How to treat genital herpes, medication and traditional methods. Genital herpes in women: where does it come from and how dangerous it is

In recent years, cases of herpetic infections of the female genital area have become more frequent. As a rule, they are transmitted from a patient or carrier to a healthy person through sexual contact.

Considering the predominantly sexual route of infection, genital herpes in women can equally be considered both a gynecological and venereological disease. Due to the peculiarities of the anatomy of the intimate organs of the fairer sex, genital herpes affects twice as often as men.

What is a viral herpes infection

The causative agent of genital herpes is HSV(). There are 2 types of this microorganism known: HSV-1 and HSV-2. In 75–85% of women with genital herpes, it is the second type of virus that is detected. The main breeding ground for this microorganism in women is the cervical canal. The peak incidence of herpetic infection occurs at the ages of 21–25 and 34–38 years.

Infection with genital herpes does not mean the presence of a clinically significant disease. In most cases, there is a virus carriage and a hidden course of the infectious process. Unaware of the presence of the disease, women become a source of infection for their partners.

A characteristic feature of herpes is the long existence of HSV in the body of the carrier (often throughout her life) and its tendency to relapse. In a dormant state, the virus can live in the nerve ganglia and mucous membranes of women for decades, slowly continuing to develop.

Having once entered the body, the virus “settles” there forever, periodically becoming more active and resuming the clinical picture of the disease under the influence of favorable conditions. factors:

malnutrition;
chronic lack of sleep;
menstruation;
numerous indiscriminate sexual contacts;
errors in hygiene;
weakening of the body's defenses;
hypothermia or overheating of the body;
neuropsychic experiences.

Routes of infection and risk groups

To date, the following causes of herpes have been identified::

Unprotected sexual contact with an HSV carrier, Moreover, the partner may completely lack external manifestations of genital herpes. This can be either regular vaginal intercourse, or oral-genital or anal sex. Young, sexually active women who have sex without a condom and have many casual partners, as well as girls who begin sexual activity too early, are most at risk of becoming infected.
The passage of a newborn through the birth canal of a sick mother. As a rule, abrasions occur both in the mother’s vagina and on the baby’s head, which can serve as a gateway for transmission of the virus.
Interaction with biological fluids from the body of patients(blood, lymph, sperm). In this case, venereologists and gynecologists and laboratory workers are at risk.
Self-infection of the patient when he, having herpetic rashes on his lips, constantly scratches them and then touches his private parts with the same hand. These are the rarest cases of infection, but they must also be kept in mind.
Household way– occasionally, infection is also possible through public toilets and hygiene items used by patients (bedding, washcloths, towels, soap). This method of infection is evidenced by cases of herpes in children and adolescents. The chance of catching the virus increases if a woman has cracks, wounds and ulcers on her genitals.

Clinical picture: forms and types of disease

The disease of women with genital herpes manifests itself in three clinical forms, discussed below.

Primary acute form

This form of genital herpes is characterized by vivid symptoms and a severe course.

The most typical places of localization of the process:

on the cervix;
in the vagina;
on the perineum;
in the urethra;
on the external genitalia.

First of all, genital herpes manifests itself in women on the labia minora and clitoris, gradually covering the internal genital organs. Oral-genital contact may damage the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract.

In rare cases, HSV is found in the uterine cavity- the main female reproductive organ, in the fallopian (uterine) tubes and in the bladder. Depending on the extent of the spread of the process, genital herpes in women has three stages, presented in the table below.

At the end of the incubation period, which lasts 5–8 days from the moment of infection, the first ones appear in the following order: characteristic external signs of herpetic infection:

Against the background of the swollen, reddened mucous membrane of the affected genital area, multiple or single vesicles appear - bubbles filled with clear liquid. The diameter of the vesicles is about 3 mm, the surface area they occupy is 0.5 - 3 cm. At first, the vesicles are painless.
After 2–3 days, the vesicles burst, and in their place small ulcers up to 1 mm deep of irregular shape form.
After a few days, the sores become covered with a yellowish coating. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, the ulcers can become purulent and grow to large sizes.
If there are no purulent complications, the ulcers heal within two to four weeks, leaving no traces behind. Purulent and large ulcers can exist for quite a long time - several months.

