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

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

Given the predominantly sexual route of infection, genital herpes in women can equally be considered both a gynecological and a venereal 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 HSV(). Two types of this microorganism are known: HSV-1 and HSV-2. In 75 - 85% of women with genital herpes, it is the second type of virus that is found. The main source of reproduction of this microorganism in women is the cervical canal. The peak incidence of herpes infection occurs at the age of 21-25 and 34-38 years.

Infection with genital herpes does not mean the presence of a clinically expressed disease. In most cases, there is a virus carrier 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 for decades in the nerve nodes and in the mucous membranes of women, slowly continuing to develop.

Once introduced into the body, the virus “settles” there forever, periodically activating and renewing the clinical picture of the disease under the influence of conditions favorable for it. factors:

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

Ways of infection and risk groups

To date, the following causes of herpes disease have been established:

Unprotected sexual contact with a carrier of HSV, moreover, the partner may completely lack external manifestations of genital herpes. It can be either regular vaginal intercourse or oral-genital or anal sex. Most at risk of infection are young, sexually active women who have sex without a condom and have many casual partners, as well as girls who have an excessively early sexual life.
The passage of a newborn through the birth canal of a sick mother. As a rule, both in the vagina of the woman in labor and on the head of the child, abrasions occur, which can serve as a gateway for the transmission of the virus.
Interaction with biological fluids from the body of patients(blood, lymph, semen). In this case, venereologists and gynecologists, laboratory workers fall into the risk group.
Self-infection of the patient when he, having herpetic eruptions on his lips, constantly scratches them and then touches his intimate places with the same hand. These are the rarest cases of infection, but they must also be borne in mind.
household way- occasionally, infection is also possible through public toilets, hygiene items used by the patient (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 the disease

The disease of women with genital herpes manifests itself in the form of 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. With oral-genital contact, damage to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract is possible.

In rare cases, HSV is found in the uterine cavity- the main female organ of childbearing, in the fallopian (uterine) tubes and in the bladder. Depending on the degree of 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 characteristic external signs of herpetic infection:

Against the background of an edematous, reddened mucous membrane of the affected genital area, multiple or single vesicles are poured out - bubbles filled with a clear liquid. The vesicles are about 3 mm in diameter, and their surface area is 0.5–3 cm. Initially, the vesicles are painless.
After 2-3 days, the vesicles burst, and in their place small irregularly shaped ulcers up to 1 mm deep are formed.
A few days later, the sores are covered with a yellowish coating. In the case of a secondary bacterial infection, the ulcers can become purulent and grow to large sizes.
If there are no purulent complications, the sores heal within two to four weeks, leaving no traces behind. Purulent and large ulcers can exist for quite a long time - several months.

Breakthrough of the bubbles and the formation of ulcers is accompanied by burning, itching, severe pain, frequent urination, a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. With a pronounced picture of such herpes, which is sometimes also referred to as general, often there are symptoms of general malaise:

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

At the same time with healing of ulcers gradually disappear symptoms 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 recovered from 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 just every three years with a mild form, and monthly with a severe one.

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 with each time increasing duration of remissions and subsidence of clinical symptoms.
arrhythmic. It is characterized by wide variations in the duration of remissions - from two weeks to six months. The more frequent 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 unchanging remissions. For example, genital herpes in women worsens with each menstruation and subsides at the end of it. This type of disease lasts for years and is very difficult to treat.

Atypical form

This form of infection is characterized by 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 pathogen using available examination methods. Or if the ongoing 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 blisters and ulcers. Discharge in this form of herpes is usually copious, watery.

Atypical herpes looks like this on the female genitals:

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 the data of a gynecological examination of the external and internal genital organs using special mirrors. In the presence of characteristic vesicles 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 the blood serum women points to genital herpes. At the same time, 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 a scraping 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 the safest. Complications of this disease will not lead to death. During its vital activity in the human body, there are no serious disturbances in the work of internal organs. And only in exceptional cases, herpes can cause infertility. But even in the absence of serious complications, the disease can cause a lot of problems and inconvenience to the patient. Therefore, each person needs to know the maximum information about this disease, its occurrence, prevention and effective treatment.

The family of herpes viruses contains 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 in the shell of viral particles, which has a spherical shape, and consists of lipo- and glycoproteins - proteins. The role of glycoproteins is to help the virion (viral particle) find the cell and attach to it.

The virion has dimensions of only 200 nanometers, but despite this it is quite stable. He feels great at temperatures up to + 50 ° C, where his life 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. Sufficiently resistant to repeated freezing and thawing. These features of the virus contribute to its rapid spread among people.

Ways of infection and further vital activity of the virus

Genital herpes and each of its types has its own symptoms and locations. This will depend on where the virions arrive in the body. For a better understanding, we will understand 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 get on the partner's genitals even from the carrier's lips (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 contact in his life seeks help. Infection can occur by touching the hands to the lips, and then immediately to the genitals. It is not necessary to exclude the ways of infection through clothing or household items. As mentioned earlier, the virus is quite resistant to temperature extremes and can retain its vital activity outside the human body for a long time.

Which of these ways the virus got to the genitals is unimportant. In any case, it penetrates into the mucous membrane of the genital organs and urinary canals. There, virions find cells and penetrate them, reaching the nuclei and introducing a personal genetic code into the code of the cell itself. This provokes the next reaction. In the damaged cell, the proteins of the virus are synthesized, and from them newly made virions are formed, which further spread throughout the body of the carrier. And only with their mass reproduction, the first symptoms of the disease begin to appear.

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

Virions that have reached the processes of nerve cells tend to penetrate into their nucleus. These cells are located in the basal ganglia of the spine, closer to the coccyx. At this time, the body begins to develop immunity against the virus. During this process, virion-free particles die, and the affected ones begin to be replaced by young and healthy ones. Genital herpes seems to have been defeated, but the nerve cells affected by the virus continue to retain its gene. There they remain until the person's immune system is weakened. 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 the course of genital herpes has its own symptoms. To better understand the symptoms, we need to get acquainted with each stage separately.

In the initial stage, the rashes characteristic of the virus are not yet observed, but at the places of their future manifestation, a burning sensation, pain and itching begin to be felt. Minor edema may also appear in conjunction with the following symptoms:

minor pain in the perineum (in men, they are localized in the scrotum);
heaviness and pain at the top of the thighs;
numbness in the pelvic area, aggravated after prolonged sitting and sleeping;
in some cases, the temperature may rise.

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

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

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

Places of localization of rashes with genital herpes:

pubis;
anus and buttocks;
external genital area;
Cervix;
inner surface of the 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 the rupture of the bubbles and the formation of ulcers in their place. All this happens at the same time and lasts about a day. Then the surface of the sores begins to crust, under which 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, and fear associated with sexual intercourse. Patients with little sexual experience or psychiatric disorders are at risk of suicidal thoughts.

Genital herpes has several forms. Not all of them will show the symptoms described above. Sometimes the symptoms are completely absent, and sometimes the symptoms are very blurred. Let's get acquainted with such forms of genital herpes closer.

Forms of genital herpes

Specialists 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 each time with a decrease in the protective functions of the body.

Also, genital herpes is divided into atypical microsymptomatic, macrosymptomatic and asymptomatic forms.

Microsymptomatic (or subclinical). Symptoms are mild and often not a reason to seek help. Most often it is a slight itching and a couple of bubbles that have appeared.
macrosymptomatic form. With this form, the described symptoms do not appear all. Sometimes it is itching and pain, but the absence of the vesicles themselves, and sometimes only vesicles without any other manifestations.
The very name "asymptomatic form" speaks of this type of disease. With this form, external manifestations are not observed. Even relapses are asymptomatic. The carrier, unaware of his problem, does not protect himself and infects his sex partners.

The intensity of symptoms in women and men is slightly different. In the weaker sex, they appear faster and with greater brightness.

Who is at risk first?

There is no data on who is more prone to contracting this disease. But having studied all cases of infection, it is possible to 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.

