Genital herpes in men and women - a complete clinical picture. Effective remedies for the treatment of genital herpes

- a viral lesion of the genital mucosa, characterized by the appearance of a group of vesicles, and then erosions and ulcers. It is accompanied by a local burning sensation, swelling, hyperemia, an increase in inguinal lymph nodes and intoxication phenomena. It is prone to relapse and can subsequently lead to serious complications: a decrease in local and general immunity, the development of bacterial infections of the genitals, damage to the nervous system, the development of cancer of the cervix and prostate. It is especially dangerous in pregnant women, because it increases the likelihood of spontaneous miscarriage, pathology, and even death of the newborn. It belongs to the group of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Recurrent genital herpes

The development of recurrences of genital herpes occurs in 50-70% of patients who have had a primary infection. Depending on the frequency of repeated episodes, there are several forms of recurrent genital herpes:

• mild form (exacerbations no more than 3 times a year)
• moderate form (exacerbations from 4 to 6 times a year)
• severe form (monthly exacerbations)

The course of recurrent genital herpes can be arrhythmic, monotonous and subsiding.

The arrhythmic course of genital herpes is characterized by alternating remissions from 2 weeks to 5 months. At the same time, the longer the periods of remission, the more intense and longer the relapses of genital herpes, and vice versa.

With the monotonous course of genital herpes, frequent episodes of the disease are noted after little changing periods of remission. This type includes menstrual herpes, which has a persistent course and is difficult to treat.

A more favorable course is subsiding genital herpes. It is characterized by a decrease in the intensity of relapses and an increase in periods of remissions.

The development of relapses of genital herpes occurs under the influence of various factors: hypothermia, sexual intercourse, stressful situations, overwork, the occurrence of another pathology (flu, SARS).

Symptomatically, relapses of genital herpes are milder than the primary disease, however, their consequences can be much more serious.

Rashes with genital herpes are accompanied by extreme pain, making it difficult for the patient to move, go to the toilet, disturbing sleep. The psychological state of a person often changes: irritability, fear of new rashes, fear for the health of loved ones, suicidal thoughts, etc. appear.

Atypical forms of genital herpes

Atypical forms of ingenious herpes proceed erased, in the form of chronic inflammation of the external and internal genital organs (vulvovaginitis, colpitis, endocervicitis, urethritis, cystitis, prostatitis, etc.). The diagnosis of genital herpes is based on laboratory confirmation of the presence of a herpes infection. Atypical forms of the course of genital herpes account for more than half of clinical cases - 65%.

The atypical form of genital herpes is characterized by mild swelling, areas of erythema, small punctate vesicles, persistent burning and itching, profuse leucorrhoea, not amenable to therapy. With a long course of genital herpes, there is an increase and soreness of the inguinal lymph nodes.

According to the localization of herpetic eruptions, 3 stages are distinguished:

• Stage I - genital herpes affects the external genitalia;
• Stage II - genital herpes affects the vagina, cervix, urethra;
• Stage III - genital herpes affects the uterus, appendages, bladder, prostate.

The higher the herpes infection penetrates the genitourinary tract, the more serious the prognosis. An advanced form of genital herpes can lead to a state of immunodeficiency, and in women it increases the risk of developing infertility, cervical cancer. HSV is dangerous for people with weakened immune systems (HIV-infected) and those who have undergone organ transplantation.

Genital herpes and pregnancy

During pregnancy, genital herpes is most dangerous in the case of a primary infection, if no manifestations of the disease were previously observed. There is a possibility of malformations if the mother's disease occurred at an early stage of pregnancy, when all organs and tissues are laid in the fetus. HSV can be transmitted across the placenta, affecting mainly the nervous tissue of the fetus. Genital herpes increases the risk of spontaneous miscarriage, premature birth, fetal deformities and death.

Pregnant women with atypical forms of genital herpes in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy are examined twice for HSV. If the herpes virus is detected, a caesarean section is routinely performed to exclude possible infection of the fetus during passage through the birth canal.

The best option is to screen women for HSV at the stage of preparation for pregnancy, as well as during pregnancy during each trimester.

Genital herpes in newborns

Most often, infection of the fetus occurs in the first 4-6 hours of labor after the rupture of the membranes, or during the passage of the fetus through the birth canal of an infected mother. Usually, HSV in newborns affects the eyes, oral mucosa, skin, and respiratory tract. After the primary infection of the newborn, HSV spreads in the body by hematogenous or contact routes. The likelihood of infection of newborns increases when the mother becomes infected with genital herpes in the last trimester of pregnancy.

With a localized form of herpetic infection in newborns, redness, vesicles, hemorrhages of the skin and oral mucosa may appear, meningoencephalitis, keratoconjunctivitis and chorioretinitis (inflammation of the vessels and retina of the eye), clouding of the lens may develop. Children infected with genital herpes often suffer from persistent neurological disorders.

Genital herpes can cause the development of a generalized infection in newborns. Signs of a generalized herpes infection appear 1-2 weeks after the birth of a child. Refusal to eat, vomiting, fever, jaundice, respiratory disorders, bleeding, and shock join local symptoms. The death of a child can occur from acute blood loss and vascular insufficiency.

Diagnosis of genital herpes

When diagnosing genital herpes, the venereologist takes into account complaints, anamnesis data and objective examination. Diagnosis of typical cases of genital herpes, as a rule, is not difficult and is based on clinical manifestations. Herpetic ulcers that have existed for a long time should be distinguished from syphilitic ones.

Laboratory methods for diagnosing genital herpes include:

• methods for detecting HSV in the material of the affected organs (scrapings from the vagina and cervix, a smear from the urethra, histological material of the fallopian tubes, etc.). For this purpose, the method of growing HSV in tissue culture and the subsequent study of its properties is used, the method of virus recognition under an electron microscope is used;
• methods for detecting antibodies to HSV in blood serum (immunoglobulins M and G). Allow to identify genital herpes even with asymptomatic course and to determine antibodies to HSV type 1 or 2. These include ELISA - a method of enzyme immunoassay.

Treatment of genital herpes

Currently available drugs for HSV can reduce the severity and timing of the course of genital herpes, but are not able to completely get rid of the disease.

In order to avoid the development of HSV resistance to classical antiviral drugs intended, among other things, for the treatment of genital herpes (acyclic nucleosides - Valacyclovir, Acyclovir, Famciclovir), their alternate use is recommended, as well as a combination with interferon preparations. Interferon has a powerful antiviral effect, and its deficiency is one of the main causes of recurrence of genital herpes.

A ready-made drug containing both acyclovir and interferon is Herpferon ointment. It also contains lidocaine, which provides a local anesthetic effect, which is extremely important for painful manifestations of genital herpes. The use of Gerpferon in patients with genital herpes provides healing of rashes already on the 5th day and significant relief of local symptoms.

Prevention of genital herpes

A way to prevent primary infection with genital herpes is the use of condoms during casual sexual intercourse. However, even in this case, the likelihood of HSV infection through microcracks and lesions on the mucous membranes and skin, not covered by a condom, remains high. It is possible to use antiseptic agents (miramistin, etc.) to treat areas where the virus may enter.