Burst of blisters and formation of ulcers is accompanied by burning, itching, severe pain, frequent urination, and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. With a pronounced picture of such herpes, which is sometimes referred to as general, Symptoms of general malaise often appear:

temperature rise to subfebrile levels (37 – 35.5 ºС);
headache, weakness, insomnia;
enlargement and hardening of the inguinal lymph nodes.

Simultaneously with As the ulcers heal, symptoms gradually disappear diseases. However, due to the ability of the virus to exist in the body for a long time, the acute form of the disease in many women often turns into a recurrent chronic one.

Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2: causes, symptoms and treatment

Recurrent chronic form

Relapses occur in approximately 60–65% of women who have had the primary form of genital herpes. In most women who have had genital herpes for the first time, a second attack of the disease occurs within a year after the first. Exacerbations of the process can occur every three years in a mild form, or monthly in a severe form.

According to the frequency of relapses there are three types of chronic disease:

Fading. This is the most favorable type of herpes for recovery. It is characterized by each time increasing duration of remissions and subsiding of clinical symptoms.
Arrhythmic. It is characterized by wide variations in the duration of remissions - from two weeks to six months. The more frequent the relapses, the weaker the external manifestations, and vice versa: after a long period of calm, the greatest severity of the clinical picture is observed.
Monotone. Regular relapses alternate with unchanged remissions. For example, genital herpes in women worsens with each menstruation and subsides at its end. This type of disease lasts for years and is very difficult to treat.

Atypical form

This form of infection has a mild course. Genital herpes affects not only the external, but also the internal reproductive organs of women (uterus with appendages). This form of herpes can be assumed if, for any gynecological disease, it is not possible to identify its causative agent using available examination methods. Or if the treatment does not bring the expected result for a long time.

Unlike the first two typical forms of genital herpes, with its atypical form there are no characteristic blistering rashes and ulcers. The discharge from herpes of this form is usually profuse and watery.

Atypical herpes looks like this on female genitalia:

mild swelling;
microscopic bubbles;
burning;
persistent itching.

Herpes on the labia - video

Diagnosis of herpes on the genitals

Diagnosis of this condition in women is based on the nature of the patient’s complaints and on data from a gynecological examination of the external and internal genital organs using special mirrors. In the presence of characteristic blisters and ulcers, the diagnosis is greatly facilitated. The results of laboratory tests are also of great importance.

Detection of HSV or antibodies to it in blood serum women indicates genital herpes. However, you should be aware that antibodies cannot be considered a reliable diagnostic sign: they may be the result of a previous illness.

More important for diagnosis is the presence of HSV in scrapings from the cervix and vaginal wall, in a urethral smear and in aspirate from the uterus. If for any reason the patient is prescribed laparoscopy (instrumental penetration into the abdominal cavity through small incisions on the anterior abdominal wall), then during this procedure material is taken to detect the virus in the fallopian tubes.

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, but unlike other infections in this group, herpes can be considered conditionally the safest. Complications of this disease will not result in death. During its vital activity in the human body, no serious disturbances in the functioning of internal organs occur. And only in exceptional cases can herpes cause infertility. But even in the absence of serious complications, the disease can cause the patient a lot of problems and inconveniences. Therefore, every person needs to know as much information as possible about this disease, its occurrence, prevention and effective treatment.

The family of herpes viruses includes more than two hundred different types. Genital herpes is caused by pathogens of the first and second types of HSV. Between themselves, these two types differ in the structure of the viral particle shell, which has a spherical shape and consists of lipo- and glycoproteins - proteins. The role of glycoproteins is to help the virion (viral particle) detect the cell and attach to it.

The virion measures only 200 nanometers, but despite this it is quite stable. It thrives at temperatures up to + 50 °C, where its life activity continues for more than 20 hours. Above this temperature, the virus dies within half an hour. The virion is well preserved even at sub-zero temperatures. Quite resistant to repeated freezing and thawing. These features of the virus contribute to its rapid spread among people.

Routes of infection and further life of the virus

Genital herpes and each of its types has its own symptoms and locations. This will depend on where in the body the virions arrive. For a better understanding, let's look at this process in more detail.