Also, experts have noticed that with age, the risk of infection with genital herpes increases rapidly. Among the carriers of this disease, the largest percentage falls on the age of 35–40 years.

The impact 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 the primary infection. If the virus entered the mother's body for the first time in the early stages of pregnancy, it is likely to provoke the development of defects in the child. During this period, all the vital organs and tissues of the embryo are laid, and virions are able to penetrate the placenta and affect the nervous tissues. Under such influence, the threat of miscarriage, fetal deformities, fetal 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 their regular passage during pregnancy.

If an atypical form of the disease was found in a pregnant woman, for the last one and a half months I have been carefully observing her with the help of HSV examinations (tests are taken at least 2 times). In this case, the conduct of childbirth in a natural way is excluded. This is necessary in order to exclude infection of the fetus during the passage of the birth canal. A woman in labor is offered a caesarean section.

The impact of the virus on the newborn

The probability of infection of the baby is greatly increased when a woman becomes infected with genital herpes during the last trimester. The very infection of the fetus often occurs in the prenatal period, when the 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 by contact or hematogenous route. First of all, it is affected:

the eyes of a newborn (the retina and blood vessels become inflamed, the lens becomes cloudy);
oral mucosa;
skin (redness, hemorrhage, the appearance of vesicles);
Airways.

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

keratoconjunctivitis - an ophthalmic disease of an inflammatory nature;
chorioretinal dystrophy - a disease of the retina;
meningoencephalitis - processes that affect the brain of a child.

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 lead to death.

Possible Complications of Genital Herpes Without Appropriate Treatment

The first symptoms of the disease disappear, and the formed sores 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, the patient cannot avoid the development of neuralgia - the peripheral nerves are affected, and this is accompanied by severe pain in the small pelvis.
Under the influence of mechanical irritations, the mucous membrane of the genital organs regularly dries up, cracks and erosions form on it. Such symptoms greatly complicate sexual life, 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 non-specific diseases in the genital area.
As mentioned earlier, the disease greatly complicates the course of pregnancy. Every third pregnancy with infection in the early stages ends in a miscarriage. Among all diseases that threaten the development of the fetus, herpes ranks second.

When the virus enters the spermatozoa, they become infected. This can lead to impaired spermatogenesis. For many couples, this ends in infertility.

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

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 pass tests for the presence of enzyme immunoassay particles - pathogen antigens. Using the cytomorphological method, it is estimated how much the infection has affected healthy cells. The mutation of healthy cells can manifest itself in large sizes and the presence of several nuclei.

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

Of all the tests, they consider the most informative: 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 the virions have entered 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 in the use of tablet preparations, vaginal suppositories, as well as ointments for external use.

Of the most effective drugs in the fight against genital herpes, there are:

"Famciclovir" (among analogues - "Valtrex").
"Acyclovir" (among the analogues - "Acivir", "Virolex", "Cyclovax", "Lizavir", "Acyclovir-BSM").
"Penciclovir"

These antivirals can be taken in 2 ways. The first is an episodic reception, when one course is about 10 days. The second is preventive, with the use of drugs for one or two months.

Experts often recommend the use of the drug "Acyclovir", as well as its analogues. It is taken in capsules or tablets. The therapeutic dose for adults can be found in the attached instructions. The action of the drug is as follows - if the disease is at an early stage, taking Acyclovir will help to avoid rashes. With bubbles already formed, the drug will help accelerate their healing and reduce the severity of symptoms. The drug is recommended to be taken with frequent relapses as a prophylactic.

Among the methods of treatment of 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: Likopid, 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. With the stimulation of its specific and non-specific factors, the further spread of viruses is blocked, and the purity of relapses is reduced.

Treatment regimens for genital herpes

For the effectiveness of treatment, all medications are taken according to a certain scheme. Which one to prescribe, the doctor determines depending on the general condition of the patient, the duration of the symptoms and the type of the disease itself.

Primary infection with genital herpes is treated below the above scheme.