The recurrent course of genital herpes is noted with a decrease in the protective reactions of the body: diseases, overheating, hypothermia, the onset of menstruation, pregnancy, taking hormonal drugs, and stress. Therefore, to prevent recurrence of genital herpes, a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and rest, and taking vitamin preparations are important. Measures for the prevention of genital herpes are also observance of intimate hygiene and hygiene of sexual life, timely detection and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.

A patient infected with HSV should warn his sexual partner about this, even if at the moment he does not have symptoms of genital herpes. Since infection through sexual contact is possible even in the absence of herpetic eruptions, in this case, the use of a condom is also necessary.

After dubious unprotected sexual contact, you can resort to the method of emergency prevention of genital herpes with a locally acting antiviral drug in the first 1-2 hours after intimacy.

To prevent self-infection, when the genital herpes virus is transferred by dirty hands from the lips to the genitals, it is necessary to fulfill elementary hygiene requirements: thorough and frequent washing of hands (especially in the presence of fever on the lips), the use of separate towels for hands, face and body, as well as for every member of the family.

In order to reduce the risk of HSV infection in newborns, pregnant women with genital herpes are shown operative delivery (caesarean section). With planned natural childbirth, women with a recurrent course of genital herpes are prescribed a prophylactic course of taking acyclovir.

After unprotected sexual intercourse, when planning a pregnancy, as well as during sexual relations with a carrier of HSV, it is recommended to be examined for genital herpes and other STDs.

Despite the high prevalence of this infection (according to the World Health Organization, about 90% of the world's population is infected), genital herpes is a fairly safe disease, in the vast majority of cases it does not cause serious complications. However, during the period of active flow, genital herpes significantly reduces the quality of life and creates inconvenience for a person.

Genital herpes is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person through any type of sexual contact - vaginal, oral and anal. Moreover, a person can be a source of infection, even if he does not have any manifestations of the disease. In addition, in rare cases, a baby can become infected with genital herpes during childbirth, if the mother had an active infection at that moment.

General characteristics of the disease

The fact is that the infection is sexually transmitted, but not life-threatening, and once having had genital herpes, a person becomes a life-long carrier of the herpes virus. Occasionally, in an infected person, the herpes virus is activated and secreted into the secretion of the genital organs, and most often this occurs without any accompanying clinical manifestations. Accordingly, a person does not know that the genital herpes virus is present in the secretions of his genital organs and leads his usual sex life. As a result, during sexual intercourse, the virus is transmitted to a partner. Moreover, the transmission of the genital herpes virus occurs with any type of sexual contact - vaginal, oral and anal. Thus, many carriers of the genital herpes virus periodically turn out to be a source of infection for other people, without even knowing it. Accordingly, the spread of infection occurs very quickly and on a large scale. But, due to the non-danger of genital herpes for life, they are not actively involved in the detection of infection.

Genital herpes is caused herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or 2. HSV-1 is the cause of genital herpes in 20% of cases, and HSV-2, respectively, in 80%. At the same time, type 2 virus is traditionally considered a "true" provocateur of genital herpes, since type 1 herpes virus is the cause of herpetic eruptions on the lips and face. However, during oral sexual intercourse, a person infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1 can pass it on to a partner in whom the pathogenic microbe will provoke genital herpes, since it was, figuratively speaking, "transferred" to the genitals. In principle, the type of HSV that caused genital herpes is completely unimportant, since the infection proceeds and is treated in exactly the same way. The only category of people for whom it is important to know the type of HSV virus that caused genital herpes is pregnant women, because based on this information they will be able to guess when and how the infection occurred.

The virus that causes genital herpes enters the human body through intact mucous membranes and damaged areas of the skin during sexual intercourse. Therefore, the only effective way to prevent infection with genital herpes is to use a male condom for any type of sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral and anal). In addition, in rare cases, genital herpes can be transmitted from mother to newborn or fetus if a woman first became infected during pregnancy.

The herpes virus after entering the body does not always cause an active course of infection, at least in half of the cases a person does not get sick at all, but becomes only a latent carrier. Such latent carriage does not harm a person and does not reduce his quality of life, however, occasionally leads to the release of the virus into the secrets of the genital organs, as a result of which it can become a source of infection for other people without knowing it.

But still, in half of the cases, after the virus enters the body, a person develops symptoms of genital herpes, and the infection is active. In such situations, a person is concerned about multiple small blisters on the skin in the genital area, as well as on the mucous membranes of the genitourinary tract (urethra, vagina, etc.), which are very itchy and very painful. After some time, the blisters pass, and the infection passes into a latent carriage, in which the virus is also occasionally secreted into the secretion of the genital organs without any symptoms and can infect other people during sexual intercourse without using a condom.

With latent carriage, regardless of whether there were active manifestations of genital herpes during the initial infection, any infected person can develop so-called relapses. During the period of recurrence, genital herpes is manifested by clinical symptoms, that is, a person develops itchy, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin or mucous membranes of the genital organs. Such relapses usually go away on their own, and the person again becomes only a latent carrier of the infection. Relapses of genital herpes are usually caused by a sharp decrease in immunity, for example, during stress, after overwork, a serious illness, etc.

The peculiarity of herpes simplex viruses of types 1 and 2 is that, once they enter the human body, they remain in the tissues for life, never completely being removed. This is what causes asymptomatic lifelong virus carrying and episodic recurrences of genital herpes. Once in the body through the mucous membranes, the herpes simplex virus with the flow of blood and lymph penetrates into the nerve nodes, in which it remains in a latent inactive state throughout the subsequent life of a person. And in the event of situations that cause a decrease in immunity (stress, hormonal imbalance, the effect of radiation, strong ultraviolet radiation, etc.), the virus is activated, exits the nerve nodes, penetrates the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs and causes a recurrence of the infection.

Attempts to completely remove the herpes simplex virus from the body are useless, so they should not be attempted. This means that in the absence of recurrences of genital herpes, asymptomatic virus carriers do not need to be treated. Moreover, you should not be afraid of such a virus carrier either, since it is not dangerous for human life.

Treatment of genital herpes is performed only in the presence of an active course of infection, that is, with rashes on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs. Usually, treatment is aimed at eliminating painful symptoms - pain and itching, as well as the speedy transfer of the virus to a latent, inactive state in which it will not bother a person.

Genital herpes - causes

It is also necessary to know that infection of the genital tract with HSV type 1 often causes an active course of infection. And when infected with HSV type 2, genital herpes in a large number of cases does not develop, and the virus immediately goes into a latent state. But, as a rule, after the end of the active phase of genital herpes, provoked by type 1 HSV, the virus goes into a latent state for a long time, and a person very rarely suffers from a relapse of the infection. If HSV type 2 infection has occurred, then a person is much more likely to develop relapses of genital herpes, even if after the initial infection, clinical symptoms did not appear, and the virus immediately went into an inactive state. That is why, in order to predict relapses, it is important to know the type of herpes virus with which this particular person is infected.

Infection with genital herpes

• sexual way;
• Vertical path (through the placenta from mother to fetus or during the passage of the baby through the birth canal).

