Genital herpes (genital herpes) is a widespread sexually transmitted disease. Genital herpes is caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2). It is estimated that 10 to 30 percent of the world's population is infected with HSV 2 viruses.
You can find out below which doctor treats genital herpes and what the therapy looks like.
Infection with genital herpes occurs almost exclusively through unprotected sexual intercourse. Genital herpes is therefore a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
If you have contracted genital herpes, this manifests itself as painful, itchy and tingling skin blisters in the genital area. Growths on the genital organs are also possible. Once you have been infected, you can become ill again and again, as the herpes viruses remain in the body for life.
The causes of genital herpes
Type 1 herpes viruses (HSV 1) and type 2 herpes viruses (HSV 2) can be the causative agents of genital herpes.
In 50 to 70 percent of cases, the herpes simplex virus type 2 is responsible.
In around 20 to 30 percent of cases, there is an infection with the herpes simplex virus type 1.
Infection with genital herpes
HSV 1 spreads via droplet or smear infection (through the air or by touch). Infection with HSV 2 occurs through the exchange of infected body fluids.
The main cause of genital herpes is therefore unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner. The risk of contracting genital herpes is greater for women than for men. The risk of transmission is greatest when the herpes blisters are already visible or shortly before they appear.
Factors favoring the recurrence of genital herpes
The herpes viruses remain in the body as a symptomless infection for life after the symptoms have subsided. Once a person has recovered from a case of genital herpes, a new outbreak can occur at any time.
Such new outbreaks of genital herpes, which are usually weaker than the initial infection, are favored by
Other causes of a genital herpes infection
Another cause of genital herpes is type 2 transmission during pregnancy or childbirth. The virus can pass from the infected pregnant woman to the unborn child or newborn. The skin, mucous membranes and internal organs of the child can be affected.
Around 50 percent of pregnant women with genital herpes suffer a miscarriage.
The first symptoms appear in patientsaround three to seven days (rarely three weeks) after infection. The typical symptoms of genital herpes include itchy and tingling skin blisters in the genital area.
First signs of genital herpes
Genital herpes initially manifests itself through an unpleasant feeling in the genital area. Painful itching, tingling or burning in the genital area, anus or buttocks are also typical symptoms.
If the infection progresses, small, fluid-filled blisters form in the genital area. The blisters have a purulent, crusty coating that usually heals within two to three weeks.
Other symptoms of genital herpes
The patient may also suffer from a general feeling of illness (fever, headache and aching limbs, swollen lymph nodes, fluid retention in the tissue, muscle pain).
Genital herpes is usually diagnosed by means of a physical examination and a laboratory test. During the physical examination, the doctor takes a swab of the vesicle fluid for the laboratory test.
During the physical examination, the doctor takes a closer look at the external genital area and the anus. He can usually recognize the disease by the typical formation of blisters in the patient's genital area. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will also carry out a laboratory test.
For the laboratory test, the doctor takes a swab of the vesicle fluid and has it examined microscopically in the laboratory.
Tests can determine which herpes virus is present. By detecting antibodies in the blood, the diagnosis of genital herpes can be confirmed.
Swab for herpes test in the laboratory @ Tobif82 /AdobeStock
Genital herpes cannot be cured, as the virus remains in the body for life. The aim of treatment is to contain the herpes blisters, alleviate the symptoms and shorten the course of the disease.
Treatment of genital herpes with antiviral medication
Mild genital herpes often does not need to be treated as it heals on its own. If this is not the case, prescription antiviral medication (so-called virustatics) is usually used.
Common medications are
The patient takes the medication for five to ten days. The ointment is applied to the affected areas. In severe cases and with recurring outbreaks, the doctor also administers the medication intravenously (injection into the vein, infusion).
Rapid treatment of genital herpes with antiviral medication alleviates symptoms and prevents it from spreading.
As the viruses that cause genital herpes remain in the patient's body for life, the disease cannot be cured. A patient who has had genital herpes once can suffer recurrences again and again. This is mainly due to a weakened immune system, stress and infectious diseases.
The frequency of genital herpes relapses varies from patient to patient. Some patients show no symptoms of genital herpes for years; others fall ill several times a year. The older the infected patient, the less frequently recurrences of genital herpes occur.
If you suspect that you have genital herpes, the following specialists are the right people to contact:
