Herpes on the genitals of women. Genital herpes - treatment, symptoms and photos

Genital or genital herpes is a viral disease. This disease is one of the most common among sexually transmitted infections.

Among the world's population, 20% are carriers of this type of herpes, of which only 5% of the population has pronounced clinical signs, the remaining 15% have the disease without pronounced symptoms. Genital herpes occurs equally in both women and men.

It is this disease that causes changes in the human reproductive system: in women, the risk of spontaneous miscarriages, intrauterine fetal death increases, and it causes various diseases in newborns. There is an opinion that diseases such as cervical and prostate cancer have the herpes virus in their etiology.

Reasons how it is transmitted

In most cases, the development of genital herpes is caused by infection with the human herpes virus type 2 (HHV-2). Cases of the development of a disease caused by Herpes labialis - HHV-1 - have also been described. Infection with HHV-2 occurs mainly through sexual contact. The second type of virus can be transmitted by kissing or sharing utensils. Infection is also possible through the use of shared hygiene items, towels, and so on.

The source of herpetic infection is a person at any stage of the disease - with asymptomatic carriage and in the rash phase.

Main risk factors:

indiscriminate choice of sexual partners;
low standard of living;
the virus is transmitted through kissing and sharing personal items (toothbrush, spoon);
possible infection through oral-genital sexual contact;
Possible infection with the herpes virus in the toilet.

Children can become infected with genital herpes by airborne droplets, through household contact (through objects contaminated with the secretions of a sick person: saliva, urine), in utero (through the mother’s blood). Infection of a child can occur when it passes through the mother's infected birth canal during childbirth.

Genital herpes in men in most cases affects the genitourinary system, when in women it is the canal adjacent to the cervix. Moreover, it often has an asymptomatic course.

Symptoms of genital herpes in women and men

In medical practice, there are several stages of a viral infection: primary genital herpes, in which the problem appears for the first time, and secondary - subsequent cases of the disease and relapses. In most cases, relapses are milder compared to the primary manifestation of genital herpes.

The incubation period of primary genital herpes ranges from 1 to 26 days (most often 2-10 days).

The main symptoms of genital herpes are pain and swelling at the site of the lesion, and a burning sensation appears. All this may be accompanied by signs of intoxication: increased body temperature, general malaise, headache. After a few days, small bubbles appear on the external genitalia; they are filled with clear liquid. After some time, the bubbles burst and ulcers form in their place. Ulcers heal within 2 weeks from the moment they form.
Recurrences of genital herpes are accompanied by similar symptoms, with the exception of fever, headache and general malaise. The area of the rashes is smaller and they heal faster. Relapse is provoked by any infectious diseases, hypothermia and emotional stress. Relapses can occur at varying frequencies from 2 times a month to 1 time a year. After the first episode, genital herpes can occur without visible clinical manifestations.

Primary genital herpes occurs mainly in women in the form of vulvovaginitis, but the cervix can also be involved in the process. Primary herpetic vulvovaginitis is characterized by the appearance of severe swelling and hyperemia of the labia majora and minora, vaginal mucosa, perineal area and, often, the inner thighs. Pain, itching and dysuria, discharge from the vagina or urethra are observed.

In men, primary elements are often localized on the glans, shaft of the penis, glans neck, scrotum, thighs and buttocks. Grouped bubbles appear, first with transparent and then cloudy contents. After the bubbles open, extensive weeping erosions are formed, having a round shape. Merging, they form extensive ulcers with a weeping surface. Epithelial defects heal in 2-4 weeks, leaving behind hyperpigmented spots. There are usually no scars.

What does genital herpes look like: photo

In the photo below you can see what the disease looks like in men or women.

Complications

Possible consequences of this disease include:

Urinary retention.
Secondary infectious complications caused by skin pathogenic microorganisms (creeping cellulitis).
Formation of adhesions in the labia area.
Severe pain syndrome.
Infection of the fetus during pregnancy.

Diagnostics

Modern clinical laboratory diagnostics are carried out using ELISA (blood, tears, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid) and PCR (any biological material).

The methods of PIF, RNIF, “detection of virus antigen”, “characteristic inclusions” are erroneous.

In case of chronic HSV infection, the detection of antibodies only confirms the fact of chronic infection, but does not reflect the activity of the virus and does not confirm the connection of this infection with the rash that appears. The activity of the virus, the threat to the fetus, indications for treatment during pregnancy and the effectiveness of the treatment are determined by PCR testing of the woman’s blood and/or amniotic fluid and other materials obtained from the study of fetal or placental tissue.

How to treat genital herpes

Modern medical capabilities do not allow us to completely cure the herpes simplex virus. Outside of relapse (re-emergence), the virus is in an inactive state. When the immune system is weakened, a relapse of genital herpes occurs. Treatment speeds up the healing of rashes, reduces the risk of relapse and reduces the release of the pathogen, but cannot completely destroy the virus.