However, if a person has herpetic sores, but the condom does not completely cover them, then during sexual intercourse the likelihood of transmitting the virus is also very high. That is why it is recommended to refrain from sexual activity during the period of the appearance of herpetic eruptions on the genitals until their complete disappearance.

The entrance gate of infection is an intact mucous membrane or damaged skin in the genital area, groin, anus and oral cavity. That is, the virus, getting on the mucous membranes of the vagina, rectum or oral cavity, along with the secretions of the genital organs, quickly invades the cells, as a result of which infection occurs.

A person becomes a source of infection for other people a few days after being infected himself. This infectious period lasts 10-14 days. If a person periodically has herpetic eruptions in the genital area, then he becomes contagious to others immediately after the formation of bubbles and remains so for 8 to 9 days. After 8 - 9 days, even if the rash has not yet passed, the person ceases to be a source of infection for others.

In addition, against the background of asymptomatic carriage, periodically, throughout life, the virus is released into the secrets of the genital organs for 1 to 2 days, which are not accompanied by any clinical manifestations. During these periods, a person also becomes contagious to sexual partners. Unfortunately, it is impossible to identify such periods, since they do not differ in any symptomatology.

Infection with genital herpes of the fetus during pregnancy or infant during childbirth(when passing through the birth canal) is very rare. As a rule, intrauterine infection of the fetus occurs only in cases where a woman is first infected with herpes during pregnancy. If, before the onset of pregnancy, a woman was already infected with genital herpes, then the infection is transmitted to the fetus in exceptionally rare cases, even if the expectant mother periodically develops exacerbations of genital herpes during childbearing. Indeed, during exacerbations of genital herpes, the virus is effectively destroyed by the woman's immune system, and therefore does not penetrate the placenta to the fetus.

Infection with herpes of the baby during childbirth occurs only in two cases. Firstly, if the infection of the woman herself occurred for the first time in her life during the last 2 to 3 weeks of pregnancy. Secondly, if at the time of childbirth a woman had herpetic eruptions on her genitals, that is, there was a recurrence of the infection.

Genital herpes: causative virus, types, routes of transmission, virus carriers, risk groups, incubation period - video

Analysis for genital herpes

• Sowing a smear from rashes on a culture;
• Determination of the presence of antibodies to the herpes virus type 1 or 2 (IgM, IgG);
• Determination of the presence of active viral particles in the blood by PCR.

Determination of antibodies to the herpes virus in the blood or genital secretions is a common analysis and allows you to establish whether the infection has occurred long ago or recently. Also, the determination of antibodies allows you to determine whether a person is infected in principle with the herpes simplex virus. Accordingly, for this analysis, you need to donate blood from a vein or genital discharge (the sampling is usually performed by medical personnel).

Typically, these tests are used in preparation for pregnancy, because the doctor needs to know if a woman has antibodies to the herpes virus in her blood. After all, if there are antibodies, then the woman is already “familiar” with the virus and, therefore, during the entire pregnancy she may not be afraid of infection and recurrence of genital herpes, since her own, already formed immunity will reliably protect the fetus from infection. If there are no antibodies in the woman’s blood, then throughout the pregnancy she will have to be careful not to become infected with the virus, since primary infection during childbearing can lead to infection and serious complications, up to the death of the fetus.

Currently, the presence of two types of antibodies in the blood is determined - IgM and IgG. At the same time, for each type of herpes simplex virus, antibodies of both types are determined separately, that is, there are antibodies of the IgM type for HSV-1 and IgM for HSV-2, as well as IgG for HSV-1 and IgG for HSV-2. Accordingly, if antibodies to a certain type of virus are detected, then the person is infected with it. If there are antibodies to both types of the virus, then this means that he is infected with both.

If only IgG is detected in the blood or genital secretions, this means that infection with the herpes virus occurred a long time ago (more than 1 month ago), and the person is reliably protected from re-infection. Women who have IgG against the herpes virus in their blood and genital secretions can safely plan a pregnancy, since the infection occurred a long time ago, and their immune system will not allow the virus to cross the placenta and infect the fetus.

If there are antibodies of the IgM or IgM + IgG type in the blood or genital secretions, this means that the infection with the virus occurred no more than 1 month ago. In this case, the body is actively developing immunity against infection. At the same time, nothing threatens an adult, but women planning a pregnancy are advised to postpone it for 1 month so that the immune system is fully formed and reliably protects the unborn baby from infection with the herpes virus.

However, it should be remembered that the detection of antibodies to the herpes virus is not a very accurate analysis.

Detection of viral particles in the blood, genital secretions or fluid from rashes by the method PCR is a fairly accurate method, which, however, has limited information content. The fact is that this method allows you to accurately determine the type of virus that causes genital herpes. PCR does not provide information on the stage or activity of the infectious process, as well as on the risk of recurrence. Moreover, if a person has a positive PCR test for the herpes virus, but there are no clinical manifestations, then this is the norm and does not require treatment, since it only indicates asymptomatic carriage, which is present in more than 80% of people. If the herpes virus is detected by PCR in a pregnant woman who was already infected before conception, then this is also the norm for her and no treatment is needed in the absence of rashes on the genitals. If a pregnant woman was not infected with the herpes virus before conception, and at some point in the gestation of the fetus, viral particles were detected by PCR, then this is an alarming signal, since in this case she should receive antiviral treatment that will prevent infection of the child.

Genital herpes - symptoms

General symptoms

In addition, in rare cases, genital herpes can lead to difficulty urinating, decreased sensitivity, and severe pain on the skin of the genitals. In very rare cases, a herpes infection can lead to destruction of the brain, lungs, liver, or joints, and cause bleeding disorders that often lead to death.

Signs of the development of complications of genital herpes, with the appearance of which you should immediately consult a doctor, are:

• Strong headache ;
• Tension of the occipital muscles, as a result of which it is painful and difficult to press the chin to the chest;
• severe weakness;
• High body temperature;
• Sensation of strange, non-existent in reality smells and tastes;
• Loss of the ability to smell;
• Weakness of the muscles of the arm and leg on one side;
• restlessness and confusion;

Genital herpes: symptoms in men and women, where does herpes occur - video

Relapse (exacerbation of genital herpes)

As a rule, the activation of the herpes virus in the body occurs during periods of weakened immunity, which are provoked by stress, hypothermia, hormonal disruptions or restructuring, overwork, severe illness, etc. This means that when any event occurs that negatively affects immune system, significantly increases the risk of recurrence of genital herpes in a person who is a carrier of the virus.

Relapses of genital herpes usually present with the same symptoms as the initial episode of infection. That is, a person develops characteristic multiple, small, itchy, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin of the genital organs. If the bubbles, in addition to the skin, are also present on the mucous membrane of the urethra, then the person suffers from pain when urinating. If there are bubbles in the vagina in women, then they may have abundant, mucous, whitish discharge. Additionally, a recurrence of herpes may be accompanied by symptoms of general distress, such as:

• Enlarged inguinal lymph nodes;
• Increase in body temperature;
• General weakness.

