Sunday, March 24, 2024

Symptoms Of Genital Herpes In Women

How Can Herpes Be Prevented

Herpes Simplex 1 & 2: Symptoms, Transmission and Treatment

Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of transmitting or acquiring genital herpes because herpes virus shedding can occur in areas that are not covered by a condom.25,26

The surest way to avoid transmission of STDs, including genital herpes, is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested for STDs and is known to be uninfected.

Persons with herpes should abstain from sexual activity with partners when herpes lesions or other symptoms of herpes are present. It is important to know that even if a person does not have any symptoms, he or she can still infect sex partners. Sex partners of infected persons should be advised that they may become infected and they should use condoms to reduce the risk. Sex partners can seek testing to determine if they are infected with HSV.

Daily treatment with valacyclovir decreases the rate of HSV-2 transmission in discordant, heterosexual couples in which the source partner has a history of genital HSV-2 infection. 27 Such couples should be encouraged to consider suppressive antiviral therapy as part of a strategy to prevent transmission, in addition to consistent condom use and avoidance of sexual activity during recurrences.

Does A Cold Sore On My Mouth Mean I Have Genital Herpes

No, a cold sore on your mouth usually means you have herpes simplex virus type 1 . You can get HSV-1 by kissing someone or sharing utensils, towels, razors, or lipstick with someone who has HSV-1.

HSV-1 cannot turn into HSV-2 , but you can get a cold sore on your mouth from HSV-2 if you give oral sex to someone with HSV-2. Cold sores caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2 are contagious. You can spread it to other people or other parts of your body if you touch an open sore and then touch another part of your body. That means if you have a cold sore and give oral sex to someone, that person will get the herpes virus on his or her genitals.

Avoid touching your cold sore as much as possible. If you touch your cold sore, wash your hands right away to avoid spreading the infection to other parts of your body or other people.

Can Genital Herpes Cause Other Problems

For most women, genital herpes does not usually cause serious health problems.

Women with HIV can have severe herpes outbreaks that are long-lasting. Herpes also may play a role in the spread of HIV. Herpes sores can make it easier for HIV to get into your body. Also, herpes can make people who are HIV-positive more likely to spread the infection to someone else.

Recommended Reading: How To Relieve Herpes Sores

What Can I Do If I Have Herpes Simplex 2

Many people who find out they have herpes feel depressed knowing they’ll always have the virus and can give it to others. But you arent alone. Herpes is one of the most common STIs, both in the U.S. and worldwide. If you have herpes, you should:

  • Learn all you can about it. Information will help you to manage your disease and feel better about yourself.
  • Talk about your illness with your doctor.

If you have herpes, you can still:

  • Have sex if you use a condom or dental dam , and you tell your partner about your illness. Some couples, who have sexual relations only with each other, may choose not to use condoms even though one partner has herpes. Because each situation is different, you should ask your doctor if this is the right choice for you in your relationship.
  • Have children. People with herpes can still give birth to healthy babies. If you have herpes and plan to have children, discuss your illness with your healthcare provider.

If you have herpes, you should also get checked for HIV and other STIs .

Can Herpes Go Away

Ive been worried to death idk what to do

Herpes does not go away on its own. There is no cure for herpes, but it can very effectively be managed using antiviral medications. Over time, herpes outbreaks tend to be milder and shorter.

During a herpes outbreak, your doctor could also prescribe pain medications and topical anesthetics to relieve your symptoms.

The sores or blisters can heal without treatment but there is no guarantee that they will. If you start to feel a burning or tingling, you can opt for over-the-counter and prescription antiviral medications that can be used to shorten outbreaks, relieve discomfort and stop the symptoms from getting worse during an outbreak.

Read Also: Does Lysine Help Herpes Outbreaks

What Is The Treatment For Genital Herpes In Women

Although there is no known cure for herpes, there are treatments for the outbreaks. There are oral medications, such as acyclovir , famciclovir , or valacyclovir , that prevent the virus from multiplying and even shorten the length of the eruption. Although topical agents exist, they are generally less effective than other medications and are not routinely used. Medication that is taken by mouth, or in severe cases intravenously, is more effective. It is important to remember that there is still no cure for genital herpes and that these treatments only reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks.

