Many people find
that recurrences tend to lessen in severity and frequency with time.
Illness, poor diet,
emotional or physical stress, friction, surgical trauma and steroidal
medication (such as asthma treatment) may trigger a herpes outbreak.
The frequency of
outbreaks can often be managed through effective stress management, and
getting adequate rest, nutrition and exercise.
How can someone
reduce the risk of contracting genital herpes?
Any sexually active
person may contract genital herpes. Ways to reduce risk include:
If someone has a
symptom around the mouth (oral herpes), she or he should not perform oral
sex until all signs have healed.
If someone has
signs or symptoms around the genital region (genital herpes), he or she
should not have sexual activity until all signs have healed.
When there are no
symptoms present, using latex condoms for genital-to-genital contact
reduces the risk of transmission.
One antiviral
medication for herpes, valacyclovir (Valtrex®), has recently been shown to
reduce the risk of herpes transmission. When taken daily by a person with
a history of recurrent genital herpes, valacyclovir can reduce the risk of
transmission to a partner who does not have the virus by 50%. It’s likely
that a combination of suppressive valacyclovir and condoms provides
greater protection than either method alone.
Microbicides/Spermicides
have not been proven to reduce the risk of transmission. If used, they
should be used with a condom, not in place of one.
Partner
communication. It is important for both partners to become educated about
herpes and to make decisions together about which precautions are best.
Prevention
Barrier methods
(condoms) are partially protective. Total absence of touching any
infected tissue will avoid transmission.
Information taken form
the American Social Heath Association.