Information about genital herpes
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) which is caused by the herpes simplex viruses: type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). In most cases, genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. It is also very common for individuals to have little or only minimal symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. However, when symptoms occur, they typically appear as small blisters on or around the genital area or rectum. The blisters that occur eventually break open leaving tender ulcers or sores that generally take from fourteen days to one month to heal the first time that an outbreak occurs. It is also common for a second outbreak to occur within weeks or months after the first, however, the following outbreaks tend to be a lot less severe and shorter than the first occurrence. Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks that occur tend to decrease over time. .
How common is Genital herpes?
Genital herpes is very common infection. In the United States at least 45 million people from the age of twelve and older, or one out of five adolescents and adults, have had genital HSV infection. However, during the past decade, the percent of Americans with genital herpes infection in the U.S. has decreased.
How do you get genital herpes?
HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found in and is also released from the sores that the viruses cause. The viruses are also released between herpes outbreaks from skin that does not appear to have a sore. Generally, a person can only get infected with HSV-2 infection during sexual contact or activity with someone who already has a genital HSV-2 infection. Transmission can also occur from an infected partner who does not have any visible sores and may not know that he or she is actually infected.
HSV-1 can cause genital herpes; however, HSV-1 more commonly causes blisters of the mouth and lips. HSV-1 infection of the genitals can be caused by a person having oral sex with a person who has HSV-1 infection. Generally, Genital HSV-1 outbreaks occur much less regularly than genital HSV-2 outbreaks.
Pictures of genital herpes
These pictures show the outbreak of genital herpes in men
These picture shows the outbreak of herpes in women
Treatment/Medication Dosage for Herpes
Herpes can be relieved with medication.
• Acyclovir (Zovirax) can be administered as follows: 400 mg orally (3 times daily or 200 mg orally 5 times daily) This course should be taken until ulcers heal. This usually within 5 to 10 days. This treatment helps the healing of lesions however, it does not prevent recurrences.
Other options include:
• Famciclovir (Famvir) 500 mg orally for 5-10 days is another option but is more expensive than acyclovir.
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex) 1,000 mg orally twice daily for 5-10 days is also more expensive than acyclovir.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2006. MMWR 2006;55(No. RR-11).
Stamm W E. Chlamydia trachomatis infections of the adult. In: K. Holmes, P. Sparling, P. Mardh et al (eds). Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 3rd edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1999, 407-422.
Suggested reading
1. Stamm WE. Chlamydia trachomatis Infections of the Adult. Chapter 32 in Holmes KK, et al (ed). Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 4th edition. New York, McGraw-Hill, 2008:575-93. The main chapter in the premier STD textbook, by one of the world's top experts in chlamydial infections.
2. Handsfield HH. Color Atlas and Synopsis of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2nd edition. Chapter 2, Chlamydial Infections. New York, McGraw-Hill, 2001:12-19. A succinct overview with extensive clinical photographs illustrating symptoms, intended for health professionals but easily understood by educated readers.
3. Datta SD, et al. Gonorrhea and chlamydia in the United States among Persons 14 to 39 Years of Age, 1999 to 2002. Annals of Internal Medicine 2007;147:89-96. The report of the most comprehensive national survey of these STDs in the US.
4. CDC. Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2006. Atlanta, GA, November 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/trends2006.htm Annually updated statistics on reported STD in the US.
5. CDC. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2006. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2006;55:RR-11. http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2006/toc.htm CDC's treatment recommendations, supplemented by extensive summaries of key information about all STDs.
6. CDC. Expedited Partner Therapy in the Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2006. http://www.cdc.gov/std/ept/ CDC's summary of outcomes of research studies and recommendations use of streamlined approaches to assure that partners of persons with gonorrhea or chlamydia receive treatment.
7. Brunham RC, et al. The unexpected impact of a Chlamydia trachomatis control program on susceptibility to reinfection. Journal of Infectious Diseases 2005;192:1836-44. A thoughtful analysis of why chlamydia rates might be rising despite intensive prevention, suggesting that earlier treatment reduces immunity, leaving persons susceptible to reinfection.
8. Golden MR, et al. Impact of expedited sex partner treatment on recurrent or persistent gonorrhea or chlamydial infection: a randomized controlled trial. New England Journal of Medicine 2005;352:676-85. The most comprehensive of three research studies documenting the effectiveness of streamlined treatment of sex partners.
9. Handsfield HH. Nongonococcal urethritis: a few answers but mostly questions (editorial). Journal of Infectious Diseases 2006;193:333-5. A succinct summary of the causes of NGU and the remaining uncertainties about the syndrome.
10. Scholes D, et al. Prevention of pelvic inflammatory disease by screening for cervical chlamydial infection. New England Journal of Medicine 1996;334:1362–1366. The primary research study documenting that routine testing prevents the most important complication of chlamydia.
11. Marrazzo JM, et al. Impact of patient characteristics on performance of nucleic acid amplification tests and DNA probe for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in women with genital infections. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2005;4:577-84. The science behind the modern tests for chlamydia.