Because the initial infection with HSV tends to be the most severe episode, an antiviral medication usually is warranted. These medications can significantly reduce pain and decrease the time until the sores heal, but treatment of the first infection does not appear to reduce the frequency of recurrent episodes.

In contrast to a new outbreak of genital herpes, recurrent herpes episodes tend to be milder, and the benefit of antiviral medications is only derived if therapy is started immediately prior to the outbreak or within the first 24 hours of the outbreak. Thus, the antiviral drug must be provided for the patient in advance. The patient is instructed to begin treatment as soon as the familiar pre-outbreak “tingling” sensation occurs or at the very onset of blister formation.

Frequently Asked Questionsexpand All

People with HSV-2 infection have an increased risk of getting human immunodeficiency virus if they have sex with an HIV-infected partner. Taking suppressive therapy does not decrease this risk.

  • How can the herpes virus affect pregnancy?

    If a woman is pregnant and infected with HSV, it can be passed to the fetus during birth while passing through the womans infected birth canal. This is most likely to occur if a woman first becomes infected with HSV during pregnancy and in a woman who has her first outbreak late in pregnancy. But it also can occur during a recurrent outbreak in a woman who was infected before pregnancy, although the risk is much lower.

    If you have sores or warning signs of an outbreak at the time of delivery, you may need to have a cesarean delivery to reduce chance of infection. The decision depends on many factors, including where the sores are on your body and whether the fetus would come into contact with them during delivery.

  • Can I still breastfeed my baby if I have the herpes virus?

    Yes, in most cases. The herpes virus cannot be passed to a baby through breast milk. However, the baby could get infected by touching a sore on your body. Make sure any sores that the baby could come into contact with are covered when you hold your baby or while breastfeeding. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after feeding your baby. If you have sores on your breast, you should not breastfeed your baby from that breast.

  • Article continues below

    Recommended Reading: How Long Does Herpes Sore Last

    There Are 2 Herpes Simplex Viruses That Can Cause Infection

    • One causes most genital herpes.
    • The other virus can also cause genital herpes but more often causes blisters of the mouth and lips.

    The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that about 1 out of 6 people ages 14 to 49have genital herpes.

    Women are more easily infected with herpes than men.

    Suppressive Therapy For Recurrences

    Herpes Spreads, Even Without Symptoms

    To suppress outbreaks, treatment requires taking pills daily on a long-term basis. Acyclovir and famciclovir are taken twice a day for suppression. Valacyclovir is taken once a day. The doses for these antiviral drugs are reduced in people with impaired renal function.

    Suppressive treatment can reduce the frequency of outbreak recurrences by 70% to 80%. It is generally recommended for people who have frequent recurrences . Because herpes recurrences often diminish over time, you should discuss annually with your provider whether you should stay with drug therapy or discontinue it.

    There is some evidence that valacyclovir may help prevent herpes transmission, particularly in situations where one heterosexual partner has HSV-2 and the other partner does not. However, this drug does not completely prevent transmission. While taking any suppressive therapy for genital herpes, it is still important to regularly use latex condoms and to avoid any sexual activity during recurrences.

    You May Like: Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Herpes Outbreak

    Who Might Get Herpes Simplex

    People of any age can contract herpes simplex. You are more likely to get the virus if you:

    • Were assigned female at birth.
    • Have had multiple sex partners.
    • Started having sex at a young age.
    • Have a history of any sexually transmitted infection .
    • Have a weakened immune system.
    • Dont use condoms for intercourse and dental dams for oral sex.

    Who gets HSV-1, commonly known as oral herpes?

    Anyone can get HSV-1. Most people contract HSV-1 during childhood. It spreads when an adult who has the virus has close contact with a child, such as when a family member kisses a child.