In the case of genital herpes, the treatment regimen is divided into two main types:

Carrying out antiviral therapy: the effectiveness of treatment reaches 80 percent; the course of treatment is based on medications that contain ACV (acyclovir), for example, acyclovir-acri and Zovirax; There are various forms of release of these drugs (tablets, ointments, solution for intravenous injections); the group of ACV-containing drugs is sometimes replaced by triapten or alpizarin;
Carrying out immunotherapy in parallel with antiviral therapy (aimed at correcting the components of immunity, specific and nonspecific).

In general, how to treat genital herpes is determined by the frequency of relapses and the severity of clinical symptoms, the state of the immune system, the risk of transmitting the infection to a sexual partner or newborn, and the psychosocial consequences of the infection.

If therapy is ineffective, complications may develop. In most cases, genital herpes becomes chronic with periodic relapses of the process.

All patients with genital herpes and their sexual partners should be aware of the recurrent nature of the disease and refrain from sexual activity during the period of rashes.

In case of contact, a condom must be used. Sexual partners should be examined and, if they have HS, treated. Follow-up counseling of patients with this disease is an important stage in patient management.

Recently, cases of herpetic infection of the female genital organs have become much more common. The infection is transmitted from a carrier to a healthy person during sex.

Since genital herpes enters the body primarily through sexual contact, it is classified as both a gynecological and venereological group of diseases. Due to the fact that the female reproductive system has a characteristic structure, the disease affects it 2-3 times more often than the male one.

What is a herpetic genital infection

The root cause of this pathology is considered to be herpes simplex virus. There are two types: HSV-1(occurs in 20-30% of cases) and HSV-2(in 70%). The main habitat and reproduction of viruses is in the cervical canal. Often the disease occurs at the ages of 21-25 and 34-38 years.

The penetration of the virus into the body is not always accompanied by severe symptoms. In some cases there are virus carriage and latent infectious process.

Among infectious diseases, the prevalence of which increases every year, one of the leading places is occupied by genital (genital) herpes. This is due to hidden and atypical forms of its development, drug resistance of pathogens to existing antiviral drugs, and ineffective prevention.

The causative agents of the infection are herpes simplex viruses (HSV) types 1 and 2, which are quite easily transmitted. The main way the disease spreads is through sexual contact.

When examined, most infected people are diagnosed with type 2 virus. Most often people get sick at a young age, which is characterized by high sexual activity.

Etiology of genital herpes

Genital herpes in women and men has a common etiology. The main reason for the activation of the virus and the manifestation of the disease is the weakening of the general immunity of the human body. In addition, there are other factors that provoke the development of pathology and the manifestation of signs of genital herpes:

Factors that contribute to weakening of the body also reduce immunity and cause the development of the disease and its manifestations:

Long-term psycho-emotional stress.
Physical overload.
Avitaminosis.
Hypothermia.
Smoking, alcohol abuse, drug addiction.
Low standard of living.

At risk are teenagers and young people under the age of 25, men of non-traditional sexual orientation, and health workers who come into contact with biological fluids of patients in their professional activities. The danger of the disease is that the virus, having entered the body with high resistance, does not manifest itself in any way, but the person becomes its carrier.

The disease can develop latently, the symptoms of genital herpes are blurred or atypical - with manifestations not characteristic of its course. In such cases, close contact with an infected person is not limited and, most often, infection occurs. It is important to know how genital herpes manifests itself, developing atypically. In this case, the infection affects the skin and mucous membranes and spreads to the appendages and to the woman’s uterus.

Methods of penetration of genital herpes into the human body

The main route of infection with genital herpes is genital. Transmission of the pathogen occurs through sexual contact with a patient or virus carrier. Infection is possible through vaginal sex, as well as oral or anal sex.

It also occurs through contact - in a household way. When the skin or mucous membranes of a patient and a healthy person come into contact. Through common household items, bed linen, hygiene products. If a girl uses someone else's cosmetics, there is also a risk of infection.

A possible route of infection is through airborne droplets, with the patient’s saliva during coughing, sneezing, or talking. A pregnant woman can infect her baby in utero through the placenta. If this does not happen, then infection is possible during childbirth when the fetus passes through the affected genitals of the mother.

If the disease relapses in a woman in the first years of the child’s life, it most often becomes infected. Since it is at this time that there is inevitable close contact between them. The disease in young children is severe. If genital herpes in women is treated before pregnancy, then children will be born healthy. They will be protected by antibodies passed on from their mother.

The most dangerous is the initial penetration of infection and the development of the disease during pregnancy. In the first half, herpes can be complicated by spontaneous miscarriage, in the second - by premature birth.

There have been cases of stillbirth. Therefore, timely recognition of genital herpes in a pregnant woman will save the life of an unborn child.