In addition to the typical form described, recurrence of herpes can take place in the so-called atypical form most characteristic of women. The atypical form of herpes recurrence is characterized by the appearance of only one stage of vesicles. That is, a person may experience redness and itching of the genitals, but the bubbles will not form. Or bubbles will form, but quickly collapse and dry without crusting, etc.

Relapses of genital herpes develop more often, the closer the current moment is to the time of infection. That is, people who have recently become infected with genital herpes may experience recurrences of the infection more often compared to those infected several years ago. The more time has passed since infection with genital herpes, the less often a person has relapses. It should also be noted that relapses are milder than the initial episode.

Chronic genital herpes

In chronic genital herpes, periods of remission, when a person is not bothered by symptoms of infection, alternate with relapses. During relapses, a person develops characteristic rashes on the genitals and the whole complex of accompanying symptoms. Chronic genital herpes usually develops in people whose immune system, for one reason or another, is unable to keep the virus in an inactive state for a long time. As a rule, this is typical for people suffering from severe chronic diseases, under the influence of progressive constant stress, malnourished, etc.

Depending on the number of recurrences of genital herpes during the year, the following degrees of severity of the chronic process are distinguished:

• Mild severity of chronic genital herpes- relapses develop 3-4 times a year with periods of remission not shorter than 4 months;
• Moderate severity- relapses develop 4 - 6 times a year with periods of remission not shorter than 2 - 3 months;
• Severe degree- relapses develop monthly with periods of remission from a few days to 6 weeks.

Genital herpes during pregnancy

At the planning stage of pregnancy many women in the blood find "traces" or the herpes virus itself in the blood. Traces of the herpes virus are detected when analyzing for the presence of antibodies (IgM and IgG), and the virus itself is detected by PCR. In connection with the discovery of the virus or its traces, many women are frightened and postpone pregnancy planningbecause they believe that this may pose a danger to the fetus. However, such an opinion is incorrect and the fears associated with it are completely unfounded.

The fact is that the presence of a virus or its traces in the blood is not only not a threat to pregnancy, but on the contrary, it indicates a low risk of infection of the fetus with a herpes infection. After all, if a woman has become infected with the herpes virus even before pregnancy, then her immune system has already managed to develop antibodies to it and therefore reliably protects her and the fetus from attacks by the most pathogenic microorganism. That is why, in the presence of antibodies (traces) in the blood or the herpes virus itself, you can safely become pregnant and be calm, since the immune system is already in a state of "combat readiness", destroying viral particles when trying to penetrate the placenta to the developing fetus. Antibodies to the herpes virus circulating in the blood throughout her life protect the woman herself from the spread of infection to various organs, and during pregnancy - from the ingress of viral particles to the fetus.

But the absence of antibodies or the herpes virus itself in the blood of a woman before pregnancy is a signal of potential danger. The fact is that in such a situation, the woman's body is not yet familiar with the virus, and the immune system does not produce antibodies that destroy it and protect her and the unborn fetus. In this case, if a woman becomes infected herpes during pregnancy, then there will be a very high risk of infection of the fetus with sad consequences, since the virus can have time to penetrate the placenta, while the immune system has not yet had time to develop antibodies against it. Infection of the fetus with herpes can provoke its death or the development of various deformities. This means that a woman who does not have traces or the herpes virus itself in the blood must be very careful throughout pregnancy and take all preventive measures so as not to become infected.

Therefore, women who do not have traces of the herpes virus in their bodies or the virus itself are at greater hypothetical risk during pregnancy compared to those who have either traces or the virus itself in the blood. That is, women who have antibodies or the herpes virus itself in the blood can plan a pregnancy and not worry about the negative effect of the microorganism on the fetus. And women who do not have antibodies or the herpes virus in their blood must be careful throughout their pregnancy not to become infected.

The second category of those facing the problem of genital herpes is already pregnant women suffering from recurrent infections. Since immunity decreases during pregnancy, women may develop recurrences of genital herpes. However, if a woman was already infected with the herpes virus before pregnancy, then recurrence of the infection during gestation is not dangerous, since the antibodies in her blood reliably protect the child, preventing viral particles from passing through the placenta. That is, with the appearance of recurrences of genital herpes during pregnancy, you just need to carry out symptomatic treatment and not worry about the health and development of the fetus. Even if the recurrence of genital herpes occurred at the expected time of conception, this does not indicate any danger to the fetus, since the available antibodies reliably protect it from infection.

The only situation in which the risk of infection of the fetus against the background of a recurrence of genital herpes is high is childbirth a few days after the onset of the next exacerbation of the infection. That is, if a woman developed a recurrence of herpes and within a few days after that she gave birth to a child, then he could become infected when passing through the genital tract. In other cases, recurrences of genital herpes in a pregnant woman who was already infected with an infection before conceiving a child are not dangerous to the fetus.

The maximum danger of the herpes virus is, paradoxically, for those women who were not infected with it before pregnancy. That is, if infection with herpes first occurred during pregnancy, then this is very dangerous, since the risk of infection of the fetus is high. In this case, if the infection occurred in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, the herpes virus can cause fetal death or malformations. If a woman first becomes infected with genital herpes in the second half of pregnancy, the virus can cause fetal growth retardation, premature birth and herpes infection in the newborn. Herpes in newborns is very dangerous, because in 60% of cases it leads to death.

Genital herpes in children

Genital herpes: diagnostic methods - video

Genital herpes in children and women during pregnancy (opinion of a dermatovenereologist): what is the danger of genital herpes at various stages of pregnancy, complications, treatment, risks of infection of the newborn - video

Genital herpes - treatment

Principles of therapy

If genital herpes is not chronic, and relapses occur no more than 3 times a year, then only external antiviral agents are recommended for the treatment of episodic rashes. If relapses bother 3-6 times a year, then it is recommended during exacerbations not only to treat rashes with external agents, but also to take antiviral drugs inside in short courses. In this case, drugs are taken orally only during relapses. With the development of relapses of herpes more than 6 times a year, long courses of antiviral drugs should be taken orally in order to achieve a stable transition of the virus to an inactive state. In this case, drugs are taken for a long time, regardless of the presence or absence of relapses.

• Acyclovir (Acyclostad, Acyclovir, Vivorax, Virolex, Gerperax, Herpetad, Zovirax, Provirsan);
• Valacyclovir (Valacyclovir, Valtrex, Vatsireks, Vairova, Virdel, Valvir, Valzikon, Valavir, Valogard, Valmik);
• Famciclovir (Minaker, Famvir, Famacivir, Famciclovir, Familar).

• Acyclovir - 200 mg 5 times a day for 5 days;
• Valaciclovir - 500 mg 2 times a day for 5 days;
• Famciclovir - 250 mg 3 times a day for 5 days.

Antiviral drugs for the treatment of frequently recurrent genital herpes (more often than 6 times a year) are taken for a long time, for several weeks in a row. At the same time, Acyclovir 200 mg 4 times a day is used, and Valaciclovir 500 mg 2 times a day. The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor.

External antiviral agents are used only during periods of exacerbation, applying them to the area of ​​​​rashes. The most effective external agents containing the following antiviral active ingredients:

• Acyclovir (Acigerpin, Acyclovir, Acyclostad, Vivorax, Virolex, Gervirax, Gerperax, Herpetad, Zovirax);
• Penciclovir (Fenistil Pencivir).

