Genital herpes (herpes genitalis) is a common sexually transmitted disease. Genital herpes is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). According to estimates, HSV-2 viruses are detectable in 10 to 30 percent of the world’s population.
Find out below which doctor treats genital herpes and what the treatment involves.
Genital herpes is transmitted almost exclusively through unprotected sexual intercourse. Therefore, genital herpes is classified as a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
If you have contracted genital herpes, it manifests as painful, itchy, and tingling blisters in the genital area. Swelling of the genital organs is also possible. Once you’ve been infected, you can experience recurring outbreaks because the herpes viruses remain in your body for life.
The Causes of Genital Herpes
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) can cause genital herpes.
In 50 to 70 percent of cases, the herpes simplex virus type 2 is responsible.
In about 20 to 30 percent of cases, the infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1.
Transmission of Genital Herpes
HSV-1 spreads through droplet or contact transmission (via the air or through touch). Infection with HSV-2 occurs through the exchange of infected bodily fluids.
The main cause of genital herpes is therefore unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner. The risk of contracting genital herpes is higher for women than for men. The risk of transmission is highest when the herpes blisters are already visible or just before they appear.
Factors Contributing to Recurrences of Genital Herpes
After symptoms subside, the herpes viruses remain in the body for life as an asymptomatic infection. Once a person has recovered from a genital herpes infection, a new outbreak can occur at any time.
Such recurrent genital herpes outbreaks—which are generally milder than the initial infection—are triggered by:
- A weakened immune system
- A cold
- Fever
- Bacterial infections
- Skin irritations
- Stress
Other causes of genital herpes infection
Another cause of genital herpes is transmission of type 2 during pregnancy or childbirth. The virus can be passed from an infected pregnant woman to her unborn child or newborn. The child’s skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs may be affected.
In about 50 percent of pregnant women with genital herpes, this results in a miscarriage.
Symptoms of genital herpes
The first symptoms appear in patients about three to seven days (rarely three weeks) after infection. Typical symptoms of genital herpes include itchy and tingling blisters in the genital area.
Early signs of genital herpes
Genital herpes initially manifests as an uncomfortable sensation in the genital area. Painful itching, tingling, or burning in the genital area, around the anus, or on the buttocks are also typical symptoms.
As the infection progresses, small, fluid-filled blisters form in the genital area. The blisters have pus-filled, crusted coverings that usually heal within two to three weeks.
Other symptoms of genital herpes
In addition, the patient may experience general symptoms of illness (fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, fluid retention in the tissues, and muscle pain).
Diagnosis of genital herpes
Genital herpes is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and a laboratory test. During the physical examination, the doctor takes a swab of fluid from the blisters for the laboratory test.
- Physical Examination
During the physical examination, the doctor closely examines the external genital area and the anus. In most cases, the doctor can recognize the condition based on the typical formation of blisters in the patient’s genital area. To confirm the diagnosis, the treating doctor also performs a laboratory test.
- Detection of the Genital Herpes Virus via Laboratory Test
For the laboratory test, the doctor takes a swab of fluid from the blisters and has it examined under a microscope in the laboratory.
These tests can determine which type of herpes virus is present. The diagnosis of genital herpes can be confirmed by detecting antibodies in the blood.
Swab for a herpes test in the lab @ Tobif82 /AdobeStock
Treatment of genital herpes
Genital herpes is incurable, as the virus remains in the body for life. The goal of treatment is to control the herpes blisters, alleviate symptoms, and shorten the duration of the illness.
Treatment of genital herpes with antiviral medications
Mild cases of genital herpes often do not require treatment, as they heal on their own. If this is not the case, prescription antiviral medications (known as antivirals) are usually used.
Common medications include:
- Acyclovir
- Famciclovir
- Valacyclovir
The patient takes the medication for five to ten days. The ointment is applied to the affected areas. In severe cases and with recurrent outbreaks, the doctor may also administer the medication intravenously (via injection into a vein or infusion).
Prompt treatment of genital herpes with antiviral medications relieves symptoms and prevents the infection from spreading.
Prognosis and Prospects for Recovery from Genital Herpes
Since the viruses that cause genital herpes remain in the patient’s body for life, the disease is incurable. A patient who has had genital herpes once may experience recurrent outbreaks. These are primarily triggered by a weakened immune system, stress, and infectious diseases.
The frequency of genital herpes recurrences varies from patient to patient. Some patients show no symptoms of genital herpes for years; others experience outbreaks several times a year. The older the infected patient, the less frequently genital herpes recurrences occur.
Which doctor should you see?
If you suspect you have genital herpes, the following specialists are the right people to consult:
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