Most often, infection with genital herpes occurs in two ways:

The most common route of infection is sexual contact. In this case, the virus can enter the partner’s genitals even from the lips of the carrier (during oral sexual contact).
In second place is the household route of infection. This is confirmed by cases when a patient who has not had sexual intercourse in his life seeks help. Infection can occur by touching your hands to your lips and then directly to your genitals. The route of infection through clothing or household items should not be ruled out. As mentioned earlier, the virus is quite resistant to temperature changes and can maintain its vital activity outside the human body for a long time.

It does not matter which of these routes the virus entered the genitals. In any case, it penetrates the mucous membrane of the genital organs and urinary canals. There, virions find cells and penetrate them, reaching the nuclei and introducing personal genetic code into the code of the cell itself. This provokes the following reaction. Viral proteins are synthesized in the damaged cell, and from them new virions are formed, which further spread throughout the host’s body. And only when they multiply en masse do the first symptoms of the disease begin to appear.

Important: Genital herpes is easily transmitted through household objects, so if there is a carrier in the family, children are also at risk.

Virions that reach the processes of nerve cells tend to penetrate their nucleus. These cells are located in the basal ganglia region of the spine, closer to the tailbone. At this time, the body begins to develop immunity against the virus. During this process, particles free from virions die, and the affected ones begin to be replaced by young and healthy ones. Genital herpes seems to have been defeated, but nerve cells affected by the virus continue to retain its gene. There they remain until the person’s immune system weakens. As soon as this happens, young virions begin to spread throughout the body, moving towards external tissues.

Symptoms of genital herpes depending on the stage of the disease

Each individual stage of genital herpes has its own symptoms. To better understand the symptoms, we need to familiarize ourselves with each stage separately.

In the initial stage, rashes characteristic of the virus are not yet observed, but at the sites of their future manifestation, a feeling of burning, pain and itching begins to be felt. Minor swelling may also appear in combination with the following symptoms:

minor pain in the perineum (in men it is localized in the scrotum);
heaviness and pain in the upper thighs;
numbness is felt in the pelvic area, which intensifies after prolonged sitting and sleep;
in some cases the temperature may rise.

Important: Fever is often accompanied by general malaise. With this symptom, it is very important not to confuse the manifestations of herpes with other diseases.

The above period can last from 2 weeks to 5 months. Next, the second stage of the disease begins, which is characterized by rashes on the skin.

At the sites of future rashes, foci of redness of the skin appear, then this area becomes covered with numerous small blisters with clear liquid. If the first stage can be ignored, then the second cannot be skipped. The resulting blisters are uncomfortable and very painful.

Locations of rashes with genital herpes:

pubis;
area of the anus and buttocks;
external genital area;
cervix;
inner thighs;
urethra.

Rashes in the area of the buttocks and anus often occur as a result of anal sex, during which infection occurred.

The third stage is characterized by rupture of the vesicles and the formation of ulcers in their place. All this happens simultaneously and lasts about a day. Then the surface of the ulcers begins to become covered with a crust, under which the damaged tissues regenerate. There are no visible consequences of the disease.

The third stage is considered an exacerbation of the disease, which is also accompanied by many mental disorders - stress, isolation, insomnia, depression, as well as fear associated with sexual intercourse. Patients with little sexual experience or mental disorders are at risk of developing suicidal thoughts.

Genital herpes comes in several forms. Not every one of them will exhibit the symptoms described above. Sometimes the signs are completely absent, and sometimes the symptoms are very vague. Let's take a closer look at these forms of genital herpes.

Forms of genital herpes

Experts distinguish two forms of herpes – primary and recurrent. The first form appears in the coming weeks after infection (in rare cases, several months later). Manifestations of the second are repeated every time the body’s protective functions decrease.

Genital herpes is also divided into atypical microsymptomatic, macrosymptomatic and asymptomatic forms.

Microsymptomatic (or subclinical). The symptoms are mild and are often not a reason to seek help. Most often it is a slight itching and a couple of blisters that appear.
Macrosymptomatic form. With this form, not all of the described symptoms appear. Sometimes it is itching and pain, but there are no blisters themselves, and sometimes there are just blisters without any other manifestations.
The very name “asymptomatic form” speaks about this type of disease. With this form, no external manifestations are observed. Even relapses are asymptomatic. The carrier, unaware of his problem, does not protect himself and infects his sex partners.