External signs of the disease

The way genital herpes looks distinguishes it from other diseases. A characteristic manifestation of the infection is a blistering rash on the skin and mucous membranes of the external genital organs in women and men. It can be single or located in groups. The surface underneath is hyperemic and swollen.

The size of the bubbles (vesicles) in diameter is less than 5 mm. They are filled with a clear liquid that becomes cloudy over time. There is more rash on the mucous membranes than on the skin. It can be used to recognize the disease.

After a few days, the vesicles open with the formation of erosions of an indefinite shape - damage to the superficial layers of the skin and mucous membranes at their base. The wounds dry out, dry crusts form, and healing occurs. After the crusts fall off, the skin in the area of the rash changes color slightly.

It is necessary to know the features of the transformation of this rash and how to identify that it is not a symptom of another disease. The process of its appearance and healing lasts no more than a month. If the rashes do not heal, do not change during this time, or develop differently, then they are a manifestation of another disease.

Stages of genital herpes

But it is difficult to identify genital herpes by appearance alone. It is necessary to study the symptoms of the disease and conduct the necessary research. There are two types of genital herpes:

The course of genital herpes is conventionally divided into 4 stages with corresponding symptoms:

From the beginning of the first stage to the end of the fourth, no more than 2 weeks pass. This sign also helps determine that this rash is a symptom of genital herpes and not another pathology.

The disease affects men and women equally; the signs of genital herpes are similar, but there are some differences. The symptoms that appear in men and women during the course of the disease are as follows:

rash on the external genitalia;
itching, burning, pain in places where the rash is localized;
pain in the abdominal area;
difficulty urinating;
inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin;
deterioration of general condition.

Features of the manifestation of the disease in men and women

Distinctive features of the course of herpes in men and women include the location of the rash and possible consequences.

In men, the disease is accompanied by frequent pain in the penis, especially in the glans area. If the external opening of the urethra is affected, then they are cutting. If the rash spreads to the mucous membranes of the anus, pain appears during bowel movements and flatulence. Men are less likely to develop relapses of the disease than women. Genital herpes detected in a representative of the stronger sex can negatively affect the health of his prostate.

Locations of the rash in men:

skin of the penis and scrotum;
head of the penis;
foreskin;
skin in the anal area;
buttocks and folds under them;
external opening of the urethra.

The sign of painful urination with genital herpes occurs in women and men. Pain in women spreads to the bladder, the urge to urinate becomes more frequent. Cystitis is often a symptom of the development of herpes. The vagina and cervix are very rarely affected.

You need to know that every fourth woman with genital herpes has serious complications. The infection also affects the nervous system. The disease can provoke cervical cancer.

Locations of the rash in women:

The disease can be diagnosed in men and women not only by external signs and symptoms, but also with the help of a number of laboratory tests that detect the virus, isolate its antigens and determine its activity.

Preventive actions

The best prevention of genital herpes is one sexual partner. Therefore, it is necessary to be selective and limit the number of sexual relations. It is necessary to exclude random connections. Be sure to use barrier methods of contraception. In addition, you must follow these rules of prevention:

If rashes appear on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs, you must immediately consult a doctor for a timely diagnosis and treatment. Otherwise, the treatment will be long and difficult, and serious consequences are also possible.

Update: October 2018

Herpes infection is widespread on Earth; it is known that about 90% of the world's population is infected with one or another herpes virus. Eight types (varieties) of the herpes virus have been identified and described: cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). It is HSV-1 and HSV-2 that are the causative agents of genital herpes. Infection of the population with genital herpes reaches 40–50% by the age of 35–40 years.

Causes

Genital herpes is a highly contagious disease, that is, very contagious, and the probability of transmitting the infection to a sexual partner is 100% during its exacerbation. No, it has long been believed that genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2, but it has been proven that herpetic manifestations on the genitals can also be caused by HSV-1, which is characterized by symptoms of the so-called “cold” (formation of blisters around the mouth or on the lips) .

However, being infected with herpes does not mean that after infection a person will immediately become ill. The occurrence of herpetic eruptions is caused by a decrease in immunity for various reasons, and even upon contact with a patient, the sexual partner will not develop characteristic symptoms immediately; the manifestation of the disease can occur much later if conditions are favorable for the virus (decreased body defenses).

Genital herpes: routes of transmission

Sexual - as the name of this infection makes clear, the main route of transmission is sexual. Moreover, it does not matter what the sexual contact was:

Airborne— transmission of the virus by airborne droplets, in particular HSV-1, is also possible.

Household - a household route of infection cannot be ruled out, especially through wet household items and in the presence of wounds and cracks in the anus and genital area. Self-infection is also possible: transfer of infection from the lips to the genitals if hygiene rules are not followed.

