- How to know if I have genital herpes
- How to avoid catching
- How the treatment is done
- Genital herpes in pregnancy
Genital herpes is transmitted when it comes in direct contact with the blisters or ulcers with liquid present in the genitals, thighs or anus, which cause pain, burning, discomfort and itching.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection, which is why, in most cases, it is transmitted through intimate contact . However, in some cases, it can also be transmitted through the mouth or hands, for example, who have been in direct contact with the wounds caused by the virus.
In addition, although rare, transmission of the herpes virus can also happen even when there are no symptoms of the disease such as blisters or itching, when intimate contact without a condom occurs with a person who has the virus. If the person knows they have herpes or if their partner has genital herpes, they should talk to the doctor, so that strategies can be defined to avoid passing the disease on to the partner.
How to know if I have genital herpes
The diagnosis of genital herpes is usually made by observing the blisters or wounds with liquid by the doctor, who can also scrape the wound to analyze the liquid in the laboratory, or can order a specific blood test to help detect the virus. Learn more about the diagnosis.
How to avoid catching
Genital herpes is an STI that can be easily acquired, but there are some precautions that can avoid catching the disease, such as:
- Always use a condom in all intimate contacts; Avoid contact with fluids in the vagina or penis of people with the virus; Avoid sexual contact if the partner has itching, redness or liquid sores on the genitals, thighs or anus; Avoid having sex oral, especially when the partner has symptoms of cold sores, such as redness or blisters around the mouth or nose, because although cold sores and genitals can be of different types, they can pass from one region to another; Change the blisters daily and bedding and avoid sharing underwear or towels with a partner infected with the virus; Avoid sharing hygiene products, such as soap or bath sponges, when the partner has redness or liquid sores in the genitals, thighs or anus.
These measures help to reduce the chances of getting the herpes virus, but they are not a guarantee that the person will not contract the virus, as distractions and accidents can always happen. In addition, these same precautions should be used by patients with genital herpes, to avoid passing the virus on to others.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of genital herpes is done using antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, which help to reduce the replication of the virus in the body, thus helping to heal blisters or wounds, as they make the episodes of the disease go faster.
In addition, moisturizers or local anesthetics can also be used in the treatment to help moisturize the skin and anesthetize the affected region, thus relieving the pain, discomfort and itching caused by the virus.
Herpes has no cure, whether genital or labial, as it is not possible to eliminate the virus from the body, and its treatment is done when blisters or ulcers are present on the skin.
Genital herpes in pregnancy
Genital herpes in pregnancy can be a problem, as the virus can pass to the baby, during pregnancy or during delivery, and can cause serious problems such as miscarriage or delayed growth of the baby, for example. In addition, if during pregnancy the pregnant woman has an episode of herpes after 34 weeks of gestation, the doctor may recommend performing a C-section to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.
Therefore, people who are pregnant and know that they are carriers of the virus, should talk to the obstetrician about the possibilities of transmission to the baby. Learn more about the possibilities of transmission of the virus during pregnancy.