In addition to antiviral ointments, herpetic eruptions can be treated externally with 4% Propolis ointment and gel with 0.5% Aloe Vera, which accelerate the healing of the vesicles.

Ointment for genital herpes

• Acyclovir;
• Acigerpin;
• Acyclostad;
• Biopin;
• Vivorax;
• Virolex;
• Viru-Merz serol;
• Gervirax;
• Herpetad;
• Hyporamine;
• Zovirax;
• Lomagerpan;
• Tromantadine;
• Fenistil Pencivir;
• Khelepin D.

Genital herpes: duration of treatment with antiviral drugs, which antiviral drugs are the best in the treatment of genital herpes, the best ointments, interferon preparations (opinion of a dermatovenereologist) - video

Treatment of genital herpes (primary and recurrent, type 1 and 2 virus): antibiotics, immunomodulators for herpes on the lip and genital herpes, homeopathy, folk remedies (garlic, tea tree) - video

Infection prevention

Types of genital herpes: symptoms and characteristics of acute and chronic, primary and recurrent genital herpes, complications (herpetic keratitis, etc.), prevention measures, herpes vaccination - video

Genital herpes affects both women and men. The virus is sexually transmitted and is considered quite resistant to the environment - at a temperature of 36 degrees, it fully retains its activity for 20 hours. Medical statistics claim that every fifth inhabitant of the Earth has already become its prey (the ICD-10 code for this disease is A60), but many of those infected do not even suspect that they have such a problem - the disease is often asymptomatic. However, an infection is an infection, and if it somehow manifests itself, you need to know how to deal with it.

Causes of herpes on the genitals and pubis

There are several types of herpes virus, only two of them cause genital: HSV-1 and HSV-2 (HSV stands for "herpes simplex virus"). The first gives 20, and the second - 80 percent of infections. Rashes appear on the skin and mucous membranes - on the pubis, in the inguinal region, on the genitals, sometimes on the thighs and buttocks. About herpes on the pope in the next article.

Here reasons why a person gets sick:

• weakened immune system;
• ignoring hygiene standards;
• early onset of sexual activity;
• frequent change of sexual partners, randomness of contacts;
• a person already has any sexual infections that make the body more vulnerable.

At risk are young people from 16 to 22 years old who start sexual relations. The risk of infection is also high in adults aged 30-35 who are already quite experienced in sex and do not consider it necessary to use contraceptives. If we talk about the preferences of the virus by gender, then herpes is more likely to choose the female body - it is more susceptible to hormonal changes and the associated weakening of the immune system (for example, before menstruation).

How is it transmitted and how can you get infected

Infection usually occurs through sexual contact - traditional, anal or oral. But there are other ways of transmitting the virus:

• airborne (provided that the person who has been infected has damaged mucous membranes or has open wounds);
• from mother to baby during childbirth;
• self-infection (a person transfers the infection from inflamed areas of the body to his own genitals);
• blood transfusion carried out without proper precautions;
• household way (in which pathogens enter the body of another victim through an open wound on the skin from a wet towel, handkerchief or bathing suit of a sick person).

The degree of contagiousness of genital herpes is extremely high: if one partner is infected, and his disease is in an acute stage, then the second partner will get sick after sexual contact with a 100% “guarantee”.

Primary genital herpes can reveal itself as characteristic manifestations 3-14 days after infection. Symptoms of the disease persist in one person - 1-2 weeks, in another - more than a month (depending on the state of health and the reliability of immunity). All this time, the person is already contagious and potentially dangerous to those who come into close contact with him.

By the way, experts say this about the possibilities of safe intimate relationships: during the period of exacerbation, it is desirable to refuse sex because even a condom will not protect a partner from infection. The fact is that the herpes virus can be found not only on the genitals, but also on other areas of the skin that look quite healthy and “lull vigilance”.

Oral sex is especially dangerous with a person who has a cold on his lips. However, another situation is also possible: if one partner has a virus that affects the genitals, then the other has a risk of infecting the lips during oral sex. There is nothing surprising in this, because both the lips and the genitals are affected by the same viruses - HSV-1 and HSV-2.

We talked about how to quickly treat herpes on the lip in the article.

Psychosomatics

The popular point of view that supposedly most diseases "come from the nerves" in the case of herpes takes on a concrete meaning. Not only did the insidious virus find shelter in the spinal ganglia (nerve nodes), it is also responsible for the occurrence of severe internal human suffering.

Here is a typical example. My husband has secondary (recurrent) herpes, which makes intimate relationships impossible. But, as soon as the man recovers, herpes appears in his wife - such is the unexpected reaction of a man who has long wanted closeness, but was afraid of getting infected, for whom both kiss and hugs were forbidden.

Psychosomatics also explains the reasons for the so-called “post-trip” illness: the husband spends a lot of time traveling, and when he is finally at home, his wife, who has long dreamed of meeting, has rashes on her genitals.

In order not to live in fear that this will happen again and again, and you can’t get rid of problems on your own, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Incubation period

The incubation period in patients with genital herpes for the first time is not a constant value: sometimes it can be 1 day, a week, sometimes (and this is the maximum period) - 26 days. However most often this period is 2 - 10 days.

Symptoms and signs: how it manifests itself

Quite often, the disease is asymptomatic, it is possible to do without rashes and without blisters. If the virus is strong and active, you have to observe the following manifestations of the disease:

• muscle pain in the hips, lower back, pelvic area;
• feeling of general weakness, malaise;
• headache;
• frequent urination with unpleasant tingling sensations;
• between the legs there is a burning sensation, itching, the skin itches;
• lymph nodes increase in the groin;
• on the mucous membranes of the genital organs and on the skin appear first - redness, and then - vesicles.

Men are characterized by swelling of the glans penis, pain during intercourse, for women - inflammation of the lymph nodes on the pubic part, severe itching (including in the anus).

In rare cases, patients may develop a fever.

Further symptoms are as follows: the vesicles open, and weeping ulcers appear in their place, which quickly heal with crusts. After the crusts fall off, traces of them may remain on the skin.

Symptoms, treatment and photos of herpes on the head in men are collected in the article. You will find information on the treatment of herpes on the labia.

What does genital herpes look like (photo)

Types and stages

By the nature of the onset and development of the disease There are 4 types of genital herpes:

• in the first case (meaning primary infection), the sick person had no contact with the carrier of the virus before, antibodies were not produced in his blood, infection occurs for the first time;
• in the second case (secondary infection), herpes is already present in the body, there are also antibodies, but infection with the genital virus occurs for the first time;
• the third type - recurrent (typical or atypical), is associated with the activation of a genital virus already present in the body;
• the fourth type is asymptomatic.

There is also a classification based on duration of symptoms. The disease can proceed:

• arrhythmic - remission and exacerbation succeed each other at various time intervals, from 20 days to six months;
• monotonously - the intervals between remission and exacerbation are almost the same, usually 3-4 months;
• fading - the length of the remission period is getting longer, and the active symptoms are fading away.