The intensity of symptoms varies slightly between women and men. In the weaker sex they appear faster and with greater brightness.

Who is at risk first?

There is no data on who is more susceptible to contracting this disease. But having studied all cases of infection, we can identify a certain group of people in whom the disease occurs most often. This group includes:

Among homosexuals, 50% are infected with genital herpes;
people with other sexually transmitted diseases;
representatives of the weaker sex are more at risk;
More often, antibodies to the virus are found in people of the Negroid race.

Important: The risk of contracting genital herpes increases significantly if a person regularly changes sexual partners.

Experts have also noted that with age, the risk of infection with genital herpes increases rapidly. Among carriers of this disease, the largest percentage occurs at the age of 35–40 years.

Effect of the virus during pregnancy

Since genital herpes is a fairly common disease, many women are interested in the question of how the infection affects pregnancy, the possible risks of infection of the fetus and its impact on the health of the child?

Everything will depend on the type of disease. The greatest danger lies in primary infection. If the virus enters the mother’s body for the first time in early pregnancy, it will most likely provoke the development of defects in the child. During this period, the formation of all vital organs and tissues of the embryo occurs, and virions are able to penetrate the placenta and infect nerve tissue. Under such influence, the threat of miscarriage, fetal deformities, its death, as well as the risk of premature birth increases.

Important: The best option to exclude the impact of infection on the child is to undergo examinations for HSV at the stage of preparation for pregnancy, as well as undergo them regularly during pregnancy.

If an atypical form of the disease was discovered in a pregnant woman, I have been carefully monitoring her for the last month and a half using HSV examinations (tests are taken at least 2 times). In this case, natural delivery is excluded. This is necessary in order to prevent infection of the fetus as it passes through the birth canal. The woman in labor is offered a caesarean section.

Impact of the virus on a newborn

The likelihood of a baby becoming infected greatly increases when a woman is infected with genital herpes during the last trimester. Infection of the fetus itself often occurs in the prenatal period, when rupture of the membranes has already occurred, as well as during the birth itself when the child passes through the infected birth canal. Further, the infection spreads throughout the baby’s body through contact or hematogenous routes. Primarily affected:

the eyes of a newborn (the retina and blood vessels become inflamed, clouding of the lens occurs);
oral mucosa;
skin (redness, hemorrhages, appearance of vesicles);
respiratory tract.

The localized form of infection provokes the appearance and development of:

keratoconjunctivitis is an ophthalmological disease of inflammatory nature;
Chorioretinal dystrophy - a disease of the retina;
meningoencephalitis is a process that affects the child’s brain.

Experts have noticed that infected children often suffer from neurological disorders.

Genital herpes can cause and develop a generalized infection in the body of a newborn, which manifests itself 7–14 days after birth. In this case, local symptoms are accompanied by fever, vomiting, refusal to eat, bleeding, shock, respiratory distress, and jaundice.

Vascular insufficiency and acute blood loss can cause death.

Possible complications of genital herpes without appropriate treatment

The first symptoms of the disease pass, and the resulting ulcers have healed. During this period, some patients think about the retreat of the disease and ignore the prescribed treatment. In fact, this calm threatens the following health complications:

If the infectious process reaches the pelvic plexus area, the patient cannot avoid the development of neuralgia - peripheral nerves are affected, and this is accompanied by severe pain in the pelvis.
Under the influence of mechanical irritations, the mucous membrane of the genital organs regularly dries out, cracks and erosions form on it. Such symptoms greatly complicate sexual life and suppress libido and sexual potency. Often, a patient with such symptoms develops neurasthenia - a mental illness.
Untreated genital herpes often recurs. These outbreaks provoke a strong decrease in general and local immunity, and this is reflected in the development of nonspecific diseases in the sexual sphere.
As mentioned earlier, the disease greatly complicates the course of pregnancy. Every third pregnancy when infected in the early stages ends in miscarriage. Among all diseases that threaten the development of the fetus, herpes ranks second.