From mother to fetus— there is also a vertical route of transmission, that is, with clinical manifestations of genital herpes during pregnancy, the fetus is infected either transplacentally or during childbirth when the fetus passes through the infected birth canal of the mother.

Risk factors

A relationship has been identified between the number of cases of genital herpes and the following factors:

socio-economic status and financial situation (the lower they are, the higher the chances of “catch” the infection);
gender (women are more often infected with genital herpes, but not because of weaker immunity, but due to the presence of a large area of mucous membranes of the genital organs);
age (a sharp increase in the incidence of genital herpes by the age of 30–40, which coincides with the age of sexual activity).

Based on the above, we can identify high-risk groups for the incidence of genital herpes:

representatives of the fairer sex;
antisocial layers of society (prostitutes, homeless people, drug addicts, alcoholics);
homosexuals;
representatives of the Negroid race (blacks suffer from genital herpes in 45% of cases, and Europeans only in 17%).

Risk factors for infection with genital herpes and the development of the disease include all immunosuppressive causes and promiscuity in sexual intercourse:

promiscuous sexual intercourse;
neglect of mechanical means of protection (condoms provide only 50% protection);
stress;
overwork, chronic fatigue;
lack of vitamins;
insufficient and malnutrition;
unfavorable living conditions;
significant physical activity;
hypothermia;
recent acute respiratory viral infections and a high susceptibility to respiratory diseases;
use of an intrauterine device;
abortions;
climate change;
taking medications that suppress the immune system (cytostatics, glucocorticoids);
HIV infection;
presence of cancer;
chronic foci of infection (caries, sexually transmitted infections, chronic tonsillitis and others);
excessive alcohol consumption;
insolation (both sunbathing and visiting a solarium).

All factors that suppress immunity in genital herpes are also causes of exacerbation.

Forms of the disease

There are two forms of genital herpes: primary and recurrent. Primary genital herpes is said to occur when clinical signs appear for the first time after infection, which can happen after a couple of weeks or in some cases months. Recurrent herpes is a periodic exacerbation of the disease with the slightest weakening of the immune system. Depending on the number of exacerbations of relapses of genital herpes throughout the year, 3 degrees of severity are distinguished:

mild degree – the number of relapses is 3 or less per year;
moderate – exacerbations occur 4–6 times a year;
severe - relapses occur monthly.

In turn, recurrent genital herpes has several forms of progression:

atypical microsymptomatic or subclinical (symptoms are present, but do not cause excessive concern to the patient: slight itching, cracks instead of vesicles);
atypical macrosymptomatic form(symptoms are expressed, but not fully manifested: there is itching and pain, but there are no blisters or there are vesicles, but there is no discomfort);
abortive form(observed in patients who have previously received antiviral therapy and vaccine prophylaxis);
asymptomatic form is the most dangerous, since there are no clinical signs, and the patient continues to be sexually active, spreading the infection through partners.

Signs of primary genital herpes

The symptoms of primary genital herpes occur 3–14 days after infection and persist for 21–35 days, with symptoms increasing during the first week.

First, redness, swelling, and unbearable itching and burning appear in the area of the affected skin and mucous membranes.
After some time, bubbles (vesicles) filled with cloudy contents form in this place. The formation of bubbles is combined with general symptoms of intoxication: fever, muscle and abdominal pain, joint pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances and nausea.
In addition, the inguinal lymph nodes become enlarged, the labia or penis swell, and painful urination appears.
After 5–7 days, the vesicles open and in their place small ulcers are formed that are not prone to fusion. The ulcers crust over, are not deep and do not bleed, and heal without scarring.
The primary episode of the disease is characterized by bilateral (symmetrical, on both sides) rashes.
As the process subsides and the ulcers heal (the epithelium peels off), the discomfort in the affected area disappears.

In the event of a secondary infection, the discharge from the ulcers becomes purulent, and the formations themselves are very painful.

Recurrent genital herpes

The diagnosis of recurrent genital herpes is established in the event of detection of clinical signs and antibodies in the blood to the reactivated (return of activity) type of herpesvirus. In almost 50% of cases, exacerbation of the disease occurs in the first six months from the initial episode. It is characteristic that the intensity and duration of the symptoms of recurrent herpes are less pronounced in contrast to the primary manifestation of genital herpes. The relapse lasts 4–10 days, and more often exacerbations occur when infected with HSV-2 type.

The prodromal period, characterized by itching, pain or burning in the affected area, lasts 12 to 36 hours. Neuralgic pain may appear, radiating to the lower back and legs. Then rashes appear on the reddened area of the skin/mucous membranes, which are represented by both individual and grouped vesicles. Subsequently, the bubbles open and form erosions with uneven edges. General symptoms of recurrent herpes are either absent or represented by minor headache and weakness. Inguinal lymph nodes enlarge only with massive herpetic rashes.

