Know the Dangers of Genital Herpes

Definition of Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex)

Genital herpes or genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease in both men and women, which causes blisters in the genital area. However, people with genital herpes can also be asymptomatic.

Because genital herpes can cause no symptoms, many sufferers are not aware that they have this disease. Therefore, safe sexual behavior needs to be done to prevent the transmission of the disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes or genital herpes often goes unnoticed, because it can be asymptomatic. If symptoms appear, usually in the form of blisters on the genitals that are painful and itchy. These blisters can appear 2 days to 2 months after infection. The characteristics of blisters in genital herpes are:

• The blisters are fluid-filled, red all around, and appear in groups.
• The wound area looks swollen and feels soft when pressed.
• The blisters will burst and ooze fluid or blood, then form a scab.

In addition to blisters, genital herpes can also be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, namely fever and muscle aches. In certain conditions, a lump in the groin can appear due to swollen lymph nodes, or a herpes infection that spreads to the eye (herpetic keratitis).

After the initial infection, genital herpes or genital herpes can recur several times a year. Symptoms of recurrence of genital herpes are indicated by blisters accompanied by heat, pain, or tingling in the genital area.

These symptoms may be accompanied by pain in the lower back, buttocks, thighs, or knees. However, wounds at the time of relapse usually heal faster. Over time, the body will make the immune system to fight the herpes virus, so that recurrences appear less and less.

Causes of Genital Herpes

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the cause of genital herpes or genital herpes. HSV is most commonly spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Genital herpes or genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) which is transmitted through sexual intercourse, either through the vagina (vaginal), mouth (oral), or anus (anal).

The spread of genital herpes occurs through direct contact with the sores, saliva, or genital fluids of a person infected with HSV. Although not experiencing symptoms, sufferers. Therefore, someone who has multiple sexual partners has a greater risk of contracting genital herpes or genital herpes.

After infection, the herpes virus will survive in the sufferer's body. From time to time, for example when the immune system is weak, the virus can reactivate and cause a recurrence of symptoms. This weakened immune system can be triggered by fatigue, certain illnesses, menstruation, stress, or injury.

Please note, the virus that causes HSV cannot survive outside the human body. Therefore, this infection is not transmitted through contact with objects that are shared with sufferers, such as towels or toilets.

In addition, genital herpes from pregnant women can also be transmitted to their unborn babies. Herpes in babies can also occur when the baby is kissed by someone who has blisters from herpes in his mouth.

Diagnosis of Genital Herpes

The diagnosis of genital herpes is established through a physical examination, especially on blisters in the genital area. In addition to examining the wound, a skin doctor can also examine wound fluid samples to determine the presence of the herpes virus. Doctors can also carry out blood tests to detect the presence of the herpes virus and antibodies to this virus.

In the early stages of the examination, the doctor will ask a number of questions about the patient's symptoms and about his sexual behavior. Then the doctor will perform a physical examination, including an examination of the genital area.

Doctors can determine if a person has genital herpes or genital herpes from blisters on the genital area. Although often the diagnosis of herpes can be made just by looking at the sores that appear, your doctor may also perform additional tests to confirm it, such as blood tests and examination of genital fluid samples.

When to go to the doctor?

If you undergo risky sexual behavior, namely changing partners and not using condoms, immediately consult a dermatologist. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including genital herpes. If you experience red blisters in your mouth or genital area, see a doctor immediately. The doctor will conduct an examination to determine the cause of the wound and provide appropriate treatment.

Genital Herpes Treatment

Treatment of genital herpes or genital herpes aims to:

• Accelerate healing when symptoms first appear.
• Reduces the severity of symptoms.
• Reduces recurrence of symptoms.
• Minimizes the spread of infection to others.

The doctor will give you antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. Patients need to take antiviral drugs according to the doctor's instructions, even though they do not feel symptoms. Antiviral drugs do not aim to treat genital herpes, because until now, there is no drug that can kill the HSV virus. Discomfort, such as itching and pain due to genital herpes can be managed independently with the following steps:

• Clean the wound area with plain water.
• Compress the wound with an ice cube wrapped in a towel or cloth.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce pain in the area of ​​the skin that has blisters.
• If needed, take pain medication.

Treatment of Genital Herpes in Pregnant Women

Pregnant women who have a herpes infection need to prevent the transmission of this infection to their fetus. Therefore, patients need to take antiviral drugs in the last month of pregnancy before delivery. The obstetrician will also suggest a cesarean delivery.

Prevention of Genital Herpes

Having safe sex, which is not changing sexual partners and using condoms, is the main way to prevent genital herpes or genital herpes. Also, talk honestly about your partner's history of medical conditions, including if you've had genital herpes or other sexually transmitted diseases.

If your partner experiences blisters on the genitals, it is advisable to immediately consult a dermatologist for treatment. Avoid having sex first. But if you still want to have sex, use a condom to cover the area that has blisters.

Not only preventing transmission to other people, people with genital herpes also need to make efforts to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body. The trick is to:

• Wash hands with soap and water, after touching the infected area.
• Do not wet the glasses with saliva.