Though it is not common knowledge, most people in the world live with a form of genital herpes. The disease is sexually transmitted, and the symptoms often vary in everyone. With medication and care, one can reduce the infection and its scale. Even though it is likely to return, the disease is still treatable. One can curb its symptoms with a healthy lifestyle and medications.
What is Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease or infection (STI). The leading cause of herpes is the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The condition can also spread through skin-to-skin contact during intercourse.
Each person experiences the symptoms of the disease differently. For some, the symptoms are mild, and for others, there are no symptoms at all. In either case, the person can spread the disease. Some people experience pain, itching, and sores around their mouth, anus, or genitals.
The thing about genital herpes is that it is a preventable disease, not curable. One can reduce the chances of contracting the disease with proper preventative measures. Such measures include practising safe sex with the help of contraception like condoms. Medicine can ease the symptoms, but condoms lower the chances of transmitting the disease.
What is genital herpes in women?
A person contracts the HSV disease when they do not have adequate protection to practise safe sex. The chances of contracting the disease increase when an individual comes in contact with the fluids of the infected person. Such fluids include semen and saliva. Genital herpes in women is caused by the HSV-2 virus, and it can be passed through sexual contact with an infected person, including oral, genital, or anal sex.
The symptoms of genital herpes in women may include itching or burning around the vagina; pain when urinating; small red bumps, blisters, or open sores on the genitals; swelling of nearby lymph nodes; and feeling generally unwell with flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches.
If left untreated, genital herpes can lead to serious complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of genital herpes in women
The symptoms of genital herpes, especially in women, are inconsistent for all. Here is what to look out for:
• Burning sensation during urination
One of the earliest signs of herpes in women is the burning sensation during urination. A form of genital herpes in women causes a burning sensation during urination. It is because the urine touches the sores causing the pain.
It is also uncomfortable since the sores grow in and around the urethra. Peeing becomes a painful task. When the urine touches the sores, it causes a burning sensation and itching. Many also experience pain around their genitals. With treatment, such a problem can subside.
• Blisters and sores
The first outbreak of herpes includes blisters that can cause itchiness and are painful. They appear around the genitals. If herpes recurs, the intensity of pain and itchiness is less severe. During the consequent outbreaks, the pain will not be as intense, and the itchiness will not be harsh. The sore will also heal in no time with the treatment for herpes.
Genital herpes symptoms are not the same for everyone. You will even notice the difference between the first and the second time. They appear as tiny blisters around your genitals. These genitals can occur in clusters and can feel squishy.
• Fatigue
One of the other genital herpes symptoms is fatigue. When someone contracts herpes for the first time, they can experience the following symptoms: fever and tired feeling, tender lymph nodes, itching, soreness, and swelling of the genitals.
The herpes outbreak causes some people to experience flu-like symptoms. It causes pain, body aches, muscle pain, headache, and fever. It can make one feel lethargic and even swells up the lymph nodes.
• Loss of appetite
The sores make eating and drinking difficult. Therefore, one naturally loses their appetite. Genital herpes also affects the hunger of a person. The decrease in appetite in the initial outbreaks often occurs along with a general sick feeling. It is one of the earliest signs of the disease of what is genital herpes.
• Swollen lymph nodes
The lymph nodes in the body stay alert to protect the body from any foreign attack. Herpes in the genitals causes the lymph nodes in the groin region to swell up and enlarge. Contact your medical professional to receive a diagnosis and treatment for the swollen lymph nodes and the swelling in the groin.
5 most common causes of genital herpes in women
1. HSV-1
HSV-1 is the type of herpes in women whose symptoms are sores and blisters. It spreads when people engage in skin-to-skin contact. Individuals with the HSV-1 infection in their mouth can pass it to their partner during oral sex. Close physical and sexual activities and using the same utensils can spread the disease.
2. HSV-2
HSV-2 is the most common herpes infection diagnosis. The herpes symptoms women suffer from in this case are blisters and ulcers. The blisters and ulcers appear in the mouth and on the genitals as well. The virus, in the case of HSV-2, is present in the blister or fluids of the lining of the mouth. It can also be present in the fluids of the vagina and rectum. That is how the virus and the infection move from one person to another during intercourse.
3. Fluids contamination from partner
The chances of contracting female genital herpes from your partner are high. How one can contract herpes from their partner is many. For instance, one can contract the disease through sexual activities. Engaging in sexual activity and sharing sex toys increase the chances of contracting the disease.
4. Sharing items orally
As stated above, even sharing items orally with your partner can transmit the disease. It is better to avoid sharing glasses, towels, and silverware if you or someone else has herpes. Otherwise, the chances of contamination are high. Since the disease spreads primarily through physical contact, it is better to take such preventative measures.
5. Compromised immune system
Immuno-compromised people are more at risk of contracting herpes. It can cause inflammation of the eyes, brain, oesophagus, lungs, and liver.
How to treat genital herpes?
1. Medications
Herpes is curable. The professionals will reduce the chances of recurrence with the proper medications and treatments. The medicines help battle infections and relieve the person of pains, itching, and swelling to some extent.
2. Using contraceptives
Another way to treat and prevent the transmission of herpes is to use contraceptives. People who have herpes should use contraceptives when engaging in any sexual activity. It lessens the likelihood of what causes genital herpes.
3. Home remedies
Even though home remedies are available, it is better to treat them with the consultation of a medical professional. The professionals suggest the best remedies to cure and lessen the pain.
Learn more about genital herpes treatments on Ova
If you’re looking for treatments for genital herpes and ways to manage symptoms, book an online consultation with Ova’s medical team to learn more here. They’ll be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and prescribe medications that would work best for your condition.
Conclusion
People with herpes must immediately consult a medical professional to get treatment. It is better to get the treatment as fast as the detection. Also, with genital herpes treatment, the recurrence chances reduce drastically. One enjoys good sexual health with treatment.
FAQs about genital herpes
1. How do genital herpes appear?
Herpes appears as a small blister around the rectum, genitals, and mouth.
2. How common is genital herpes?
On average, around 11.9% of people aged between 14 to 49 years have herpes.
3. How is genital herpes treated?
The readily available treatment is through medications that reduce the chances of spreading and reoccurrence.
4. Can genital herpes be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure. However, medication and contraceptives reduce the chances of contracting the condition.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.