The disease in its development goes through a number of stages. They can be distinguished by their symptoms:

1. redness, rash, burning appear (this happens within 3-4 days);
2. rashes, merging, are transformed into bubbles filled with liquid contents - first transparent, and then darkening (5-7 days);
3. bubbles burst, sores are formed that can bleed, burning sensations are replaced by painful sensations (3-7 days), if the disease is neglected, then new bubbles will appear in place of unhealed wounds and the disease will stretch for a long time (up to 2-3 months) term;
4. ulcers will be covered with crusts, which will fall off on their own, it is not recommended to tear them off, otherwise scars may form in their place (the healing process lasts 5-10 days).

What can be confused with

The complexity of diagnosis is due to the fact that the virus affects each person differently: if its opponent is weak, the symptoms are pronounced, if it is strong, the signs may be fuzzy or absent altogether.

Most questions arise when other infections join genital herpes- fungal, bacterial, viral, in this case it is difficult to identify the true culprit of troubles without laboratory tests.

What can be confused with genital herpes? A person who does not have a medical education will first of all suspect the most unpleasant thing - a venereal disease. Doctors will see similarities with diseases such as:

• thrush;
• colds;
• haemorrhoids;
• allergic reaction;
• food poisoning;
• syphilis.

Diagnostics

When the disease is in the "bubble" stage, the doctor can easily make a diagnosis as a result of a visual examination of the patient. What to do if there are no characteristic external signs yet? Pass the analysis and laboratory examination of biological samples for the presence of antibodies in the body - check blood, study genetic material for DNA viruses. If the studies give a negative answer, it means that the patient's condition has not worsened due to genital herpes and research should be continued to find the true culprit of the troubles.

Methods of particularly accurate diagnostics include:

• PCR - polymerase chain reaction method(helps to identify pieces of DNA of the virus);
• ELISA - enzyme immunoassay(based on the fact that the body remembers how it has already fought a similar disease, therefore it will give a clear answer about whether the patient is infected or not, even in the absence of a relapse).

This video will also tell about diagnostic methods:

How long does it take

If we exclude the danger of any complications, then genital herpes disappears, even without treatment, in two weeks in men and in three in women. A competent treatment regimen, a well-chosen medicine make it possible to reduce the most unpleasant period for the patient (with vesicles and sores) to five days.

It must also be borne in mind that Treatment times are very individual., and no antiviral drugs can completely cure the disease: the herpes that enters the body will remain in it forever, and the disease will become chronic - fortunately, asymptomatic in most cases.

Which doctor treats this disease

Usually treated at home, without hospitalization. But certainly - with medical participation.
To whom to turn with such an intimate problem? Representatives of the stronger sex - to the urologist, women - to the gynecologist. Both those and others, if necessary, can be assisted by a dermatovenereologist. Consultations with an immunologist will also not interfere, since the causes of the activation of the herpes virus are always closely related to the weakening of the immune defense of the human body.

Treatment of genital herpes in men and women

The main objectives of treatment are to alleviate the patient's condition, stop the spread of infection and strengthen the body's immune response to a dangerous virus.

Folk remedies

As an independent treatment, folk remedies cannot be used, but as an addition to the medicines prescribed by the doctor, it is desirable. Genital herpes can help:

• lavender and geranium oil diluted in water, - for the preparation of lotions;
• tea tree oil- in the early stages of the disease;
• propolis - to treat rashes to prevent the spread of infection;
• apple cider vinegar - to wipe the rash, before the formation of sores;
• decoction of birch buds- for lotions;
• aloe juice - as a bactericidal agent.

Baths with an infusion of medicinal herbs are also useful, and for oral administration - puree from products of a “general restorative effect” - fresh apples, onions, honey.

Preparations

Effective treatment is achieved through the use of various pharmaceutical agents - antiviral, antipruritic, immuno-strengthening. In situations where the underlying disease is accompanied by other infections and the patient's condition is severe, the doctor prescribes antibiotics.

• Acyclovir;
• Famciclovir (compared to Aciclovir, it has a higher absorption rate, so the recommended dosage may be less);
• Valacyclovir (sometimes used simultaneously with Acyclovir);
• Zovirax (not only tablets, but also cream);
• Cycloferon (having the properties of an antiviral drug and an immunomodulator).

Besides, the doctor, depending on the problem he is solving, can prescribe:

An ideal remedy would, of course, be a vaccination against genital herpes, but, unfortunately, it is not yet available. The Herpevac vaccine is under development and pharmacists expect it to be an effective protection for people who are sexually active. So far, it has been possible to reduce the risk of infection by up to 75 percent, and the drug has a better effect on the female body than on the male.

Diet and proper nutrition

The task of the anti-herpes diet is to give the body the strength to strengthen the immune system, fight infection. It is not recommended to drink alcohol, coffee, strong tea. You should limit yourself to flour, sweet foods (chocolate, sugar, raisins), do not eat peanuts.

Useful for genital herpes: dairy and seafood, fruits that contain vitamins, lean meat (for example, chicken). Methods of cooking dishes - steamed, in a slow cooker (in stewing and baking modes). Drinking should be plentiful.

Suppressive therapy

This branch of medicine provides methods that minimize the number of relapses in a patient. The doctor develops a special course of treatment, and quite a long one. Sometimes it involves taking antiviral pills for a year.

Suppressive therapy is used in relation to patients in whom the exacerbation of the disease is an exhausting reality that does not give long respite.

Through this therapy:

• improves the quality of life of the patient;
• the development of his disease is controlled;
• reduces the risk of infecting others.

The best result is the complete destruction of the virus, but this happens extremely rarely and only with the prompt (within 24 hours after infection) use of antiviral drugs - during this time the virus does not yet have time to go into a latent state.

How to cure a disease in children

The well-known pediatrician Yevgeny Komarovsky is sure that it is almost impossible to protect a child from the virus, it is transmitted from parents who, for example, had a cold on their lips. A child who falls ill after mom and dad will easily transfer the infection from the face to other parts of the body. According to the famous pediatrician, you can help the baby by strengthening his immunity, hardening, not wrapping, encouraging him to play sports.

If the child gets sick (and children suffer from genital herpes more severely than adults), you should definitely seek medical help. The doctor will select medications that are appropriate for both the age and condition of the young patient, and may prescribe injections. Among the drugs that are prescribed to children: Acyclovir, Groprinosin, Gerpevir, Zovirax, Arpetol, Neovir. They help get rid of itching: Claritin, Cetrin, Fenistal. At a temperature exceeding 38.5 degrees, they begin to give antipyretic drugs.

Relapse and exacerbation of the disease

Relapses occur more frequently in women than in men. Also, according to medical statistics, they depend on the socio-economic status of the person: the lower it is, the higher the likelihood of reactivation of the viral infection. As for age, here risk zone - 30-40 years. And a direct impetus to relapse can be stress, hypothermia, overwhelming mental and physical stress.

It is important to remember that in 20-30 percent of cases, complications are possible that pose a threat to the joints, nervous system, and pelvic organs.

What is dangerous: consequences and complications

The consequences of the disease (especially if the recovery occurred without medical supervision) are:

• dry skin and mucous membranes on the genitals;
• the development of various bacterial infections;
• the spread of the papilloma virus;
• persistent neurosis, depression;
• aching pains that capture the lower abdomen, perineum;
• diseases of the genitourinary system (cystitis, urethritis).

