Why does genital herpes appear
There are diseases that are simply not accepted to speak out loud. It is a shame with them to go to the doctor and live very uncomfortable. This is the pathology of genital herpes. What is this disease? Why does it occur? And can genital herpes not recur?
What is genital herpes
The defeat of the genital organs with herpes simplex viruses (HSV), in which mucous membranes appear unaesthetic vesicles and painful sores, in medicine is called genital herpes. Pathology causes extremely negative sensations: burning, hyperemia, swelling of the affected tissues.
It is already impossible to completely get rid of a virus that once entered the body. But thanks to the correct treatment tactics, it will turn out to “put him to sleep”. HSV can stay awake for years without manifesting itself. But under the influence of some factors (usually a weakening of the immune system), herpes is able to wake up and become more active. There is a relapse of the disease.
There are several types of herpes virus. Some of them cause damage to the nervous system. Others affect the skin, mucous membranes. The basis of the genital forms of pathologies is infection of the body with HSV type 1 and 2.
What does genital herpes look like?
Herpes, like many other pathologies, goes through several stages of development. And, accordingly, on each of them it looks different. Therefore, to consider all signs better in the context of developmental stages:
One of the symptoms of herpes is burning and itching.
The first symptoms of genital herpes are easy to notice. Itching and small redness appear in the genital area. Then there are small small bubbles. They are filled with turbid liquid. This rash is localized in women in the perineal zone, on the inner thighs, in the anus. In this case, bubbles can form on the internal organs (in the urethra, in the vagina). In men, the head or foreskin of the penis is more often affected, sometimes a rash appears in the urethra.
Rash accompanied by severe itching, burning. The affected areas are almost always hyperemic (red and swollen). If the bubbles are formed on the walls of the urethra, then when urinating there is a strong itch, and a burning sensation increases. Sometimes tingling worries.
After 5 days, and sometimes a week, the bubbles begin to burst. In their place are sores. These erosions cause severe pain.
Gradually, the mucous is regenerated. The affected tissues are replaced with new ones. How long does genital herpes go through? Usually the recovery takes an average of 1-2 weeks.
A rash in the genital area is accompanied by an increase in the lymph nodes in the groin. In addition, a person may experience an increase in temperature. Often there are complaints of unexplained malaise, muscle pain, migraines.
How genital herpes is transmitted, and who runs the risk of HSV
Herpes is a very insidious virus. It can enter the body and not manifest itself for a long time in case of strong immunity. In this case, the person is a carrier of HSV and is able to infect other people.
Most herpes is sexually transmitted.
Ways of transmission
HSV infection occurs in the following ways:
Vertical. It is also called generic. The child becomes infected while passing through the birth canal.
Airborne. Primary infection often occurs in childhood. Kids are in close contact with each other and do not yet know how to strictly follow the rules of hygiene. Therefore, children can easily catch herpes from carriers of the virus.
Autoinoculation (self-infection). Sometimes a person can independently transfer the infection from one part of the body to another (for example, herpes from the face can easily hit the genitals).
Domestic. Non-compliance with personal hygiene can lead to infection. But this is the rarest way of infection.
Sexual. Most often, genital herpes is transmitted sexually (and usually it is a secondary infection).
Doctors believe that sex is quite possible with genital herpes, if the pathology does not recur. If the virus is activated, it is better to postpone the intimacy for a period of remission. In order not to contract genital herpes, it is advisable to use a condom. Especially if the sex partners change.
When herpes appears
The virus, penetrating into the body, permanently embedded in the nerve cells. It can appear instantly, provoking all the above symptoms. But sometimes the HSV lurks and waits for suitable conditions.
During childbirth, the infection can be transmitted to the baby.
Any weakening of the body can trigger its activation:
overheat;
exacerbation of chronic diseases;
avitaminosis;
hypothermia;
colds;
overwork and lack of sleep;
alcohol abuse;
constant stress;
pregnancy.
Sometimes women note that genital herpes appears every month. Most often it is associated with a cycle. So, at the end of menstruation, progesterone production increases. This may trigger the activation of herpes.