When the virus penetrates sperm, they become infected. This can cause spermatogenesis disorders. For many couples this ends in infertility.

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

The symptoms of genital herpes are often similar to those of other viral diseases. To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory tests are carried out in the form of a virological method - the pathogen is isolated using cell culture or using a chicken embryo. Results are available after 2 days.

It is also recommended to undergo and be tested for the presence of immunoenzyme particles - pathogen antigens. Using the cytomorphological method, the extent to which the infection has affected healthy cells is assessed. Mutation of healthy cells can manifest itself in large sizes and the presence of several nuclei.

Important: For an accurate diagnosis, it is recommended that all tests be taken several times. It is better if there is an interval of 2–4 days between these studies.

Of all the tests, the most informative are considered to be: urine tests, PCR, as well as taking scrapings from the vagina, genitourinary canals, and cervix.

How to treat genital herpes in women

At the first symptoms of the disease, the patient begins to look for the most effective treatment for genital herpes, but not everything is so simple. The thing is that this disease cannot be completely cured. Once virions enter the body, they remain there forever. Taking medications only helps to eliminate the symptoms of the disease, as well as prolong the frequency of remissions.

Features of drug treatment

All therapy consists of the use of tablets, vaginal suppositories, and ointments for external use.

The most effective drugs in the fight against genital herpes include:

Famciclovir (among analogues is Valtrex).
“Acyclovir” (among analogues are “Acivir”, “Virolex”, “Ciclovax”, “Lizavir”, “Acyclovir-BSM”).
"Penciclovir"

These antiviral drugs can be taken in 2 ways. The first is episodic use, when one course lasts about 10 days. The second is preventive, using medications for one or two months.

Experts more often recommend the use of the drug "Acyclovir", as well as its analogues. Reception occurs in capsules or tablets. The therapeutic dose for adults can be found in the attached instructions. The effect of the drug is as follows: if the disease is at an early stage, taking Acyclovir will help avoid rashes. If blisters have already formed, the drug will help accelerate their healing and reduce the severity of symptoms. The drug is also recommended to be taken in case of frequent relapses as a prophylactic agent.

Among the methods of treating genital herpes there is also complex therapy. It includes the use of ointments: Zovirax, Acyclovir, Oxolinic ointment, Virolex, as well as the use of immunomodulators: Lykopid, Amiksin, Interferon, Polyoxidonium. For skin lesions, it is recommended to use Fukortsin.

The action of all these drugs is aimed at supporting the immune system. By stimulating its specific and nonspecific factors, further spread of viruses is blocked, and the purity of relapses is reduced.

Treatment regimens for genital herpes

To ensure the effectiveness of treatment, all medications are taken according to a certain schedule. The doctor determines which one to prescribe depending on the general condition of the patient, the duration of symptoms and the type of disease itself.

Primary infection with genital herpes is treated according to the following scheme.

For the treatment of recurrent genital herpes, the following regimen is used.

Treatment regimen for genital herpes in women

Drug name	Dose used	Duration of admission
"Acyclovir" - 200 mg.	You need to drink 1 gram per day.	5–7 days
immunoglobulin against herpes	1 appointment for 72 hours	2 weeks
Vitamins B1, B6	1 dose per day, 1 ml.	2 weeks
"Taquitin"	1 ml 1 time for 3 days.	14 days
"Phenazepam"	2 times a day, 1 tablet.	week
Eleutherococcus tincture	3 times a day, 3 ml.	3 weeks
Calcium chloride	You need to take 20 ml per day.	3 weeks

Antiviral therapy during pregnancy is carried out in rare cases and as an exception. Such an exception may be a severe form of the disease, which is accompanied by other diseases that pose a threat to the patient’s life. In this case, the use of human immunoglobulin is prescribed. The drug is administered intravenously according to the following scheme. First trimester - 25 ml 3 times a day (administered every other day). In the last trimester of pregnancy - the same dose, but 2 weeks before the expected birth. Viferon can be prescribed as a complex therapy.

Treatment of genital herpes with folk remedies

In folk medicine, there are also many recipes for the treatment of genital herpes. The use of many recipes is recommended by doctors themselves. Here are some of them.

