Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease most commonly caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16.2 percent of adults ages 14 to 49 have genital herpes.There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus type 2. However, treatment options are available to decrease the spread of the virus and suppress outbreaks.
Signs and Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most individuals with herpes simplex virus type 2 do not exhibit symptoms or symptoms are mild and often ignored. If symptoms do occur, HSV type 2 causes fluid-filled blisters to develop on or near the genitals. When the blisters rupture, a shallow painful ulcer develops, often taking two to four weeks to heal. Other symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes in the groin and fever. Prior to a recurrent outbreak, a tingling or burning sensation often precedes the development of a blister. The herpes simplex virus type 2 remains in the body, lying dormant for a period of time, and reactivates causing recurrent symptoms.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of genital herpes can be made by a trained medical professional upon visualization of the lesions. Other tests to aid in the diagnosis of HSV type 2 include a viral culture of the suspicious lesion, analysis of the blister fluid, and blood tests to detect antibodies against the virus. Blood tests to check for antibodies against the virus are used to test those who are asymptomatic but are at risk for having the virus.
Complications
Herpes simplex virus type 2 can be transmitted to a newborn during vaginally delivery, causing potentially fatal complications. Women who contract the virus during pregnancy are at greater risk for premature birth and the virus may cause chronic skin infections, developmental delay, serious brain infections, or death. Women with recurrent genital herpes outbreaks should have a cesarean delivery to prevent transmission to the newborn. According to the National Institutes of Health, the risk of contracting the human immunodeficiency virus is heightened among those who have contracted the herpes simplex virus..
Treatment
There is no cure for herpes simplex virus type 2 or genital herpes. However, antiviral medications are available to relieve pain during an outbreak and to shorten and prevent outbreaks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antiviral medications taken daily can reduce transmission to partners. Examples of antiviral medications used to suppress the herpes simplex virus type 2 include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir.
Prevention
According to the National Institutes of Health, the herpes simplex virus type 2 can be prevented by avoiding all sexual contact or only engaging in sexual contact with an uninfected and mutually monogamous partner who has been tested for HSV type 2. Since HSV type 2 is transmitted sexually via skin-to-skin contact, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the virus but can not prevent transmission entirely. Furthermore, condoms should be used for all sexual contact because the herpes virus can be transmitted if no signs of an outbreak are present.