    Who gets HSV-2, commonly known as genital herpes?

    Genital herpes affects sexually active teens and adults of all genders and races. It can spread if you have multiple sexual partners and dont use condoms or dental dams.

    People assigned female at birth are more at risk. Delicate vaginal tissue can tear, making it easier for the infection to get in. Black people who were AFAB are especially vulnerable, with an estimated 1 in 2 people AFAB between the ages of 14 and 49 infected with HSV-2.

    How Is Genital Herpes Treated

    Herpes has no cure. But antiviral medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks during the time you take the medicine. Also, daily suppressive therapy for herpes can lower your chance of spreading the infection to your partner.

    Your doctor will either give you antiviral medicine to take right after getting outbreak symptoms or to take regularly to try to stop outbreaks from happening. Talk to your doctor about treatment options.

    During outbreaks, you can take the following steps to speed healing and prevent spreading herpes to other parts of your body or to other people:

    • Keep sores clean and dry.
    • Try not to touch the sores.
    • Wash your hands after any contact with the sores.
    • Avoid all sexual contact from the time you first notice symptoms until the sores have healed.

    Read Also: Can You Get Herpes From Blood

    How Common Is Genital Herpes

    Genital herpes infection is common in the United States. CDC estimated that there were 572,000 new genital herpes infections in the United States in a single year.1 Nationwide, 11.9 % of persons aged 14 to 49 years have HSV-2 infection .2 However, the prevalence of genital herpes infection is higher than that because an increasing number of genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-1. 3 Oral HSV-1 infection is typically acquired in childhood because the prevalence of oral HSV-1 infection has declined in recent decades, people may have become more susceptible to contracting a genital herpes infection from HSV-1. 4

    HSV-2 infection is more common among women than among men the percentages of those infected during 2015-2016 were 15.9% versus 8.2% respectively, among 14 to 49 year olds. 2 This is possibly because genital infection is more easily transmitted from men to women than from women to men during penile-vaginal sex. 5 HSV-2 infection is more common among non-Hispanic blacks than among non-Hispanic whites . 2 A previous analysis found that these disparities, exist even among persons with similar numbers of lifetime sexual partners. Most infected persons may be unaware of their infection in the United States, an estimated 87.4% of 14 to 49 year olds infected with HSV-2 have never received a clinical diagnosis. 6

    The age-adjusted percentage of persons in the United States infected with HSV-2 decreased from 18.0% in 19992000 to 12.1% in 2015-2016. 2

    If You Have Genital Herpes Already Can It Be Spread To Other Parts Of The Body Such As The Arms Or Legs

    What is Genital Herpes and How is it Treated?: What You Should Know

    No. Genital herpes cannot be transmitted to another part of your body such as your arm, leg or hand after the first infection occurs. If you have genital HSV II, you will not get HSV II at another site in your body. The immune system produces antibodies that protect other parts of your body from infection. However, there are cases where a person has multiple site infections from the same virus. This is usually acquired at the time of the first infection. For example, if someone has never had herpes but then has oral and genital sex with an infected partner, they can acquire the infection at both sites.

    You May Like: What Medicine To Take For Herpes Virus

    How Does Herpes Affect A Woman

    Herpes simplex 1 in females will usually result in cold sores or blisters around the mouth. They are often obvious and painful. HSV-1 is predominantly spread through mouth-to-mouth contact such as kissing however, HSV-1 can be contracted through oral sex. Genital herpes caused by HSV-1 recurs less frequently than instances caused by HSV-2.

    . It is most commonly contracted through sexual contact. The first outbreak is usually the worst, with subsequent outbreaks usually less severe than the first outbreak. The recurrence of outbreaks tends to decrease over time.

    Is Genital Herpes Infection Related To Hiv

    Herpes and HIV are caused by different viruses. But patients infected with these viruses are more likely to transmit either disease to their sexual partners. Patients with herpes are more vulnerable to HIV infection. People newly diagnosed with herpes should be tested for HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections.

