Treating Genital Herpes

2008-01-31 15:53:25

( Pharmeceutical-Medical )



Nature of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a recurring disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. Some individuals may not be aware that they have the disease, until outbreaks in the form of painful sores on the genital or rectum area appear.

The disease is transmitted either through sexual contact or by oral sex with infected individuals.

Sores typically last two to four weeks, and may occur several times during a year. While the first outbreak is usually severe and may be accompanied by fever and other flu-like symptoms, subsequent outbreaks are usually milder and less frequent. Attacks may also occur whenever your immune system is suppressed.

Complications of Genital Herpes

While the disease itself is not life-threatening, it can cause pain and discomfort during some outbreaks. This can in turn cause psychological stress for you, especially if you have just been diagnosed with the disease.

The biggest risk of genital herpes is that a mother can transmit the disease to her baby during delivery if she has an outbreak during childbirth.

Genital herpes is also crucial in spreading the HIV which in turn causes AIDS. Herpes enhances the susceptibility to the HIV, as well as complicate the effects of HIV.

Diagnosing Genital Herpes

Gynecologists and other medical experts can usually identify the disease visually. To be certain of the diagnosis, your doctor will take a sample from your sore and have the lab do a test for genital herpes.

Another form of genital herpes testing is to get a blood sample which will also detect the presence of the virus in your system.

Treatment of Genital Herpes

Unfortunately, treating genital herpes does not lead to its cure. During an outbreak, your doctor will prescribe antiviral medication in tablet or skin treatment form. You can apply the antiviral ointment or cream directly on the lesions several times a day for about two weeks until the sores disappear.

Another way of treating genital herpes is to take a daily suppressive therapeutic drug to reduce the chance of transmission to your partner.

During an outbreak, you are advised to either refrain from sexual contact or to use a condom to guard against infection.

Because emotional distress can arise from realizing that you have the disease, you may be advised to attend individual or group therapy sessions to help you cope in treating genital herpes.


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