Recurrent genital herpes can also occur in a different scenario, that is, in the form of atypical forms (arrhythmic, monotonous or subsiding course). With an arrhythmic course, relapses alternate with remissions without a clear periodicity (from 2 weeks to 6 months). Moreover, the longer the remission lasts, the longer and more pronounced the exacerbations and vice versa.

The monotonous course is characterized by frequent episodes of the disease and periods of remission, during which the symptoms of herpes undergo virtually no changes. The monotonous course of the disease is persistent and difficult to treat. The most favorable type is genital herpes of the subsiding type. With each new exacerbation, the severity of manifestations decreases, and the duration of remissions increases.

Herpetic rashes are extremely painful, which makes it difficult for the patient to move, go to the toilet and disturbs sleep, this cannot but affect the mental state (the patient becomes irritable, he develops phobias: fear of new rashes, fear for the health of relatives, thoughts of suicide).

Atypical and abortive forms

There are the following types of atypical forms of the disease:

edematous – when there is pronounced swelling of the affected surface of the skin/mucous membranes;
hemorrhagic– vesicles are filled with blood;
erosive-ulcerative– ulcers form very quickly at the site of herpetic eruptions;
necrotic – formation of ulcers and necrotic areas at the site of vesicles;
rupioid - long-lasting flaky brown crusts are formed that protrude above the skin;
subclinical - small, shallow cracks form in the affected area of the mucous membrane or skin, which do not last long and are accompanied by discomfort (itching, pain); there are no characteristic vesicular rashes. There may also be a complete absence of a clinic.

Symptoms of an atypical form of genital herpes are recorded in 60–65% of patients.

The difference between the abortive form of genital herpes and others is the rapid resolution of the process (no more than 1 - 3 days), that is, the course of the relapse is very short - abortive. The following types of abortive course of the disease are distinguished:

erythematous - there is only a reddened itchy lesion of the skin/mucous membranes;
papular - a reddened and itchy area with slight elevation of the skin/mucous membrane, but no blisters;
prurigo-neurotic– there are no vesicles, but there is pain along the nerve endings.

Common manifestations of genital herpes

In both men and women, the disease can manifest itself as:

herpetic cystitis– frequent urge to urinate, blood in the urine;
herpetic urethritis– at the beginning of urination there is pain and severe pain, there is blood in the urine;
herpes of the anus and rectum– formation of cracks in the anus, which recur when the immune system is weakened, bleeding during bowel movements, pain and intense itching in the sphincter area (irritation of the hemorrhoids), increased gas formation.

Manifestations of genital herpes in men

Genital herpes in men begins acutely, the primary symptoms resemble a cold: the head “breaks”, the lower back ache, there is a rise in temperature, weakness and malaise. After some time, itching, tingling or burning in the groin, numbness in the pelvic area after sleeping or sitting for a long time occur.

Enlarged and painful inguinal lymph nodes can alert a man, but this symptom is not always observed. Only after discovering erythema and swelling on the mucous membrane of the penis, scrotum or perineum, the stronger sex rushes to the doctor. Literally after a few hours, less often days of the prodromal period, transparent bubbles swell in the area of redness and swelling, localized on the foreskin and head of the penis, on the scrotum or inner thighs, cover the pubis, and in the case of anal intercourse, on the buttocks and around the anus. After a week, the vesicles open, turning into ulcers covered with a yellow coating. Then the ulcers “acquire” crusts and peel off.

Recurrent herpes in men occurs with less frequency than in the weaker sex, since the male body undergoes hormonal changes (pregnancy, menstruation) less often. But any serious illness, as well as stress (men are more susceptible to psychological stress due to the stereotype of “not showing weakness”) causes a relapse of the disease. And although exacerbations occur less frequently, they are more severe.

The consequences of genital herpes in representatives of the stronger sex include: herpetic prostatitis, urethritis and, less commonly, herpetic.

Manifestations of genital herpes in women

The symptoms of a primary episode of genital herpes in women generally do not differ from those in men. The disease, just like in the stronger sex, begins with a prodrome (weakness, fever, loss of appetite and nausea, arthralgia and myalgia, pain in the lumbar region and lower abdomen, numbness of the skin in the pelvic area).

The period of rash begins 2–3 days after the prodromal period and is characterized by the appearance of bubbles with cloudy liquid on the vulva (clitoral area, labia minora and majora, on the commissures), in the urethra, vagina and on the cervix. Vesicles may form in the anal area, on the inner thighs and perineum. In case of damage to the urethra, tingling and itching occur when urinating, and in severe cases, the herpetic infection spreads to the uterus and appendages.

Not always, but painful and enlarged lymph nodes in the groin are also noted. In most cases, genital herpes in the fair sex occurs in an atypical form (about 65%). In addition, women during the period of relapse of the disease note an increase in vaginal discharge, which becomes especially intense towards the end of the second phase of the menstrual cycle.