Infusion for douching and washing from a herbal collection. To begin, you need to mix the following ingredients in equal quantities: meadow clover flowers, birch leaves, calendula, motherwort and dandelion root. We measure 10 grams from the mixed collection. and fill with water in a volume of 350 ml. This mixture is boiled for 5 minutes over low heat. The resulting infusion is filtered and used as douching or washing. The procedure is carried out in the evening for 2 weeks.
The next infusion from the series can relieve itching during the initial stages of infection. To prepare the infusion you will need 10 grams. pour a glass of boiling water over the herbs. This mixture is infused for half an hour and filtered. Can be used in two ways. The first is to soak gauze in the resulting infusion and apply it to the affected areas for 10–15 minutes. Second, this infusion should be drunk in 2 doses during the day.
Chamomile's ability to have an anti-inflammatory effect will help relieve pain and get rid of itching. It is used in the form of douching and washing. To prepare the infusion, take 5 grams. dry herbs and pour 200 ml of boiling water. All this is infused for about an hour. Can be used 2 times a day.

The use of folk remedies is possible only after their approval by the attending physician.

Measures to prevent genital herpes

Prevention measures are conventionally divided into two areas. The first is to exclude the possibility of infection. The second is to reduce the purity of relapses and their strength.

The following measures will help reduce the risk of contracting genital herpes:

Streamline your sex life (it is advisable not to change sexual partners).
If you are unsure about your new partner, always use condoms (in this case, you can use the drug Miramistin).
Don't ignore hygiene rules.
If your sexual partner already has an infectious disease, it is better to refrain from having sex during the period of its relapse (it does not matter where the herpes rash is localized, on the genitals or lips).

If you already have a disease, preventive measures include the following rules:

Suppressive therapy should be administered between relapses.
Mandatory immune support. Good nutrition, the use of vitamins and a healthy lifestyle should become constant companions.
Pay special attention to somatic diseases. Sore throat, flu and other diseases must be cured effectively and quickly so as not to give them the opportunity to reduce the body's protective functions.
It is advisable to stop drinking alcohol and tobacco (or reduce the dose consumed).

Modern medicine has enough means to reduce the symptoms of genital herpes. Even if it was not possible to avoid infection, you can always find effective treatment against symptoms and relapses. But even an asymptomatic disease is a problem for general health, so it is better to streamline your lifestyle and then be calm for yourself and your loved ones.

Genital herpes, small and large, is an unfavorable disease that is viral in nature and is considered infectious. In case of improper treatment or untimely measures, there is a possibility of developing serious consequences and consequences for the genitourinary system.

The causative agent is HSV type II - the herpes simplex virus. Diagnosing a genital herpes infection can be a problematic task, because the characteristic infections of the formation are similar to the manifestations of other sexually transmitted and sexually transmitted diseases.

The human body becomes susceptible to any type of infections and viruses due to a weakening of the protective function: the immune system can be suppressed by a long course of antibiotics, overwork, stress, exacerbations of other diseases - viral or ARVI.

It is customary to include women at risk, as well as girls during menstruation.

Important! It is quite easy to catch herpes, regardless of the form and type: the infection is transmitted by airborne droplets, with bodily fluids, and through close contact.

The main causes of infection with HSV type II:

Promiscuous sexual intercourse;
Unprotected intercourse;
Use of general personal hygiene items - towels, razors, etc.

Symptomatic picture of genital herpes

It has been noted that herpesvirus on the external genitalia can be confused with other types of sexually transmitted diseases. It is not enough to know what herpes looks like on the labia and how it manifests itself, therefore, when you detect the first symptoms and suspect the development of an infection, it is recommended to immediately consult your doctor.

