Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is caught by intimate vaginal, anal or oral contact, and is more common in adolescents and adults aged 14 to 49 due to intimate contact without a condom.
Although genital herpes does not have a definitive cure, since the herpes virus can not be eliminated from the body, it is possible to treat with antiviral tablets or ointments to relieve the symptoms and prevent the appearance of bubbles in the skin.
How is the treatment done?
Treatment for genital herpes should always be directed by a gynecologist or urologist and usually includes taking antiviral tablets such as acyclovir or valaciclovir about 2 times a day. However, in some cases, an antiviral ointment may also be indicated and should be applied every 4 hours after washing the area with soap and water.
During treatment it is advised to completely avoid intimate contact because even using a condom, the virus can pass from one person to another if any of the lesions come in direct contact with the other person.
Home Treatment for Genital Herpes
Natural treatment should complement medication treatment, and it is recommended to take a shower with marjoram tea or witch hazel about 4 times a day because it helps decrease pain, inflammation and fight the virus caused by genital infection. Learn how to prepare tea to treat genital herpes.
How to Catch 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 may be discovered during contact.
In addition, contagion may also occur from the mother to the baby during normal delivery, especially if during labor the woman presents herpes wounds.
How To Identify Genital Herpes
The main symptoms that can occur in men and women are:
- Red or pink polka dots in the genital region that rupture after about 2 days, releasing a clear liquid;
- Rough skin ;
- Pain, burning and intense itching ;
- Difficulty urinating.
Symptoms may take 2 to 10 days to appear and usually the first one is more intense than the others. However, it can be contaminated and have no symptoms, and can transmit the virus through unprotected intimate contact.
Thus, whenever there is suspicion of being infected with genital herpes it is recommended to consult a gynecologist, in the case of the woman, or a urologist, in the case of the man, to start the appropriate treatment.
Genital Herpes in Pregnancy is Dangerous
Genital herpes in pregnancy can cause abortion or growth retardation during pregnancy for example, and treatment should be done during pregnancy with antiviral remedies indicated by the obstetrician, such as acyclovir to prevent transmission to the baby.
In addition, one can avoid the contagion of the baby one should opt for cesarean section and at birth the baby needs to be isolated in the nursery. Learn more details about the treatment and avoid the contagion of the baby.