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

The scheme of treatment of genital herpes in women

Name of the drug	Applied dose	Reception duration
"Acyclovir" - 200 mg.	You need to drink 1 g per day.	5–7 days
immunoglobulin against herpetic	1 appointment for 72 hours	2 weeks
Vitamins B1, B6	For a day, 1 dose in 1 ml.	2 weeks
"Taquitin"	1 ml 1 time for 3 days.	14 days
"Phenazepam"	2 times a day, 1 tab.	a 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 threaten the life of the patient. In this case, the use of human immunoglobulin is prescribed. The drug is administered intravenously according to the following scheme. First trimester - 3 times a day, 25 ml (introduced every other day). In the last trimester of pregnancy - the same dose, but 2 weeks before the expected birth. In the form of complex therapy, "Viferon" can be prescribed.

Treatment of genital herpes folk remedies

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

Infusion for douching and washing from herbal collection. To begin with, you need to mix the following ingredients in the same amount: meadow clover flowers, birch leaves, calendula, motherwort and dandelion root. From the mixed collection we measure 10 gr. and fill with water in a volume of 350 ml. This mixture is boiled for 5 minutes on 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 at the initial stage of infection. To prepare the infusion will need 10 gr. herbs pour a glass of boiling water. This mixture is infused for half an hour and filtered. It can be applied in two ways. First, gauze is wetted in the resulting infusion and applied to the affected areas for 10-15 minutes. The second - this infusion should be drunk in 2 doses during the day.
The ability of chamomile to have an anti-inflammatory effect will help relieve pain and get rid of itching. Use it in the form of douching and washing. To prepare the infusion, 5 gr. dry grass and poured with boiling water in a volume of 200 ml. All this is infused for about an hour. You can use it 2 times a day.

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

Measures to prevent genital herpes

Preventive measures are conditionally 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 can help reduce the risk of contracting genital herpes:

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

With an existing disease, preventive measures include the following rules:

Between relapses, suppressive therapy should be carried out.
Mandatory immune support. Good nutrition, the use of vitamins and a healthy lifestyle should become constant companions.
Pay special attention to somatic diseases. Angina, flu and other diseases must be cured effectively and quickly in order not to give them the opportunity to lower the body's protective functions.
It is advisable to stop drinking alcohol and tobacco rack (or reduce the dose used).

In modern medicine, there are enough funds to reduce the symptoms of genital herpes. If it was not possible to avoid infection, it is always possible to find an 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 on small and large ones is an unfavorable disease that is viral in nature and is considered infectious. In case of improper treatment or untimely measures taken, 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 infection with genital herpes can be a problematic task, because the characteristic infections of the formation are similar to manifestations of other sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted diseases.

The human body becomes susceptible to any type of infections and viruses due to the 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 SARS.

It is customary to refer to the risk group and, as well as girls during menstruation.

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

The main causes of infection with HSV type II:

promiscuity;
unprotected intercourse;
Use of common 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. Knowing what herpes looks like on the labia and how it manifests itself is not enough, therefore, when the first symptoms are found and if an infection is suspected, it is recommended to immediately contact your doctor.

Symptoms of the disease are similar to symptoms of manifestation in other parts of the body. In order to give an exhaustive idea of the course, we will present the development process in stages:

At the initial stage of the lesion, a woman or girl may experience an unpleasant burning sensation, tingling in the vulva. Often, drawing and shooting pains are felt along the affected nerve. The defeat of the vulva by the virus will certainly cause reddening of some parts of the external genital organs;
At the next stage, places that cause a lot of inconvenience to the infected will begin to become covered with grouped formations of bubbles filled with a clear or cloudy liquid. Groups of viral vesicles can migrate along the vulva, coalesce and expand (with especially severe and advanced forms);
After the accumulations 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 the grouped viral clusters.

How to treat herpes in the intimate area

Having found the first signs of the disease, it is possible to cure herpes in the intimate area by several groups of remedies. It is better if the application is carried out in a complex application:

Immunomodulating 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 examining and prescribing the necessary tests, they will be given an accurate diagnosis. In the same place, the doctor will tell you how to treat rashes, prescribe the course of drugs required for a particular case and give appropriate forecasts.

