Genital herpes is a form of sexually transmitted disease that can cause embarrassment and shame among other emotional trauma. It is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 2 while oral herpes is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus 1. It is a sexually transmitted disease. In other words, the virus is transmitted through secretions from the semen and vaginal. This succinctly means that contraction is not possible with abstinence in place.
SYMPTOMS
- Painful blister associated with itch around the penis, rectum and anus
- Painful blisters and sores around the vagina and anus in women
- Burning feeling around the vagina area
- Painful urination
- Headache
- Body pain
- Fever
- Swelling at the groin as caused by an enlarged lymph node.
A baby delivered by vagina to an infected mother can also be infected. This baby begins to develop ulcers on the face, body and genitals. As time goes by, complications like brain damage, blindness and deafness fatally begin to worsen the case in their severities. Then, surely comes death.
Beloved, if you are pregnant and have genital herpes, make sure you inform your doctor.
LIVING WITH HIV AND HSV-2
HSV-2 increases the risk of acquiring HIV infection. Those living with HSV-2 and HIV are more likely to spread HIV to others. In advanced HIV disease, HSV-2 can cause serious health problems.
HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS 1
This virus causes cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth. It is mainly transmitted through mouth-to-mouth contact. This virus can also cause genital herpes. If you have oral sex with someone infected with HSV-1, you will contract it through their saliva. Most people with this virus are unaware of their state of health. Thus, they easily transfer it to their partners unknowingly, during oral sex.
TREATMENT
Herpes Simplex Virus infection cannot be cured; it is a lifelong health problem. However, the severity of the infection can be lessened with antiviral drugs like acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. These drugs are the most effective medication available for HSV infection.
HOW TO PREVENT GENITAL HERPES
1. Avoid sexual activities when you have symptoms of genital herpes.
2. If you have genital herpes with or without symptom, let your partner know about this and realise the risk involved.
3. When you have symptoms of genital HSV infection, HIV screening should also be done.
4. Ensure consistent and correct use of condom. Someone can be infected with no obvious symptom.
5. Medical circumcision of a male child should be encouraged. It has been found to provide partial life-long protection against HSV-2.
6. Pregnant women with symptoms of genital herpes should inform their health care providers. This is because contracting HSV-2 in late pregnancy can cause neonatal herpes which can cause serious damage to your child’s brain, even death. If you have genital herpes symptoms close to your delivery time, your doctor might opt to perform C-Section for you.
Dr. Adeyemo Olusola is a medical graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria along with certificate in advanced diploma in Principles of Nutrition, Management and Leadership, Dublin and Certificate in Global Health from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In addition to his numerous certifications, he is a certified Telemedicine Physician from Harvard Medical School, USA. He is an avid reader of books from different oases of life, expert in Medical Statistics and an award winner at both local and international level. “So many a time, I have seen people die avoidable death because of lack of knowledge or information, falling victim of fate. There is then a necessity laid on us to help arm our society to the teeth, as a healthy society cannot be detached from an informed one. Hence, there is need for healthgist.net. We hope you will have a wonderful stay on our website.”