Symptoms of the disease are similar to symptoms in other parts of the body. In order to give a comprehensive idea of the course, let us present the development process in stages:

At the initial stage of the lesion, a woman or girl may experience an unpleasant burning sensation and tingling in the vulva area. Often, pulling and shooting pains are felt along the affected nerve. Infection of the vulva with a virus will certainly cause redness in some areas of the external genitalia;
At the next stage, places that cause a lot of inconvenience to the infected person will begin to become covered with grouped formations of bubbles filled with clear or cloudy liquid. Groups of viral vesicles can migrate along the vulva, coalesce and expand (in especially severe and advanced forms);
After the clusters reach the peak of formation, spontaneous ulceration will occur - the bubbles will burst, releasing a huge number of viral cells. At this stage, the carrier poses a particular danger to others;
The final stage is to cover the areas of the rash with a hard crust and heal the ulcers left by grouped viral clusters.

How to treat herpes in the intimate area

Having discovered the first signs of the disease, herpes in the intimate area can be cured using several groups of remedies. It is better if the application is carried out in a complex manner:

Immunomodulatory agents;
Antiviral drugs;
Analgesics and aseptics.

Important! In the case of the primary manifestation of herpes of the labia or with frequent relapses, as well as during exacerbations, it is recommended to contact your doctor: after examination and ordering the necessary tests, they will be given an accurate diagnosis. There, the doctor will tell you how to treat the rash, prescribe the course of medications required for a particular case and give appropriate prognoses.

Let's consider several popular and effective means that are distinguished by their productivity:

Acyclovir. Available in ointment and tablet form;
Zovirax. Similar to Acyclovir, it is produced in several forms;
Cycloferon. This drug is classified as an immunomodulator. Release form: tablets.

It was noted that an integrated approach to treatment is the best possible approach. Thus, the use of Acyclovir or Zovirax by applying it to the infected areas with the combined use of Cycloferon will give an unsurpassed result. Before using any product, you should consult a specialist.

If the course is accompanied by pain or neuralgia, the doctor may prescribe a set of painkillers. It is important to understand that their action is aimed at suppressing only part of the symptoms, and they alone will not be able to overcome the virus.

Important! There is a high risk of developing complications after herpes occurs on the genitals, treatment should begin when primary symptoms are detected and, if the situation requires it, be aggressive. The woman’s genitourinary system and adjacent mucous membranes are under attack.

Prevention of labia herpes

In order to avoid the formation of rashes and infections, it is enough to follow a number of simple rules:

Avoid casual sexual contacts and relationships;
Use basic contraception - condoms;
In case of unprotected sexual contact with a partner who is a carrier of the infection, treat the genitals with antiviral prophylactic agents (Miramistin, Panavir);
During treatment, be sure to smear the affected areas with clean hands and using tampons or applicators;
If the partner is permanent, then no later than six months it is recommended to take all the necessary tests and smears;
During the course of the disease, all sexual contact (including oral and anal sex) will need to be excluded.

Important! Keeping the immune system in order is half the success: complex therapy partially suppresses and suppresses the virus; the bulk of the work is performed by the immune system.

A disease of the genital organs caused by one of the herpesvirus family is called genital herpes. The causes of genital herpes are sexual in nature. Symptoms may not be monitored at the initial stage, but the disease poisons the body. Often a person does not know where poor health and frequent colds come from. The reason for this situation is infection. The disease cannot be cured, therefore, the sooner a person identifies the problem and begins treatment, the greater the chance of preventing complications.

There are 80 types of virus. They affect the mucous membrane, skin, and central nervous system. The main cause of genital herpes is herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or 2. Often bacteria enter the body together with cytomegalovirus and ureaplasma.

Genital herpes develops cyclically. Activity occurs on days 2-21. Within a few days, a person develops rashes on the lips, wings of the nose, and herpes appears in the intimate area. Then the symptoms disappear.

Genital herpes affects the anus, perineum, and genitals. In difficult cases, it spreads to the cervix, uterine body, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Herpes simplex virus

Causes of primary infection

How does the virus enter the body?

Primary through sexual contact with an infected partner. An infected person is able to transmit the infection during an exacerbation period. When contacting such a partner, the likelihood of infection is very high. Often the disease is transmitted from people who are unaware that they are carriers of genital herpes. Since at first there are no manifestations of the disease, no treatment is carried out.

After regular sex, herpes appears in intimate places. The consequence of oral and anal sexual intercourse is infection of the mucous membranes of the mouth and anus.