Consider a few widely used and effective tools that differ in productivity:

Acyclovir. Available in the form of ointment and tablets;
Zovirax. Similar to Acyclovir, it is produced in several forms;
Cycloferon. This drug is classified as an immunomodulator. The release form is tableted.

It was noted that an integrated approach to treatment is the best possible approach. So, the use of Acyclovir or Zovirax by applying to the affected areas with the complex intake of Cycloferon will give an unsurpassed result. Before using any means, you should consult with a specialist.

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

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

Prevention of herpes of the labia

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

Exclude casual sexual contacts and connections;
Use elementary means of 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, always smear the affected areas with clean hands and with the help of tampons or applicators;
If the partner is permanent, then at least every six months it is recommended to take all the necessary tests and smears;
For the duration of the course of the disease, all sexual contacts (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 inhibits the virus, the main part of the work is performed by the immune system.

A disease of the genital organs, the appearance of which is caused by one of the herpesvirus family, is called genital herpes. The causes of genital herpes are sexual in nature. Symptoms at the initial stage may not be monitored, but the disease poisons the body. Often a person does not know where bad health, frequent colds come from. The reason for this situation is infection. The disease is not curable, therefore, the sooner a person identifies the problem and begins treatment, the more likely it is to prevent complications.

There are 80 types of virus. They affect the mucous membrane, skin, central nervous system. The main cause of genital herpes is the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or 2. Often bacteria enter the body along 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, genitals. In difficult cases, it passes to the cervix, body of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

herpes simplex virus

Causes of primary infection

How the virus enters the body

Primary sexual contact through contact with an infected partner. An infected person is able to transmit the infection during an exacerbation. In contact with such a partner, the likelihood of infection is very high. Often the disease is transmitted from people who do not suspect that they are carriers of genital herpes. Since at first there are no manifestations of the disease, then treatment is not carried out.

After ordinary sex, herpes appears on intimate places. The consequence of oral and anal intercourse is infection of the oral mucosa, anus.

Genital herpes: causative agent, types, transmission routes, causes, incubation period

Other causes of genital herpes

In rare cases, the disease is transmitted by airborne droplets. Organ transplantation and blood transfusion, artificial insemination are also the cause.

There is a 17% risk that a woman will contract the herpes virus from a male partner through 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 a liquid containing bacteria. Contact with it causes infection. After that, microbes enter the body through the damaged surface of the mucous membrane or skin. With the blood, the virus enters the nervous system and remains in the body forever.

In a healthy person, after being hit by a herpes virus, antibodies are produced, and the infection does not manifest itself. To intensive reproduction of bacteria lead to:

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

Among the causes of genital herpes is heredity. Doctors 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 is different. The main cause of genital herpes, which provokes repeated manifestations, is sexual contact without the use of protective equipment.

Type 1 microbes are transmitted during normal sex, HSV type 2 enters the body during oral or anal sex. Frequent relapses occur with:

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

The carrier of the herpes virus does not always have the symptoms inherent in 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 has itching, rashes on the genitals and swelling. There is a lesion of genital herpes of the urinary canal. At the first stage, bubbles appear in a person, and then erosion.

Who is 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 intercourse are at risk of becoming infected. In the zone of possible risk, lovers of changing partners, lovers of unprotected sex.

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

Gynecologists, surgeons, dentists risk getting sick when in contact with a virus carrier during an exacerbation. In this case, the infection is transmitted through the affected mucous membranes or blood.

Prevention of relapses

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

Exclusion of sexual contact with strangers.
Vaccination against HSV type 2.
Use of protective equipment during sexual intercourse.
Compliance with personal hygiene.
Support of the immune system with vitamins and strengthening preparations.
Check-ups with a doctor at least 2 times a year.
Minimizing stressful situations.

Condom protection is not always effective. If tissues not protected by latex are affected, infection will occur anyway.

