Genital herpes

Genital herpes: description

“Herpes on the penis”, “vaginal herpes”, “intimate herpes” – all these terms are summarized in genital herpes, the infestation of the genital area with herpes.

How is your genital herpes? – Trigger and transmission path

Herpes genitalis is triggered by herpes simplex viruses (HSV), which are divided into type 1 (HSV1) and type 2 (HSV2). For 70 to 80 percent of the cases Type 2 is responsible, the rest is triggered by Type 1.

Classically, a genital herpes infection with type 2 as a smear infection via unprotected intercourse takes place. Here comes infected with the virus body fluid directly or indirectly from one person to the next. Through minimal mucosal injury, the herpes viruses make their way into the body. Penis and vagina are the preferred sites of infection of the herpes simplex virus after the facial region.

A herpes in the genital area triggered by type 1 comes about through the transmission of cold sores to the genital region. This is usually done by oral sex or infection by viruses contaminated hands.

Also, an indirect genital herpes infection on infected items is possible. Because outside of the human body the viruses survive up to 48 hours. Used condoms or worn underwear therefore always harbor a risk of infection.

During pregnancy and at birth, the herpes virus can be transmitted from the mother to the child, causing serious complications, including miscarriage.

Once genital herpes, always genital herpes? – Primary infection and reactivation

Herpes viruses remain after a first infection, the so-called primary infection, lifelong in the body. First, the viruses reach the smallest skin and mucous membrane tears in the organism and multiply there in superficial skin cells, called epithelial cells, with the typical symptoms.

After some time, the symptoms disappear, but the herpes viruses are not completely destroyed by the body’s defense. Some of the pathogens migrate along the nerve tracts to the nerve roots (retrograde axonal transport). There, the viruses switch into a kind of sleep mode and escape the access of the immune system. In this state, also called latency, the herpes viruses last a lifetime.

The reactivation

From time to time the viruses become active again and migrate back to the epithelial cells of the skin. There they cause a new outbreak of genital herpes. This phenomenon is called reactivation (or recurrent infection) and occurs especially in weakened immune system.

Typical triggers of a reactivation are colds, mental or physical stress or heavy physical exertion.

Other risk factors for a reactivation of genital herpes are skin injuries or infections of the penis or vagina. Herpes viruses can penetrate particularly well here in the body. Even a high level of UV radiation can reactivate a genital herpes.

Certain medications, hormonal changes and diseases associated with immunodeficiency (for example, AIDS) may also promote the onset of genital herpes.

The frequency of outbreaks is individually different and decreases with age. Basically, it comes after infection with HSV2 more frequent reactivation than after infection with HSV1.

When is genital herpes contagious?

Sufferers are always contagious when the body excretes viruses. The more, the greater the risk of infection. As long as the viruses are in hibernation, infection is not possible, but only during the primary infection and subsequent reactivation when the typical bubbles occur.

In so-called “latent infections” show vaginal or on the penis little or no symptoms, yet viruses are eliminated. Here, the risk of infection is particularly high, because the affected can make any arrangements.

Who is affected by genital herpes?

Infections with the HSV2-caused genital herpes usually take place only from the beginning of sexual activity. According to a study by the Robert Koch Institute, between twelve and 16 percent of the total population in Germany is infected with HSV2. Women are affected more often than men because the risk of infection during intercourse is higher for women.

Genital herpes: symptoms and complications

After a first infection with genital herpes, the typical early symptoms occur only after two to twelve days (incubation period). Vagina or penis are red and swollen. Those affected often experience an unpleasant tingling and itching or a stinging, burning sensation. In addition, the lymph nodes in the groin often swell.

Sometimes after a few hours, but often only after days, small, painful blisters appear. These are filled with a transparent to purulent-cloudy liquid that contains many viruses and is highly contagious. The bubbles and burst open gradually.

This causes skin damage (erosions), occasionally even small, painful ulcers (ulcerations), which are often covered by a thin crust. In addition, pain may occur during urination (dysuria), as well as inflammation of the entire glans (balanitis) or vagina (vulvovaginitis). If the blisters and skin damage are completely gone, the genital herpes is cured.

The symptoms vary individually. Basically, primary infections are usually more severe than reactivations. Patients then suffer from general signs of illness such as fever, headache and body aches. Some show only very mild or no symptoms.

If those affected are already infected with HSV1, an HSV2 infection is often weaker, as the two virus types are very similar and the immune system is already adjusted.

Vaginal herpes is usually accompanied by a glassy discharge, which is much weaker in herpes on the penis, or completely missing.

Complications of genital herpes

As a rule, the symptoms affect only the genitals in genital herpes: vagina and vulva in the woman, the penis in the man. Occasionally, larger areas are affected.

So the genital herpes can spread over the buttocks halves to the thighs or occur around the anus. Sexual practices also allow other means of transmission. Even in the area of ​​the fingers it comes to genital herpes.

People who suffer from genital herpes have a greater risk of becoming infected with other sexually transmitted diseases during unprotected sexual intercourse. Your immune system is weakened by the herpes and the body thus more susceptible. Conversely, for example, HIV-infected patients are often infected with genital herpes.

Genital herpes: duration

The time course of the disease depends on many individual factors. The disease duration ranges from a few days to four weeks. As a rule, genital herpes but after two to three weeks endured.

Genital herpes: diagnosis

Although genital herpes usually has a typical appearance, but other diseases have similar symptoms. A mere gaze diagnosis by the doctor is usually not enough for a first infection. Additional laboratory tests confirm the suspicion.

In addition to special antibody tests (antibody detection), the smallest of virus components (antigen detection) or genetic information can be detected in the laboratory. Finally, one can also cultivate and accurately determine the herpes viruses.

Genital herpes: what helps?

For genital herpes treatment, certain so-called antiviral drugs are used. They have a very similar effect, are given in tablet form or sprayed in severe cases directly. These medications shorten the duration of the illness and weaken the symptoms.

Genital herpes: disease course and preventive measures

Mostly, genital herpes runs harmlessly and without further complications. Especially with initial infections, it is always advisable to consult a doctor, as a diagnosis should first be secured. In addition, only the doctor can prescribe the necessary drugs for the treatment of genital herpes.

As with all sexually transmitted diseases, sexual partners should also be investigated and co-treated as needed. The risk of infection can be significantly reduced with protected sexual intercourse, even with a condom transmission of genital herpes is not completely excluded. During an active outbreak of genital herpes sufferers should best abstain completely from sexual intercourse.

Helpful is the avoidance of stress of any kind and the support of the immune system through a healthy diet, adequate sleep and regular exercise. Because healthy defenses are the best protection against frequent outbreaks of Genital herpes.