Genital herpes: pathogen, types, routes of transmission, causes, incubation period

Other causes of genital herpes

In rare cases, the disease is transmitted by airborne droplets. Other causes include organ transplants, blood transfusions, and artificial insemination.

There is a 17% risk that a woman will become infected with the herpes virus from a male partner during unprotected sex. This figure is reduced by 2 times if a condom is used during sexual intercourse.

After infection, blisters on the surface of the skin contain fluid containing bacteria. Upon contact with it, infection occurs. After this, the microbes enter the body through the damaged surface of the mucous membrane or skin. The virus enters the nervous system with the blood and remains in the body forever.

In a healthy person, after exposure to the herpes virus, antibodies are produced, and the infection does not manifest itself. Intensive proliferation of bacteria is caused by:

nervous tension and stress;
strict diets;
infectious diseases;
intrauterine devices;
hypothermia;
bad habits.

Among the causes of genital herpes is heredity. Doctors have traced the connection - if the grandmother is sick, the mother is infected, there is a 75% chance that the granddaughter will get sick.

Causes of recurrence of genital herpes

In 50% of those infected with the virus, repeated manifestations of the disease are observed. The frequency of relapses varies. The main cause of genital herpes, which provokes repeated manifestations, is sexual contact without the use of protection.

Microbes of type 1 are transmitted during normal sex, HSV type 2 enters the body through oral or anal sex. Frequent relapses occur when:

inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system;
decreased immunity;
stressful situations;
physical overload;
disturbances in the functioning of hormones.

A carrier of the herpes virus does not always show symptoms characteristic of the disease.

How genital herpes is not transmitted

Infection with genital herpes is impossible:

from the toilet seat;
in swimming pools;
in baths, saunas;
from dishes.

Symptoms appear when the immune system is weakened. A person experiences itching, rashes on the genitals and swelling. There is damage to the urinary canal by genital herpes. At the first stage, a person develops blisters, and then erosions.

Who's at risk

According to statistics, 60–80% of people by the age of 30–40 are infected. Of these, 80% do not show symptoms. Women are most often affected by the disease.

People who neglect protective equipment during sexual intercourse are at risk of becoming infected. Those who like to change partners and those who like unprotected sex are in the possible risk zone.

There is a high probability of infection among people of non-traditional sexual orientation and bisexuals. Of the total number of infected patients, 60% belong to these categories.

Gynecologists, surgeons, and dentists are at risk of getting sick if they come into contact with a virus carrier during an exacerbation period. In this case, the infection is transmitted through the affected mucous membranes or blood.

Relapse Prevention

Complete security cannot be ensured. The main protection against infection is to eliminate the causes of genital herpes. Preventive measures in the fight against genital infection, as well as exacerbations of the disease:

Avoiding sexual contact with strangers.
Vaccination against HSV type 2.
Use of protective equipment during sexual intercourse.
Maintain personal hygiene.
Support the immune system with vitamins and strengthening preparations.
Examinations by a doctor at least 2 times a year.
Minimizing stressful situations.

Protection with a condom is not always effective. If tissues that are not protected by latex are affected, infection will still occur.

For women, pharmacists offer vaginal medications to fight infection. Tablets and suppositories are used 2 hours after sexual intercourse. For men, there are medications in liquid form. Among them is a 10% betadine solution. Apply the composition to the genital area and inner thighs and wash off after 10 minutes.

A preventative measure is a healthy lifestyle. A strong and strong body can easily cope with infection or relapses of genital herpes.

To avoid infection, you should use separate towels for your face, legs, and body.

One of the reasons for the appearance of genital infections is the use of other people's personal belongings. To prevent infection, you need to give up a dangerous habit.

Since infection occurs against the background of hormonal imbalance, you should avoid drugs that have a hormonal effect on the body.

Despite the fact that 80% of the population is infected with the disease, it can and must be combated. Although doctors know where the disease comes from and the reasons for its development, there is no cure for complete recovery. The goal of therapy is to prevent the development of pathology and complications. The main efforts should be aimed at eliminating the causes of herpes in the intimate area. With correct behavior and elimination of the causes leading to relapses, the problem can be avoided.

Types of genital herpes, complications and prevention

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 and 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, household contact (through objects contaminated with 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 easier 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.