For women, pharmacists offer vaginal preparations to fight infection. Tablets and suppositories are used 2 hours after sexual intercourse. For men, there are drugs in liquid form. Among them is a 10% betadine solution. The composition is treated with the genital area and the inner surface of the thighs, washed off after 10 minutes.

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

To avoid infection, use separate towels for the face, legs, and body.

One of the reasons for the appearance of a genital infection is the use of other people's personal belongings. In order to prevent infection, it is necessary to abandon the dangerous habit.

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

Despite the fact that 80% of the population is infected with the disease, it can and must be fought. Although doctors know where the disease comes from and the reasons for its development, there are no drugs for a 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 the right behavior, elimination of the causes leading to the appearance of relapses, problems can be avoided.

Types of genital herpes, complications and prevention

Genital or genital herpes refers to viral diseases. 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, in the remaining 15% the disease occurs without pronounced symptoms. Genital herpes occurs equally in both women and men.

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

Reasons how it is transmitted

In most cases, genital herpes is caused by infection with the human herpesvirus type 2 (HHV-2). Cases of the development of the disease caused by Herpes labialis - HHV-1 are also described. HHV-2 infection occurs mainly through sexual contact. The second type of virus can be transmitted by kissing, when using shared utensils. Infection is also possible when using common 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 phase of rashes.

Main risk factors:

promiscuity in the 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, contact-household (through objects contaminated with secretions of a sick person: saliva, urine), in utero (through the mother's blood). Infection of the child can occur when it passes through the infected birth canal of the mother during childbirth.

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

Symptoms of genital herpes in women and men

In medical practice, several stages of the course of a viral infection are distinguished: primary genital herpes, in which the problem manifests itself for the first time, and secondary - subsequent cases of the disease and relapses. In most cases, relapses are easier in comparison with the primary manifestation of genital herpes.

The incubation period for 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, a burning sensation appears. All this may be accompanied by signs of intoxication: fever, general malaise, headache. A few days later, small bubbles appear on the external genitalia, they are filled with a clear liquid. After a while, the bubbles burst and ulcers form in their place. Ulcers heal within 2 weeks of their formation.
Relapses 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 different intervals from 2 times a month to 1 time per year. After the first episode, genital herpes can proceed without visible clinical manifestations.

Primary genital herpes occurs predominantly in women in the form of vulvovaginitis, but the cervix may also be involved in the process. Primary herpetic vulvovaginitis is characterized by the appearance of pronounced edema and hyperemia of the labia majora and labia minora, vaginal mucosa, perineum and, often, the inner thighs. There is pain, itching and dysuria, discharge from the vagina or urethra.

In men, the primary elements are often localized on the head, body of the penis, neck of the head, scrotum, thighs and buttocks. Grouped bubbles appear, first with transparent, and then cloudy contents. After the opening of the bubbles, extensive weeping erosions are formed, which have 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 pathogens (creeping phlegmon).
The formation of adhesions in the labia.
Pronounced pain syndrome.
Infection of the fetus during pregnancy.

Diagnostics

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

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

In 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 rashes that have appeared. The activity of the virus, the threat to the fetus, indications for treatment during pregnancy and the effectiveness of the treatment performed are determined by PCR analysis 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 medicine does not allow to completely cure the herpes simplex virus. Outside of relapse (recurrence), the virus is in an inactive state. When immunity is weakened, a recurrence of genital herpes occurs. Treatment speeds up the healing of the rash, reduces the risk of recurrence, and reduces shedding of the pathogen, but cannot completely eradicate 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 such drugs that contain ACV (acyclovir), for example, acyclovir-acry and zovirax; there are various forms of release of these drugs (tablets, ointments, intravenous injection solution); a group of ACV-containing drugs is sometimes replaced by triapten or alpizarin;
Conducting immunotherapy in parallel with antiviral therapy (aimed at correcting the links of immunity, specific and nonspecific).

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

With ineffective therapy, 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 GH, treated. Follow-up counseling of patients with this disease is an important step in the management of patients.