Typically, women have a much harder time psychologically with relapses of the disease, which leads to the development of depression, phobias (fear of sexual contact, fear of communication), suicidal thoughts, and neuroses.

Complications of the disease include:

vulvitis;
vulvodynia (itching and burning, there is weeping of the external genitalia, but there are no laboratory signs of inflammation);
urethritis;
adnexitis and salpingitis;
chronic inflammation of the uterus;
pelvic pain syndrome;
emotional and mental disorders;
problems in sexual life;
decreased performance, psychasthenia (irritability and resentment, “close tears”).

Genital herpes during pregnancy

If a woman had cases of genital herpes before pregnancy, then the risk of transmitting the infection to the fetus and newborn is minimal, but only if there are no relapses during gestation (see). Genital herpes poses a huge danger during gestation during the initial episode of the disease or reactivation of the virus in the first 12 weeks and within a month before the expected due date. Exacerbation or primary infection of a herpetic infection leads to serious consequences in pregnant women:

spontaneous termination of pregnancy;
failed miscarriage (frozen pregnancy);
premature birth;
formation of malformations in the fetus;
infection of a newborn when passing through the “infectious” birth canal.

In addition, genital herpes can cause recurrent miscarriage in the future, and even infertility.

Treatment

First phase of treatment

For genital herpes, the mainstay of treatment is antiviral therapy. The administration of antiviral drugs suppresses viral replication (reproduction), which quickly stops the clinical manifestations of the disease. Antiviral drugs are used both systemically (orally and parenterally) and locally (in the form of ointments, creams and suppositories). It is advisable to treat non-herpetic infections in a complex manner, by simultaneous administration of systemic and local drugs.

Today, such drugs as acyclovir, panavir, famciclovir and others have proven themselves. Etiotropic therapy (antiviral) involves phase 1 of the treatment of recurrent herpes. Antiviral drugs are prescribed according to a regimen of 2–5 times a day and last for 7–10 days or until the clinical phenomena completely disappear.

Simultaneously with the listed drugs, symptomatic therapy is prescribed, aimed at relieving pain and itching, as well as sedatives. In addition, in the first phase of treatment, ascorbic acid is indicated and a specific antiherpetic immunoglobulin is injected intramuscularly, which activates the patient’s immunity.

Second phase of treatment

It is carried out in the stage of subsiding of relapse (reduction of itching, formation of scabs on ulcers and their exfoliation). The administration of vitamins B1 and B6, autohemotherapy, and the use of antihistamines (tazepam, suprastin) and nonspecific (Eleutherococcus tincture, dibazol) and specific (lavomax) immunomodulators are indicated.

Third phase of treatment

It is carried out during the period of remission and is aimed at preventing relapses of the disease: the patient is vaccinated with a herpetic vaccine (duration of remission is at least 2 months), but vaccination is carried out necessarily after undergoing restorative and antiviral therapy.

After therapy

When treating genital herpes, stress, hypothermia and prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided, the psycho-emotional state should be corrected, nutrition should be nutritious and rich in vitamins, and if necessary, bed rest should be prescribed.

Prevention of exacerbations

And, of course, all patients with recurrent genital herpes at the stage of exacerbation of the disease should avoid sexual contact, observe personal hygiene rules (wash the affected skin with warm water and soap) in order to avoid secondary infection. It is also prohibited to visit baths, saunas and swimming pools, and it is recommended to wear loose cotton underwear (prevents friction of the affected areas, allows the skin to “breathe” and reduces pain).

Genital herpes - what the disease is and how dangerous it is is interesting to know for everyone who has encountered this diagnosis at least once. We deal with the herpes virus quite often, especially during cold seasons, it makes itself known by the appearance of blisters in the mouth area. But is herpes on the face similar to genital herpes, and what consequences does it entail?

This article will talk about what genital herpes is, namely: what are the main causes of its occurrence, the types and manifestations of the disease, and in addition, what are the diagnostic methods and treatment methods used.

So, genital herpes – what is it? The disease is a viral infection, the occurrence of which is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2 (read more).

HSV is widespread among all segments of the population and continues to spread due to the following reasons:

A strong opinion about the safety of HSV.
The long latent presence of the disease in the ganglia of the nerve trunks, i.e. the person is already infected, but does not yet know about it.
There are various ways of transmitting the virus, due to which even children can be exposed to the virus.
Lifelong carriage – it is impossible to remove herpes from the body using any medications.

With the help of statistical observations, it was possible to establish a certain pattern in the epidemiology of genital herpes, thus the prevalence of the disease is interconnected with:

The socio-economic status of patients - the largest number of cases of the disease was registered in circles with a low standard of living.
The genital herpes virus is more common in women than in men, which is most likely explained by the special structure of the genital organs, and not by deficiencies in the immune system.
Viral herpes of the labia in women and genitals in men increases sharply at the peak of sexual activity, at the age of 20-30 years and reaches its maximum prevalence by 30-40 years. The number of cases of the disease gradually decreases towards 60-70 years.

