Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the HSV, or Herpes Simplex Virus as it's otherwise known. Patients can either be infected by HSV1 or HSV2, but the treatment and herpes symptoms are much the same for both. If you are worried about genital herpes this may be because you've heard that it can't be cured. This is true, but fortunately there are plenty of successful ways to treat the herpes symptoms so that you barely notice it's there at all.

How a person's herpes symptoms present all depends on their immune system. Some may not notice any symptoms at all, yet others will experience painful blisters on their vulva or frenulum. Along with blisters an outbreak might be accompanied by flu like symptoms, neuralgia (painful, sensitive muscles) and aching back, painful urination and a fever. The first outbreak will usually last 20 days and this may be the only one you have if your immune system is strong. Others, however, may experience recurrent outbreaks which last around half the time (10 days).

Your primary course of action if you suspect you have genital herpes should be to visit a GUM clinic or gynecologist. They will test you for all STI's and will be able to start the most appropriate form of treatment. Herpes symptoms are unpleasant but the painful blisters can be treated with a topical cream which will soothe the pain and make them heal quicker. You may also be prescribed anti-viral tablets to either take 5 times a day when the virus is present or take regularly but in low doses throughout the year to prevent outbreaks (this will be recommended if you have more than 6 outbreaks per year). For recurrent outbreaks you should visit your personal doctor who will formulate a long term plan of treatment for you.

Perhaps the most concerning part of having genital herpes is the worry about passing it onto a sexual partner. The best way to ensure this doesn't happen is to use condoms (either male or female) at all times, or at a push just when you are symptomatic (and therefore contagious). Simply using the pill or contraceptive injection/implant isn't going to prevent you from passing on or catching STIs; it only protects against pregnancy.

If you think you have herpes symptoms then the most important thing to do is visit your local GUM clinic as soon as possible to get tested. Luckily for people suffering with genital herpes the symptoms are very much treatable, even though it is a pain to have to keep visiting the doctor during outbreaks. You should also remember that genital herpes is caused by the very same virus that causes cold sores, so it's essentially a cold sore on your genitals rather than on your face. As long as you are vigilant with having safe sex with any sexual partners and you stay on top of any outbreaks you experience then there is no need to worry at all.

Stan Tian

Copyrighted material; do not reprint without permission.

 

View all articles by Stan Tian