Genital herpes (herpes simplex) - Symptoms, causes and treatment

Genital herpes or genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease in both men and women, which causes: lblisters in the genital area. However, people with genital herpes can also be asymptomatic.

Because genital herpes can cause no symptoms, many sufferers are not aware that they have this disease. Therefore, safe sexual behavior needs to be done to prevent the transmission of the disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes often causes no symptoms. However, if it appears, the visible symptoms are blisters in the genital area. The sores are usually painful and itchy. These symptoms may recur several times a year. However, as the immune system develops against the herpes virus, the frequency of recurrence will decrease.

Causes of Genital Herpes

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the cause of genital herpes or genital herpes. The spread of HSV most often occurs through sexual contact with an infected person. In addition, genital herpes from pregnant women can also be transmitted to their unborn babies.

Herpes in babies can also occur when the baby is kissed by someone who has herpes blisters in his mouth.

Diagnosis of Genital Herpes

The diagnosis of genital herpes is established through a physical examination, especially on blisters in the genital area. In addition to examining the wound, a skin doctor can also examine wound fluid samples to determine the presence of the herpes virus. Doctors can also carry out blood tests to detect the presence of the herpes virus and antibodies to this virus.

Genital Herpes Treatment

Patients with genital herpes need to be given antiviral drugs. This antiviral drug is useful for shortening the duration of the appearance of symptoms and preventing transmission of the disease to others. However, antiviral drugs do not aim to eliminate the herpes virus from the body, because until now, there is no drug that can kill the herpes virus.

Patients infected with HSV are advised to tell their partners, so that their partners also see a doctor.

Genital Herpes Prevention

Efforts to prevent the transmission of genital herpes is to always have safe sex by not changing partners. If you've ever had genital herpes, it's best to talk to your partner about this condition and advise your partner to get tested so they can be treated immediately if infected.