Genital herpes type 1 and type 2, as well as CMV, are one of the main factors in the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory diseases of the gynecological profile, radiculitis and inflammation of the meninges.

The disease can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, but even the use of a condom does not provide an absolute guarantee of protection, since the virus is able to penetrate through microdamages on the mucous membranes or skin. HH can also be transmitted from an infected mother to the fetus during childbirth, and somewhat less frequently - through household contact, through personal hygiene items.

In addition, the genital herpes virus spreads under the influence of the following factors:

If the human body has genital herpes type 2 (less often type 1) in the active phase, regardless of whether there are clinical manifestations.
In the presence of conditions that contribute to infection (unprotected promiscuity, close household contacts with a virus carrier).
A collision with the virus of a healthy person who has not previously been in contact with a herpes infection or has been ill for a long time, with a defect in the immune system or with reduced natural resistance.

Note! With genital herpes, the possibility of self-infection is high. This occurs if a person does not wash their hands after touching contaminated areas on the genitals, and then touches the face or other parts of the body.

How does infection occur?

Before we find out what genital herpes looks like, let’s determine the possible reasons for its pathogen entering the body.

So, in most cases, HSV-2 infection occurs sexually through all types of sexual contact:

traditional vaginal;
oral;
anal.

Note! The most contagious persons are those who show signs of genital herpes (the presence of blisters, burning, itching, etc.). However, sexual partners with asymptomatic disease also pose a potential danger.

In addition, transmission of the virus from a sick mother to the fetus during childbirth is occasionally possible (read more). It is also possible to become infected through blood transfusions and other invasive procedures.

Incubation period

Many patients are interested in how long it takes for genital herpes to appear. To answer this question, let's delve into the pathogenesis of the disease. Penetrating into the human body, the virus is integrated into the structure of nerve cells in a special way and remains in them for life.

However, a healthy immune system actively suppresses the pathogen, and more than half of those infected never experience clinical manifestations of the disease. That is why genital pain can last from 2 days to several years.

Important! Despite the fact that most patients do not have signs of genital herpes, they still remain a source of infection and can infect other people.

The virus can become active under conditions unfavorable for the human immune defense:

hypothermia;
prolonged overheating of the body in the heat;
ARVI and other infectious diseases;
chronic somatic pathology;
hypovitaminosis;
chronic stress, overwork;
smoking, alcohol abuse;
pregnancy;
menstruation in women.

Clinical picture

Symptoms of genital herpes depend on the form of the disease.

Classification

By affected area:

Herpes infection of the genitals and urinary tract	The virus can infect: external genitalia; urethra; entrance to the vagina; cervix; vagina; bladder; endometrium.
Infection of the perianal skin and rectum	Characteristic: damage to the skin of the buttocks and the area around the anus; herpetic proctitis.

Also distinguished:

first clinical episode;
recurrent genital herpes.

Subclinical form

Characterized by an erased course with damage not only to the skin and mucous membranes, but also to the internal genital organs.

Subclinical genital herpes in women - symptoms:

persistent itching and burning in the external genital area;
constant mucous and serous discharge from the vagina;
recurrent erosions and leukoplakia of the cervix;
habitual early miscarriages;
flat condylomas of the cervix and vagina;
frequent excruciating pain in the external genitalia, thighs, perineum and lumbar spine (along the nerves);
persistent low-grade fever of unknown origin;
drowsiness, irritability.

Attention! Long-term and treatment-resistant inflammatory diseases of the female genital area are an indication for testing for HSV types I and II. There are also instructions for screening for herpes in case of recurrent leukoplakia or cervical erosion.

Atypical form

It is difficult and often accompanied by intoxication.

Clinical manifestations:

redness and swelling of the affected area;
deep bleeding recurrent cracks appear on the skin and mucous membranes, which heal on their own within a week.

Hemorrhagic

As a rule, with this form it is not difficult to diagnose genital herpes - the first symptoms are quite specific.

These include:

swelling and hyperemia of the affected area of the skin or mucous membrane;
the appearance of many vesicles with dark red contents.

Abortive form

It often goes unnoticed. An itchy, hyperemic spot or papule appears in the area of the lesion, which disappears after a few days without treatment.

There are no symptoms of intoxication. Vesicles are small or not formed at all. It is dangerous because a sick person, not realizing the problem, can infect his sexual partner.

Herpetic proctitis

After an incubation period (can last up to three weeks), multiple small blisters appear on the rectal mucosa, which open to form ulcers. The disease is acutely contagious, especially in the stage of vesicle formation.

Main clinical manifestations:

severe pain: even a careful examination is impossible without anesthesia;
characterized by increased pain during defecation and sexual intercourse;
discharge of mucus and blood from the rectum;
false urges;
symptoms of intoxication: chills, fever, general malaise;
bilateral enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes.

