Genital Herpes (HSV-2)
The Type: Viral
How its Transmitted: Herpes is spread by direct sexual
skin-to-skin contact with the infected site during vaginal,
anal or oral sex. Another strain of the virus, Herpes Simplex
Type 1 (HSV-1) is most commonly spread by nonsexual contact and
usually causes sores on the lips. However, HSV-1 can also be
transmitted through oral sex and can cause genital
infections.
The Symptoms: Symptoms are often very mild and may include
an itching or burning sensation; pain in the legs, buttocks or
genital area; or vaginal discharge. Blisters or painful open
sores may appear, usually in the genital area, buttocks, anus,
and thighs, although they can erupt anywhere. Sores heal after
several weeks but may recur.
The Treatment: There is no known cure. An anti-viral drug is
usually effective in reducing the frequency and duration of
HSV-2 outbreaks.
The Possible Consequences for the Infected person: An
infected person with sores present has an increased risk that
exposure to HIV will lead to infection because the sores
provide an entry point for the AIDS virus.
The Possible Consequences for the Fetus and Newborn: Women
who develop a first episode of genital herpes during pregnancy
may be at higher risk for premature delivery. Outbreaks present
during labor usually indicate the need for a cesarean delivery
because infection passed to the newborn during childbirth may
result in possible death or serious brain damage.
How to Prevent: Abstaining from vaginal, anal and oral sex
with an infected person is the only 100% effective means of
preventing the sexual transmission of genital herpes. Latex
condoms can reduce but not eliminate the risk of contracting
the disease during sex. However, it is still possible to
contract genital herpes, even though using a condom, via sores
in the genital area.
Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services -
Public Health Service, Rockville, MD 20857; The Upjohn Company;
Contraceptive Technology by R. Hatcher et al, Chapter 4, 16th
Revised Ed., 1994; Medical Institute for Sexual Health, P. O.
Box 4919, Austin, TX, 78765; MedicineNet.com; Centers for
Disease Control (CDC).
Other risks Chlamydia,
Gonorrhea, Hepatitis B, Herpes, HIV/AIDS,
Human Papalloma Virus, Syphilis and Trichomoniasis
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