Content
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is caught through intimate vaginal, anal or oral contact and is more frequent in adolescents and adults aged between 14 and 49 years, due to the practice of intimate contact without a condom.
Although genital herpes has no cure, since it is not possible to eliminate the herpes virus from the body, it is possible to treat it with antiviral pills or ointments, to relieve symptoms and prevent the appearance of blisters on the skin.
How to identify
The main symptoms that can appear in men and women are:
- Red or pink pellets in the genital area that break after about 2 days, releasing a transparent liquid;
- Rough skin;
- Pain, burning, tingling and intense itching;
- Burning when urinating or difficulty passing urine.
Symptoms can take 2 to 10 days to appear, and usually the first attack is more severe than the following ones. However, the person may be infected and have no symptoms, and may transmit the virus through unprotected intimate contact.
For this reason, whenever genital herpes infection is suspected, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist, in the case of women, or a urologist, in the case of men, to initiate appropriate treatment.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for genital herpes should always be guided by a gynecologist or urologist and usually includes taking antiviral pills, such as acyclovir (Hervirax, Zovirax), fanciclovir (Penvir) or valacyclovir (Valtrex, Herpstal).
During treatment it is advisable to avoid intimate contact because, even using a condom, the virus can pass from one person to another, if any of the lesions comes into direct contact with the other person.
Learn more about the treatment of genital herpes.
Home treatment
Natural treatment can be performed to complement treatment with medicines. You can have a sitz bath with marjoram or witch hazel tea, about 4 times a day, because it helps to reduce pain, inflammation and fight the virus caused by genital infection. Learn how to prepare tea to treat genital herpes.
How to get genital herpes
Transmission usually occurs through intimate contact without a condom, due to direct contact with the blisters caused by herpes. However, it can also happen even with the use of a condom, since the lesions can be discovered during contact.
In addition, contagion can also occur from the mother to the baby during normal birth, especially if, during labor, the woman has herpes sores.
Is genital herpes in pregnancy dangerous?
Genital herpes in pregnancy can cause miscarriage or growth retardation during pregnancy. for example. Treatment should be done during pregnancy, with antiviral drugs indicated by the obstetrician, to prevent transmission to the baby.
In addition, it is possible to avoid contagion of the baby by giving birth by cesarean section. Find out more details on how to avoid contagion of the baby.