Genital herpes is caused by an infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are 2 types: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes. HSV-1 is best known as the cause of the so-called ‘cold sore’. However, the type 1 virus seems to be increasingly the cause of genital herpes, usually due to contact between the mouth and genitals.
Is genital herpes common?
Yes, in the Netherlands about 15% of adults are infected with HSV-2. Not all of these individuals suffer from herpes. More than half of these infected people do not suffer from herpes. Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). Genital herpes is more common in women than in men.
How is genital herpes transmitted?
The transmission occurs through physical, usually sexual, contact with an infected partner. This partner is usually not aware of the fact that he / she has a herpes infection at the site of the genitals or mouth.
What are the symptoms and symptoms of a genital herpes?
It depends. If it is a first contact with the herpes virus, then there may be serious complaints. Women can have a lot of pain when urinating. This pain is sometimes so severe that urination is delayed as long as possible. On physical examination, in such a case, numerous painful sores are seen at the labia and at the entrance to the scabbard / vagina.
Often the secretion is also increased. With an initial infection, lymph nodes in the groin can be swollen and painful. Women can also feel flu-like about it. With a repeated infection, the symptoms are often less severe. There are fewer sores and they lie together like a group. Repeated attacks are often in about the same place.
How is a herpes attack provoked?
That’s not the same for everyone. We know from a number of circumstances that these can provoke an attack:
stress and fatigue
sunlight
disease (especially a viral infection, such as flu)
menstruation
operations (is actually also a form of ‘stress’)
How often does the herpes attack come back (relapses)?
That depends on the type of HSV that someone is infected with. HSV-2 infections come back to 90% in the first year after the first infection, usually after several months. With an HSV-1 infection, the infection comes back less often.
If I have cold sores, can I still get genital herpes?
Yes, you can. If you become infected with genital herpes, the symptoms are sometimes less bad. This is because there is a ‘partial’ protection of the cold sore virus.
How is ‘genital herpes’ diagnosed?
With a first attack (many sores / a lot of pain) the diagnosis based on the skin can almost certainly be made. With a cotton swab, some moisture is also taken from the sores. That is painful but fortunately only lasts for a short time. Demonstrating the virus is the definitive evidence that there is genital herpes. With a repeated attack, the picture is often not so clear.
If it is known what type of virus is present, it is easier to make a prediction about its course. It is also possible to show antibodies in the blood. Such a test is useful, for example, if pregnant woman has a partner with genital herpes, but is not familiar with the virus herself. If the pregnant woman does not yet have antibodies in her blood, she runs the risk of becoming infected during pregnancy.
Who can get genital herpes?
Anyone who is sexually active. As mentioned before, women are at increased risk of getting herpes. People with a reduced immune system are also more at risk.
How is genital herpes treated?
There is no real treatment for genital herpes, but the complaints can be treated. With a first infection, it is therefore of great importance that medication is started as soon as possible. The complaints will then quickly become less. Medications that are often given (usually tablets) are anti-viral agents. Cream, such as zinc ointment, can also be prescribed. If there is a lot of pain, an anesthetic cream can help. There is also the HSV Eraser Program that is reported that can help to boost the immune system to fight the disease.
What should I tell my partner if I have herpes?
Honesty lasts the longest. If you have a new partner, you can use condoms to prevent infection. If there is a long-standing relationship, there is a fairly high chance that your partner is also infected with HSV. In case of uncertainty, blood can be pricked for antibodies via the doctor.
What to do if someone who has herpes is pregnant?
Genital herpes during pregnancy can in very sometimes lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Most infected women have healthy babies. The risk to the baby is greatest if there is an initial infection 4-6 weeks before delivery. Then a caesarean section will usually be chosen. With repeated seizures, the risk is small. A first attack of genital herpes during pregnancy is treated in the same way as in non-pregnant women.
How can I protect myself from genital herpes?
Avoid sexual contact with someone who has sores on the site of the lips and/or penis. Often the partner is already contagious in the phase where no sores are visible yet.
The Health Vine 