Genital herpes

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss and sleep centers

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Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can also cause oral infections commonly known as "cold sores" or "fever blisters". This virus exists in two main types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both forms of the virus can cause sores on the genitals, but HSV-2 is more commonly associated with genital herpes.

Clinical Presentation

The hallmark symptoms of genital herpes are painful, watery blisters that develop on the skin or mucous membranes of the genitals. However, not everyone with genital herpes experiences symptoms, and the disease may remain asymptomatic in some individuals. When symptoms do appear, they are typically most severe during the initial outbreak and become less severe over time. The virus is highly contagious, especially during active outbreaks, but transmission can also occur in the absence of symptoms.

Herpes labialis

Prevention and Management

Despite the lack of a definitive cure for genital herpes, the disease can be managed effectively with antiviral medications, which can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks and decrease the risk of transmission to sexual partners. Barrier methods, such as condoms and dental dams, can also help reduce the risk of transmission. Individuals diagnosed with the disease should avoid sexual activity during active outbreaks and should inform their partners of their status.

It is important to distinguish between herpes simplex virus infections and canker sores (also known as aphthous ulcers), which have a similar appearance but appear inside the mouth and are not caused by the herpes simplex virus.

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See Also

• Herpes simplex
• Herpes labialis
• Sexually transmitted infection

References

Genital herpes Resources
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