One of the most common STDs is genital herpes, whose symptoms do not always occur. That is why the disease is actively spreading among the population.
It is caused by HSV 1, which also provokes rashes on the lips, or type 2. It is transmitted mainly during oral, anal and vaginal sex. However, the contact path of transmission is not excluded.
In addition, infection of the fetus from the mother during pregnancy and childbirth is possible. This can lead to severe pathologies and even death. Problems with bearing a child are a formidable complication of this disease.
The high prevalence of this STD and its constant growth is explained by the fact that symptoms of genital herpes are often absent. A person, not suspecting that he is infected, passes the virus to partners. In addition, there is an atypical form of the disease when there are very weak or unusual manifestations for it.
For example, it is genital herpes that can cause chronic inflammation , the symptoms of which in this case will be different from ordinary ones. Sometimes the disease manifests itself with only slight redness, itching, swelling, fissures.
Rashes can also appear in the vagina and on the cervix. In this case, the woman may also not suspect that she is infected. Often the urethra and rectum are involved in the process , which is accompanied by pain during urination and defecation.
So, herpes genital symptoms:
- rashes on the genitals, buttocks, hips, accompanied by itching and soreness;
- painful and frequent urination (herpetic cystitis).
It is worth noting that the main manifestation of the disease is precisely the rash, which first looks like vesicles. Then they burst and turn into weeping sores. In men, rashes appear on the foreskin and head of the penis, and in women - on the labia, perineum, anus.
Genital herpes, the symptoms of which fully occur mainly during primary infection, appears several days after infection. Subsequent relapses of the disease are easier. Rashes have a smaller area and are faster.
Diagnosis of the disease is carried out by examining a gynecologist, urologist or venereologist. When in doubt is confirmed by analysis. Sow or PCR excretion from the vesicles and genitals. In addition, determine the titer of IgG and IgM antibodies in the blood to the virus.
This allows not only to establish the fact of infection, but also to determine whether it is primary. You can also find out whether the virus is sleeping or is in an active state.
Treatment of the disease is carried out using antiviral therapy. Acyclovir or groprinosin is usually prescribed. In addition, interferon preparations are actively used. Acyclovir is used both topically as an ointment, and systemically. Doses and treatment regimen depends on the frequency and severity of relapses.
To reduce it will help the right way of life. Exacerbations of the disease occur with a decrease in immunity. Therefore, you should avoid stress, hypothermia, overheating, exercise, eliminate bad habits, eat right, eat enough vitamins.
Particularly responsible should be the approach to pregnancy planning for women with genital herpes. Since the exacerbation of the disease during this period can lead to infection of the fetus. The sooner this happens, the sadder the forecast. Activation of the virus in the last trimester, and especially before childbirth - an indication for cesarean section.
However, the primary infection is of particular danger to the course of pregnancy . Therefore, women who are not infected with the herpes virus need to be very careful. Every patient who plans a baby should have blood and smears given before pregnancy, and after conception do this every trimester.
So, genital herpes, whose symptoms are far from always present, is a common STD. It is dangerous in that it can complicate the course of pregnancy and lead to fetal pathology.