Genital Herpes – What It is and How to Treat It

• type 1 (HSV-1) and
• type 2 (HSV-2)

• Painful sores or lesions on the genital area, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, or anus.
• Itching or tingling sensation in the genital area.
• Flu-like symptoms, which can range from fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
• Painful urination.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area.

Symptoms may appear within a few days to a few weeks after exposure to the virus. The first outbreak is often the most severe. It may accompany other symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. Attacks may recur, but they tend to be less severe and shorter over time.

It is important to keep note that not everyone who is infected with genital herpes will have symptoms. Some people may have very mild or no symptoms at all, but they can still transmit the virus to others. This is known as asymptomatic viral shedding.

Genital herpes is mainly caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). You may ask, can oral herpes cause genital herpes?

Genital herpes can be transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner with active sores or asymptomatic viral shedding. It can potentially be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
The virus is also highly contagious and can be transmitted even when an infected person does not have active sores or symptoms. This is known as asymptomatic viral shedding. Therefore, it is essential to practice safe sex to reduce the risk of transmission.

Genital herpes is typically diagnosed based on the presence of symptoms and a physical examination. A healthcare provider may suspect genital herpes if a person has genital sores or lesions characteristic of the infection.

How To Test for Herpes?

To confirm the diagnosis, a healthcare provider may collect samples from the sores or lesions and test them for the presence of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This can be done through a viral culture, PCR, or antigen test.
A viral culture test involves taking a fluid sample from the sore or lesion and placing it on a culture medium in a laboratory to see if the virus will grow. A PCR test involves amplifying and detecting small amounts of DNA from the virus in a sample taken from the sore or lesion. An antigen test involves looking for specific proteins on the virus’s surface in a sample taken from the painful lesion.
A healthcare provider may also order a blood test to search for antibodies to the herpes simplex virus. Antibodies are proteins the body’s immune system produces in response to an infection. The presence of antibodies to HSV in the blood indicates a past or present infection with the virus.

• Acyclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Famciclovir

Self-care is an important part of managing genital herpes. Here are some points for taking care of yourself:

• Keep the affected area clean and dry. This can help prevent irritation and infections. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, which can trap moisture and bacteria against the skin.
• Use over-the-counter creams or ointments to help relieve pain and itching. Be sure to follow orders on the packaging.
• Take pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help manage any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing.
• Get enough rest and sleep. This can help boost your immune system and speed up the healing process.
• Practice safe sex. Use condoms to reduce the risk of transmitting. If you have active herpes sores, it is best to avoid sexual activity until they have fully healed.

Take care of your emotional well-being. Living with a chronic condition like genital herpes can be stressful. It is necessary to take care of your mental health by talking to friends and family, seeking support from a counselor or therapist, and practicing stress-relief techniques like yoga or meditation.
It is necessary to note that it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized and adequate treatment and care.

There are several medications available to help manage the symptoms of genital herpes. These include:

• Antiviral medications: These are used to reduce the severity and duration of herpes outbreaks. Examples include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. These medications can be taken as pills or as a cream applied to the affected area.
• Topical creams: These can be applied directly to the affected area to help relieve pain, itching, and discomfort. Examples include lidocaine and benzocaine creams.
• Oral pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medication can manage any pain or discomfort associated with herpes outbreaks.

It’s important to note that these medications are usually used to help manage the symptoms of an outbreak, but they do not cure the underlying infection. Consult with a trustable healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Additionally, there are medications that can be taken on suppressive therapy to reduce the frequency of outbreaks. These are usually prescribed to people who have frequent outbreaks and to those who want to diminish the risk of transmitting the virus to their partners.
It is necessary to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized treatment and care, as well as to understand the precautions, possible side effects, and interactions of the medications prescribed.

The care team at Ongo Care for genital herpes may include:

• A primary care physician
• Online dermatologist
• Obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) or infectious disease specialist
• A nurse
• Pharmacist
• possibly a mental health professional depending on the needs of the patient.
• Physical therapists
• Nutritionists
• Social workers, depending on the needs of the patient.

You can opt for a dermatologist online consultation or dermatologist online visit at Ongo Care telehealth care to relieve you from any worries and get your health on point.

Frequently Asked Questions