Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, or STD, caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 or type 2. Herpes simplex virus enters the human body through small breaks in the skin or through mucus membranes. The major means of the spread of these viruses is through sexual contact. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that genital herpes infection is frequent in the United States, where 16.2 percent of people aged 14 to 49 have genital herpes simplex virus type 2 infections.
Increased Susceptibility to Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Having genital herpes may heighten the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests abstaining from sexual contact or engaging in a monogamous relationship to avoid contracting and transmitting genital herpes. It is important to continue with the use of condoms to prevent genital herpes and always maintain an open communication line with your partner.
Effects on Newborns
If an infant is born to a mother who has genital herpes and currently has open sores, the child can become infected as it passes through the birth canal. For mothers who are experiencing the first outbreak when giving birth to a baby, they are likely to transmit the infection to the infant. As a consequence, genital herpes can cause brain damage, blindness or death of the newborn. If a mother has herpes, a cesarean section is often used to help prevent spread of infection to the newborn.
Meningitis
In rare cases the herpes simplex virus can inflame the membranes and the cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and the spinal cord, causing meningitis. The Meningitis Research Foundation reports that while there are no known best treatments for meningitis caused by herpes, some patients who recover can still have further attacks, memory and concentration issues.
