Genital herpes: what you need to know about the virus that lives nearby

«Is it just a rash?» is the most common question in a dermatologist’s office.

Often, genital herpes is not detected during an examination, but… at an unexpected moment: a slight burning sensation, a few blisters — and anxiety that is difficult to suppress. Feelings of shame, fear of your partner’s reaction, searching for information on the Internet and uncertainty about where to start. But it is Knowledge is the best defense strategy. Genital herpes is not a rarity, not a sentence, and certainly not a «shameful topic,» but specific viral infection, which can be controlled.

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), most commonly type 2 (HSV-2), less commonly type 1 (HSV-1). It is characterized by the appearance of painful blisters and ulcers in the external genital area, as well as a chronic course with periods of exacerbations and remissions.

How is the virus transmitted?

• Sexually — the most common method of transmission

• Oral-genital contact — HSV-1 can get on the genital mucosa

• During childbirth - from mother to newborn

• Through damaged skin or mucous membranes - upon contact with the lesion

After the first infection, the virus remains in the body forever, remaining latent in the nerve ganglia.

Symptoms of genital herpes

Primary infection:

• Blisters or ulcers on the genitals, perineum, anus

• Burning, itching, pain during urination

• Fever, general weakness

• Enlarged inguinal lymph nodes

Relapses:

• Less intense, often just one or two elements

• Can occur 1–5 times a year, sometimes more often when immunity is reduced

• Duration - usually up to 7 days

What causes relapses?

• Stress

• Menstruation

• Hypothermia or overheating

• SARS

• Excessive sun exposure

• Immunosuppressive therapy

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

• PCR — detection of HSV DNA in a scraping from a mucosa or ulcer

• ELISA — determination of IgM (acute phase) and IgG (past or latent disease) antibodies

• Virological culture — a less common method, but accurate

How dangerous is the virus?

• Risk of transmission to a partner even without visible symptoms

• Relapses that disrupt quality of life

• High risk of neonatal infection with primary infection during pregnancy

• Possible complication of other STIs

• Psycho-emotional stress that lasts for years

How is genital herpes treated?

• During exacerbation: Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir (oral or topical)

• For frequent relapses: long-term suppressive therapy

• In case of severe forms: comprehensive immune support, consultations with related specialists

• Prevention: protection during sexual intercourse, awareness of both partners

Is it possible to completely recover?

No, the virus stays in the body for life. But with the right approach — control is possible, and the frequency of relapses may decrease until clinical manifestations disappear completely. Personal life does not end at this point - it simply begins to be guided by awareness.