For women, the consequences of a poorly treated disease are especially dangerous, there is a threat of infertility, cancer.

Prevention

The best means of prevention is this type of relationship when no promiscuous intimate relationships and unprotected contacts. If this still happens, genital hygiene is necessary (especially during the first one and a half to two hours after a possible infection), as well as vaccination to develop immunity.

By the way, you can take care of immunity in other ways - go in for sports, harden the body, eat a balanced diet.

Genital herpes is a very unpleasant disease caused by type 2 ingestion.

The disease is not subject to treatment, therapy is aimed only at stopping symptoms and prolonging remission. Pathology is characterized by frequent outbreaks of relapses.

More about the disease

Herpes simplex virus type 2 from an infected person during intercourse. The partner may not have pronounced symptoms of the disease, but he will be a carrier of the virus. There is a vertical way of infection of the child from the mother during labor. Household is not excluded, but is extremely rare in clinical medicine, since the pathogen does not live long outside the human body.

Symptoms appear at the end of the initial infection and each time there is a recurrence. The disease manifests itself in the form of multiple rashes that look like white, filled with liquid contents. The rash occurs on the mucous membranes of the genital organs, goes through several stages of development - its filling, self-bursting, appearance, crusting. Accompanied by itching and burning, pain on contact. There may be signs of a general nature - lethargy, headaches. The duration of the manifestation of the rash from the initial stage to the convergence of the crusts is from 7 to 10 days. Infectious diseases, hypothermia, suppression of the immune system, and alcohol consumption can provoke a relapse.

Diagnosis of the disease: PCR analysis, examination of a smear from the vagina,.

Treatment methods for genital herpes

To get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease faster and suppress the activity of pathogenic viruses, driving herpes into a state of long-term remission, it is necessary, which includes the following aspects:

• taking drugs with an antiviral spectrum of action (in tablets, injections);
• usage ;
• the use of drugs with a local spectrum of action (, gels, creams).

The therapy includes the mandatory intake of immunomodulators, which restore the protective functions of the body and prevent relapse.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Effective remedies for genital herpes, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and are aimed at suppressing pathogenic microflora:

1. Acyclovir. Release form - tablets and powder for injection. It is recommended to give injections with Acyclovir for frequent relapses with a severe symptomatic picture. The duration of the course of treatment is from 5 to 7 days. If necessary, repeat, you need a break of 2-4 weeks. Dosage: 200 mg tablets up to 5 times a day. Injections: 250 mg diluted in 10 ml of water three times a day. The course of treatment is 3-5 days.
2. Valaciclovir. Release form - tablets and solution for injection. The dosage of tablets leaves 500 mg twice a day. Injections are given 1-2 times a day, a single amount of the drug is 40 mg. The duration of therapy is 2-5 days.
3. (other name ). Release form - tablets, the dose at a time is 250 mg, three times a day. The duration of therapy is 3-7 days.

How anti-inflammatory drugs work with type 2 herpes virus: the active components of the drug are introduced into the DNA of the virus, stopping its growth and reproduction. and give a short-term effect, relapses are possible if preventive measures are not observed. The advantages of these drugs are the absence of side symptoms.

- a potent antiviral agent with a long-term effect, but with a toxic effect on the body.

Medicines of the local spectrum of action

Ointments, gels and creams, which include components of the antiviral spectrum of action, are aimed at suppressing the signs of the disease and preventing further progression of herpes. The blisters of the rash are filled with liquid contents that contain the virus. Violation of the integrity of the rashes will lead to herpes lesions of a larger area of ​​the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

Local spectrum of action drugs that are effective in the treatment of genital herpes:

1. Viru-Merz Serol.
2. Ointment rhyodoxol.
3. Zovirax.

The method of application and the number of applications for all drugs is identical. Before use, it is necessary to carry out hygiene of the genital organs, dry with a towel. Wash your hands, squeeze a small amount of cream, ointment onto a cotton swab and lubricate the damaged area of ​​the mucous membrane, skin. The agent is applied only to the focus of inflammation, it is not necessary to smear the skin around. The number of applications is 4-6 times a day.

The choice of drug must be agreed with.

ethnoscience

Decoctions and tinctures based on medicinal herbs have an antiviral spectrum of action, are used to quickly heal the mucous membrane and reduce the rash. Best Recipes:

1. Herbal decoction for the treatment of genital organs: mix dried and chopped birch leaves, plantain, calendula in equal parts. Pour 2 tablespoons of the collection into 0.5 liters of boiled water, leave for 2 hours, strain. Use twice a day for washing.
2. Mix 50 grams of celandine, 50 grams of honey, apply the resulting mixture with a cotton swab on the rash. Use every day before bed. Store the product in a cool place.
3. Herbal decoction for internal use. Dried and crushed, in equal proportions lemon balm, chamomile, motherwort, raspberry (leaves), thyme, mix. 2 tablespoons of the collection pour 500 ml of boiling water. Insist 1 hour, strain. Take twice a day for half a glass. The course of admission is 2 weeks.

It is impossible to cure the disease with traditional medicine alone. Comprehensive therapy with antiviral medications is required.

Immunomodulators

Medicines to restore the immune system and prevent the recurrence of genital herpes are taken during remission. What remedies are recommended by doctors:

1. Imunofan: intramuscular injection, dosage 1 ml, administered every other day. The course is 5 injections.
2. Panavir: administered intravenously. Dosage 3 ml. The course of treatment is 1 time in three days, only 5 injections.
3. : 1-3 tablets daily for 21 days.
4. Ridostin: administered intramuscularly 1 time in 3 days. The course consists of 3 injections.

If necessary, repeat the course of admission, a break of 1 month is made.

Emergency aid

If unprotected intercourse has taken place, it is recommended to use agents that have an antiseptic effect and prevent the penetration of the virus into the blood if the partner may have genital herpes:

1. . It is used to treat the mucous membranes of the genital organs. Wash the groin area with soap and water, dry. Moisten a swab in the medicine, insert it into the vagina, or treat the mucous membranes. Carry out the procedure 2-4 times during the day after unprotected sex.
2. Betadine. Release form: ointment, solution, vaginal suppositories. With a solution (moisten a cotton sponge), treat the genitals, or apply the ointment to the mucous membranes. Apply 1-3 times a day. The course is 1-2 days after intercourse.

You can take laboratory tests for the presence of type 2 herpes virus no earlier than 2 weeks - a month after the alleged infection.

Depositphotos/Syda_Productions

Many have repeatedly encountered such a cold manifestation as herpes on the lips. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) has rather unpleasant consequences, which many are not even aware of. This infection is divided into two main subspecies:

1. HSV of the first type. The place of localization of the rash: the mucous membrane and skin of the lips, nose and nasal passages, eyes, etc.
2. HSV type II. It affects exclusively the genitals of a man or woman. Genital herpes is increasingly diagnosed as a result of transmission by oral-genital contact, where one of the partners has the HSV-1 virus.

