Herpes << HUR peez >>, Genital, is the name of a common sexually transmitted disease. It is also known simply as herpes. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 is one of the herpesviruses, a family of viruses that cause a wide variety of diseases. See Herpesvirus.
HSV-2 infects only human beings and is transmitted during intimate sexual activity. In most cases, infection occurs on or around the sex organs or rectum. The virus then spreads along the nerves that connect the infected area to the central nervous system. The infection may be silent—that is, the virus is present in the body without producing signs of illness. An infected person also may experience symptoms that go away, only to reappear months or years later.
If symptoms do occur following infection, they may be severe and include fever, headache, stiffness in the neck, and weakness. These symptoms are followed by the appearance of a small pimple in the genital area. The pimple rapidly becomes a cluster of small blisters, which then develop into open, painful sores called ulcers. The blisters may be accompanied by painful urination and itching. Women may experience discharge from the vagina. The ulcers last 4 to 15 days, then gradually crust over and heal. If the symptoms reappear, the blisters and ulcers heal more rapidly and are less painful.
In people with AIDS, symptoms of genital herpes can be particularly severe, involving persistent, painful ulcers that last for months. The symptoms worsen as AIDS progresses and may become very difficult to control.
A pregnant woman who has genital herpes may pass the infection to her baby during the birthing process. Infection in the newborn may spread throughout the body, leading to blindness, brain damage, or death.
Doctors usually diagnose genital herpes by recognizing symptoms of the disease. Physicians prescribe the drug acyclovir in treating genital herpes. In most cases, this drug reduces the severity of the symptoms and prevents or decreases the frequency of recurrences. Individuals may reduce the risk of infection with genital herpes by using condoms or other protective measures during sexual activity.
See also Sexually transmitted disease.