The signs of herpetic proctitis are similar to those of hemorrhoids, rectal cancer, and ulcerative colitis. A definitive diagnosis is impossible without endoscopy.

The photos and videos in this article will tell you everything about the symptoms of genital herpes.

Possible consequences

Having figured out what genital herpes looks like, let’s find out how such a disease threatens its owner.

Scientists have proven the influence of the HSV-2 and HIV viruses on humans. According to statistics, infection with herpes increases the risk of contracting HIV by 2.5-3 times. In addition, individuals infected with these two infections are more likely to transmit HIV to others.

In addition, exacerbations of genital herpes cause many unpleasant symptoms in a person, including pain. This leads to a deterioration in the quality of sexual relationships and life in general.

We should not forget about the risk of developing neonatal herpes in children born to women infected with HSV-2. This is a rare but very serious complication that can manifest itself in the development of viral meningoencephalitis, esophagitis, pneumonitis, hepatitis, etc. in a newborn.

Important! The risk of infection during childbirth is higher if a woman becomes infected with herpes directly during pregnancy.

Diagnostic methods and therapy used

The instructions for identifying the virus in the human body are quite simple. In some cases, the doctor only needs to conduct an examination and questioning in order to notice manifestations characteristic of GG.

In other cases, additional use is possible, such as:

Blood testing using ELISA - during the analysis, specific immunoglobulins are identified, which appear in the human body after the incubation period and reach their maximum concentration on days 15-20. Class G immunoglobulins remain in the body throughout life.
Cultural method - for this, smears or scrapings are used from erosions that formed after the opening of the vesicles, or the contents of the rashes themselves. The material is placed on nutrient media, the necessary conditions are created for the growth of microorganisms, and the result is assessed after the required period of time.
PCR study - this analysis is based on identifying a section of the pathogen’s DNA and copying it multiple times. The reaction allows you to detect even a small amount of the pathogen and is one of the most accurate existing research methods. For analysis, you can use liquid from rashes or blood, and the price of the PCR method does not exceed 700-800 rubles.

After a patient has been diagnosed with genital herpes, what to do next with this information? Firstly, don’t panic, and secondly, contact a specialist. Based on the results obtained, the doctor must individually select the necessary medications.

The approach to treating herpes infection should be comprehensive; there is no point in using antibacterial drugs, since they are absolutely inactive against the virus. The main goals of treatment are the need to suppress viral reproduction and reduce clinical manifestations during periods of exacerbation, as well as to form an immune response with its subsequent long-term preservation.

As part of non-drug treatment, plasmapheresis and endovascular laser irradiation of blood are used. Medicationally, if genital herpes is confirmed, antiviral therapy is prescribed with drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir, or their analogues, in an individually selected dosage. In addition, you can use general strengthening drugs or interferon drugs.

If recurrent genital herpes occurs, treatment is selected based on the frequency and severity of relapses. Suppressive therapy is often used, in which antiviral drugs are taken daily for a long time.

It should be emphasized that in no case should you try to choose a treatment for yourself, as this will not only not give the desired result, but may also aggravate the course of the disease.

From the photos and videos in this article, we were informed about the intricacies of genital herpes and its manifestations; diagnostic methods used to identify the virus and treatment methods.

Frequently asked questions to the doctor

Danger during pregnancy

Good afternoon. I am now pregnant and was recently diagnosed with genital herpes. Tell me, what does this mean for the child?

Hello. Depending on the period at which the infection occurred, complications may include fetal malformations, fading of pregnancy, developmental delay, oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios, hydrocephalus and other defects of the child’s nervous system.

In order to more accurately learn about all the intricacies, you need to visit your obstetrician-gynecologist. To dispel some concerns, you may be referred for a fetal ultrasound, during which it can be determined whether the child’s development corresponds to the gestational age.

Incubation period

Hello! The day before yesterday I had unprotected sex with a girl. And now the symptoms are similar to herpes (malaise, body aches, several blisters have appeared on the penis). How long does it take for genital herpes to appear, and is this really it?

Good day! Without an in-person examination, it is impossible to confirm or refute the diagnosis of genital herpes: the incubation period of this infection is on average 2-10 days, so infection is possible.

Infections and pregnancy

Hello, Doctor! I have had genital herpes for 5-6 years now (about 2 exacerbations per year). I am now 32 weeks pregnant, my first child, and a wanted one. Tell me how I can protect him from this infection.

Hello! HSV-2 has already become chronic in your body. This is good, it means that the immune system is familiar with it. Your task now is to reduce the likelihood of exacerbation during childbirth. To do this, eat healthy, avoid hypothermia, and don’t be nervous. In any case, the risk of infection of the child during childbirth is minimal. Be healthy!