Genital herpes or genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease in men and women, which is characterized by blisters in the genital area. However, genital herpes also sometimes does not cause any symptoms so that this condition is often not realized by the sufferer.
Genital herpes or genital herpes is a disease caused by a viral infection. This disease is most often transmitted through sex with people who are infected with this virus. In addition, genital herpes can also be transmitted from pregnant women to their fetuses.
Herpes in babies can also occur when a baby is kissed by someone who has blisters from herpes in his mouth.
Genital Herpes Symptoms and Complications
Genital herpes often causes no symptoms. If it appears, the complaint is blisters in the genital area which are accompanied by pain and itching. These symptoms can recur several times a year. However, as the immune system builds up against the herpes virus , the frequency of recurrences will decrease.
If left unchecked, genital herpes or genital herpes can cause other dangerous complications. In addition to other sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, genital herpes sufferers can also get inflammation at the end of the large intestine (rectum) or bladder.
Genital Herpes Treatment and Prevention
Sufferers of genital herpes need to be given antiviral drugs . Giving this drug aims to shorten the duration of the appearance of symptoms and prevent transmission of this disease to others.
Prevention of genital herpes is by practicing safe sex, for example by not having multiple partners. If you have ever had genital herpes, talk about this condition with your partner and suggest that he undergo an examination so that he can be treated immediately if he gets infected.
Causes of Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex)
Genital herpes or genital herpes is caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus is transmitted through direct contact with wounds, saliva, or genital fluids of HSV sufferers. One of the ways it spreads is through intimate contact, both through the vagina (vaginal), mouth (oral), and anus (anal).
Despite not experiencing symptoms, genital herpes sufferers can transmit this disease to others. Therefore, people who alternate sexual partners have a greater risk of contracting genital herpes or genital herpes.
After infecting a person, the herpes virus will survive in the body. From time to time, for example when the body's immunity is weak, the virus can become active again and cause relapse symptoms. This decreased body resistance can be triggered by fatigue, certain diseases, menstruation , stress, or injury.
Be aware that the virus that causes HSV cannot survive outside the human body. Therefore, this infection is not contagious through contact with things used with the sufferer, such as towels or toilets.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex)
Genital herpes or genital herpes is often not realized by the sufferer, because it can occur without symptoms. However, in patients who experience symptoms, the complaint can be in the form of blisters in the genitals that feel painful and itchy. These blisters appear 2 days to 2 months after being infected with the HSV virus.
The characteristics of blisters on genital herpes are:
- Blisters filled with fluid and redness around them that appear in clusters
- The wound area looks swollen and feels soft when pressed
- The blisters will burst and release fluid or blood, then form scabs
In addition to the appearance of blisters, genital herpes can also be accompanied by symptoms similar to the flu , namely fever and muscle pain. In certain conditions, a lump may appear in the groin due to swollen lymph nodes , or herpes infection that spreads to the eye (herpes keratitis).
After the initial infection, genital herpes or genital herpes can recur several times a year. Recurrence of genital herpes is indicated by blisters accompanied by heat, pain, or tingling in the genital area.
The symptoms can be accompanied by pain in the lower back, buttocks, thighs, or knees. However, wounds at the time of relapse usually heal faster. Over time, the body will develop an immune system to fight the herpes virus so that the infection will rarely recur.
When to go to the doctor
Consult a dermatologist if you engage in risky sexual intercourse, such as changing partners and not using a condom. Also ask your doctor how to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases , including genital herpes.
If you experience a reddish blister in the mouth or genital area, immediately see a doctor. The doctor will perform an examination to determine the cause of the wound and provide appropriate treatment.
Complications of Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex)
There are several complications that can occur due to genital herpes or genital herpes, namely:
1. Other sexually transmitted diseases
People with genital herpes are at high risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV . This risk will increase if the sufferer has sex without a condom.
2. Proctitis (inflammation of the rectum)
Genital herpes can make the wall of the end of the large intestine (rectum) inflamed. This condition often occurs in people who have anal (rectal) sexual intercourse.
3. Meningitis
The HSV virus can spread to cause inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord ( meningitis ). Even so, this complication is rare.
4. Disorders of the urinary tract
Sores on genital herpes can cause inflammation along the bladder. As a result, the urinary tract (urethra) can be closed.
5. Infection in newborns
Babies born to mothers with genital herpes can contract this virus during the delivery process. The condition can cause brain damage, blindness, or death after birth.
Prevention of Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex)
Having safe sex, for example by not changing sexual partners and using condoms, is the main way to prevent genital herpes. In addition, be honest about your medical condition to your partner, including if you have ever suffered from genital herpes or other sexually transmitted infections.
If your partner has genital blisters, immediately go to a dermatologist so that he can get treatment and do not have sex first. However, if you still want to have sex, use a condom to cover the blistered area.
Not only to prevent transmission to other people, genital herpes sufferers also need to make efforts to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body, namely by:
- Wash your hands with soap and water after touching the infected area
- Do not wet the glasses with saliva