The World Health Organization has provided statistics according to which, more than 80% of the inhabitants of the Earth are diagnosed with the herpes simplex virus. However, most cases are asymptomatic. Only the second part of those infected have clinical manifestations of the virus.

Genital herpes: ways of transmission

How is genital herpes transmitted? HSV type 2 is a sexually transmitted infection. In this case, the route of infection can be both from a person with a relapse (clinical manifestation of rashes on the genitals), and from an asymptomatic carrier of the virus, as well as in an abortive (subclinical) form.

Most often, the disease is transmitted during oral-genital contact. In rare cases, HSV infection occurs in a household way. The highest degree of infection, doctors note in the category of people aged 20-30 years. The presence of a herpetic virus in a carrier may not manifest itself for many years, while the person is its active carrier. During the interrecurrent period, the infection is located in the center of the nervous system, without manifestations, but the person does not cease to be a source of HSV.

Herpes on the genitals can be transmitted in utero to the fetus, through the maternal placenta, and also during the passage of the child through the birth canal of the mother, which is a carrier of HSV. There are also cases when non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene serves as a way of transmitting herpes. This happens at the moment when a person independently transfers the herpes simplex virus to his genitals with dirty hands, which is localized on the lips.

Herpes of the genital organ, which could once settle in the body of a healthy person, penetrated through microcracks in the skin or mucous membranes of the genitals, remains for the rest of his life. Only a person with a strong immune defense, which follows a healthy principle of life, may not be aware of the presence of an infection, because most often the body's defenses do not allow the clinical manifestations of the disease to be activated. But once it is enough to create favorable conditions for the excitation of the herpes virus on the genitals, its recurrent form can become a constant companion of a person. The following factors can cause activation of the virus:

• constant lack of sleep, overwork;
• frequent stressful situations;
• freezing or vice versa overheating;
• a serious cold;
• psycho-emotional instability;
• alcoholism;
• hormonal imbalance, etc.

The most terrible consequences of such a sexual virus can be transferred to newborns who become infected with it while passing through the birth canals of a virus-carrying mother. Mothers who contract the virus during the last trimester of pregnancy are most likely to pass the virus on to their newborns. Herpetic infection in a newborn can lead to severe dysfunction of the nervous system that has not yet formed, partial or complete loss of vision, and in rare cases, ends in death. When diagnosing a woman in labor with the genital herpes virus or the transition of the infection to an acute stage, obstetricians and gynecologists do not recommend natural delivery. In this case, the method of caesarean section is used. In this way, it is possible to avoid direct contact of the child with the mucous membranes of the birth canal.

Herpes on the genitals is not the cause of dysfunctions in the work of the human body and does not cause infertility. Such a disease is the most harmless in comparison with the rest that are sexually transmitted. The question of how to treat herpes on the genitals still remains relevant, because this disease has stages of exacerbation and can be characterized by frequent exacerbations, which worsens the patient's mental health and is one of the factors that reduce his performance.

Symptoms of genital herpes

In medicine, there are two main stages of the disease:

1. Primary. Manifestations of herpetic infection were diagnosed for the first time.
2. Secondary (relapse). All recurrent cases of genital herpes that occurred after the first manifestation. Most often, relapse occurs in a milder form than during the passage of the primary stage of the disease.

Due to certain reasons, when immunity weakens, after 2 to 14 days, the first manifestations of signs of genital herpes are possible. First of all, it is severe itching, burning and swelling of the genital organs. In addition, the disease is manifested by fever, weakness, headaches, partial numbness of the limbs, discomfort in the upper hip joints and buttocks, pain in the lumbar region, and aching pain in the scrotum. This condition is easily confused with a cold.

A few days after the first signs appear small watery papules filled with a colorless liquid. Localization of the rash:

• skin of the buttocks, inner thighs;
• mucous membranes of the genital organs;
• urethra;
• Cervix.

Self-destruction of papules leads to the formation of painful sores, which bring severe pain to the patient. The healing of such formations occurs after 7 days, while leaving no scars.

During a relapse, the symptoms remain unchanged. Only fever, malaise and headache are excluded. The rashes no longer occupy such a large area as during the primary stage, and healing is characterized by a shorter period of time. Secondary manifestations of genital herpes can be triggered by any of the factors: viral disease, freezing or emotional stress. The frequency of relapses depends on the frequency of influence of these factors. Recurrent cases can occur either twice a month or once a year. After the first episode of genital herpes, the subsequent course of the disease may be asymptomatic.

In addition, the signs of genital herpes have fairly generalized characteristics, and therefore, they can be confused with other diseases. Some of the women were repeatedly treated for small cracks in the vaginal area, which caused recurrent thrush, cystitis, inflammation of the genitourinary system. All this is a consequence of an exacerbation of a herpes infection in women, the localization of the rashes in which is located in the vagina, as well as on the cervix, and can only be diagnosed by a diagnostic method.

Methods for diagnosing genital herpes

Most cases of diagnosing a herpes infection occur by visualizing the symptoms of patients. The resulting water papules on the genitals, severe itching of the perineum, burning and unpleasant pain are clear indicators of herpes. But in order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a series of laboratory tests, in particular: scraping from the skin where the rash appeared. In women, scrapings are taken from the cervix and urinary canal, in some cases a sample of material is taken from the rectum. The absence of obvious signs of herpes may indicate an asymptomatic or intrasystemic course of the disease, which can be confirmed by a patient's blood test for antibodies to this group of viruses.

Additionally, the herpes virus can coexist with the course of other diseases, such as chlamydia, AIDS, trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, for reliability, tests are also carried out for these diseases.

Herpes on the genitals: treatment

If herpes is not completely curable, then is there any point in treating it? Doctors are unequivocal in answering this question: "It is necessary.". After all, the danger of this disease lies in its complications, such as:

• urinary retention (neuropathy or dysuria);
• symptoms that do not go away for a long period of time;
• the likelihood of developing cancer cells on the cervix increases several times;
• a greater likelihood of sexual transmission of the disease;
• The virus can spread to other internal organs, including the brain. Of course, such cases are diagnosed very rarely, the impetus is a strong immunodeficiency. Much more common skin spread of genital herpes on the buttocks, hands, mammary glands, on the mucous membrane of the eyes.

Such complications require prolonged treatment, while causing psychological and psychosexual disorders in patients. More than 70% of women with primary infection with genital herpes noted an increased tendency to depression.

Primary infection with the genital herpes virus entails its lifelong preservation in the human body, so the disease belongs to a number of incurable opportunistic diseases. Modern medicine has developed many drugs that allow you to suppress the activation of a viral infection, which greatly increases the intervals between the acute phases of the disease, and also smooths out the symptoms in the relapse stage.

The most effective means are drugs that block the process of reproduction and spread of the virus in the body, namely: Zovirax and Acyclovir. Painkillers are also used to relieve pain: Paracetamol, Analgin, etc.

Such an antiviral course of treatment is always combined with immunomodulators that help restore the immune system and reduce the number of relapses. Methods of drip or intramuscular injection of immunomodulators are used. The drip method is used every six months, until the patient's immune system is completely stabilized. Also, the treatment of genital herpes involves careful observance of the rules of personal hygiene.