    Patients who are infected with both herpes and HIV also may have a higher concentration of HIV viruses in their body because of the interaction between the herpes virus and the HIV virus. When HIV damages a persons immune system, the person may be more likely to shed herpes simplex virus asymptomatically.

    Don’t Miss: Genital Herpes Sores Not Healing

    What You Need To Know

    • Herpes simplex virus , also known as genital herpes, is most likely to be spread when an infected person is having an outbreak, but it can also be transmitted without any symptoms being present.
    • Medications can help reduce your symptoms, speed up the healing of an outbreak and make you less contagious.
    • If you know you have genital herpes before becoming pregnant, your physician will monitor your condition throughout your pregnancy. If you have an active outbreak at the time of delivery, cesarean section may be recommended.

    How To Deal With A Period During An Outbreak

    Herpes Simplex

    Genital herpes does not affect a womanâs menstrual cycle, as they are regulated by hormones. HSV-2 has no correlation to a woman missing their period. However, outbreaks may occur during a period, as hormonal changes can make it easier for herpes to cause symptoms during this time. It is believed that hormonal changes in the body result in immune system imbalances that can encourage the virus to cause symptoms of herpes in women.

    Also Check: Topical Numbing Cream For Herpes

    How Is Genital Herpes Treated During Pregnancy

    • Oral antiviral medications may be used during pregnancy.
    • One serious concern with genital herpes in pregnancy is the transmission of the infection to the baby during delivery. In an infant, a genital herpes infection can spread through the bloodstream and have serious consequences.
    • Cesarean delivery is performed for women who go into labor while there is an active outbreak of genital herpes in order to prevent infection of the baby during birth.
    • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women with recurrent genital herpes be offered oral antiviral medication at or beyond 36 weeks until delivery in order to increase the chances of being able to deliver vaginally.

    You May Like: Oral Herpes Medication Over The Counter

    How Does Genital Herpes Affect Pregnancy

    • If you get genital herpes during pregnancy, you can spread genital herpes to your baby during delivery.
    • If you had genital herpes before pregnancy, your baby is still at risk of getting herpes, but the risk is lower.

    Most women with genital herpes have healthy babies. But babies who get herpes from their mother have neonatal herpes. Neonatal herpes is a serious condition that can cause problems in a newborn baby such as brain damage, eye problems, or even death.

    You May Like: How To Get Oral Herpes

    How Is Herpes Simplex Treated

    Some people have few to no herpes outbreaks and choose not to have treatment. But many people prefer to use medications that shorten outbreaks and reduce symptoms.

    During an outbreak, you may use an antiviral ointment or cream to help lessen your symptoms and help them go away faster, but it only works if you start it soon after you start an outbreak. Many people with HSV-2 take daily oral medications to keep outbreaks at bay.

    Your provider may prescribe a topical medication or oral medication such as:

    Can I Date Someone With Herpes And Not Get It

    Signs and Symptoms of Genital Herpes

    It is absolutely possible to date someone with herpes and not get it. Equally if you have herpes, it does not mean that you cannot date.

    Its important that you and your potential partner have open and honest conversations from the get-go to ensure that both parties stay safe if you are planning on getting intimate.

    Whether you have oral or genital herpes, it is super important to ensure that you are having on-going conversations regarding any symptoms or outbreaks you may be experiencing. It is essential that both parties realize that there is always a risk when it comes to herpes.

    Even if you are not experiencing an outbreak, you should always use protection to minimize the risk of transmission.

    On top of this, there are also daily antiviral medications you can take to suppress the virus. You should speak with your doctor about your suitability in taking this type of medication.

    If you are experiencing an active herpes outbreak, avoid sexual contact, whether that is kissing or penetrative intercourse to lower your risk.

    Try not to stress, you can live a very normal life with herpes, it just takes some due diligence to ensure that you and your partner are staying safe.

    Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here:

    Read Also: Herpes Flare Up On Buttocks

    Popular Articles
    Related news