Anal Herpes: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention & More

 

It is estimated that about 491 million people worldwide who are aged 15-49 (13%) are carrying the genital herpes virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Many people do not experience symptoms of the illness at all. However, the virus is still contagious and can be transmitted through close, direct, and intimate contact with an infected person. It is important to remember that engaging in unprotected sex with anyone can put you at risk of contracting an infection that is sexually transmitted (STI).

Anal herpes is a strain of the herpes simplex virus that manifests as painful pus-filled blisters or skin lesions around the anus. It can be passed from one person to another by contacting them. The symptoms can be managed with several treatment options, but no cure exists.

We will discuss what anal herpes is in this article. There will be a discussion of treatment, symptoms, and prevention. Additionally, I will explain when to seek medical attention.

What Is Anal Herpes?

Most American adults under 50 are infected with herpes, a contagious virus. The herpes simplex virus can be divided into two types: HSV-1, which affects the mouth, and HSV-2, which affects the genitals and anus. Herpes can sometimes cause painful blisters, ulcers, and sores around the area of infection (most commonly in the mouth and elsewhere). Some people, however, have mild symptoms or none at all.

Exposure to others can be problematic since they are unaware of what they are doing. Having contracted HSV, the infection lasts a lifetime due to the lack of a cure. You will first experience an acute phase, during which symptoms will be more severe if prevalent. When the virus makes its way through your skin cells, it will then move into the nerves in your body, where, once it has been developed, it will lay dormant to reactivate later.

Several factors can trigger an outbreak, including a weakened immune system, illness, surgery, significant sun exposure, pregnancy, or other psychological or physical stresses.

 

Anal Herpes Symptoms

It can be challenging to diagnose anal herpes due to its similarity to haemorrhoids and syphilis symptoms.

 

The following signs of anal herpes should alert you to the need for a physical examination:

 

• Blisters that are painful and colourless with red bumps
  
  
• Pain in the anal canal surrounding the anus
  
  
• Anus itchiness
  
  
• Blisters that develop into ulcers
  
  
• Changing bowel habits
  
  
• Ruptured or bleeding ulcers that form scabs

 

It typically takes 2-10 days to develop symptoms after contracting anal herpes. The first outbreak is usually more severe than the subsequent outbreaks.

 

An outbreak may begin with the following symptoms:

 

• Fatigue
  
  
• Nausea
  
  
• Muscle aches
  
  
• Chills
  
  
• Fever

 

Anal Herpes Treatment

The most effective treatment for anal herpes is to use antiviral medications. These medications include acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. In addition to reducing the severity and frequency of symptoms, these medications are not a cure for HSV-2. Additionally, they can reduce the duration of the infection, making it easier for a sexual partner to acquire the virus. You may need intravenous antiviral therapy if you have severe anal herpes.

As part of this procedure, a needle is inserted into a vein through which the antiviral medication is injected into your bloodstream.

 

Is Anal Herpes Contagious?

A high percentage of transmission of the HSV-2 virus occurs during sexual activity involving genital-to-genital contact during sexual contact. You can get anal herpes if you have sexual contact with someone infected.

It's easier to spread the virus when you've got symptoms, but you can still spread it without them.

 

Can Anal Herpes Be Cured?

Infected people are immune to HSV for the rest of their lives, and the virus stays in their nerve cells forever. With antiviral medications, symptoms can be managed easily.

To keep others safe, get regular STD checks and practice safe sex to prevent the virus from becoming dangerous. The condition can recur under certain circumstances.

 

There is a possibility that you may experience an outbreak if you:

 

• Feel Stressed
  
  
• Having an immune system that's weakened
  
  
• Directly exposed to the sun
  
  
• Feel fatigued
  
  
• You're pregnant

 

The duration and severity of recurrence outbreaks tend to be less than the initial outbreaks.

 

Even though the virus is lifelong, outbreaks may gradually decrease over time.

 

Prevention Of Anal Herpes

Those with genital HSV infection should avoid sexual activity.

 

Even when no symptoms are present, the virus can still be transmitted.

 

You can reduce the risk of contracting HSV-2 by:

 

• Whenever you're doing a sexual activity (vaginal, anal, or oral), use barrier contraception like a condom
  
  
• Checking for STIs regularly
  
  
• Practice monogamy if you're in a relationship or get routine sexual health screenings for all your partners
  
  
• Taking a break from sex

 

Risk Factors

The risk of contracting HIV increases if you carry HSV-2.

 

Due to the possibility of open sores and broken skin in the face, mouth, vagina, and rectum, a herpes infection can provide HIV access to the body. Furthermore, herpes increases immune cells in the genital lining, which HIV targets for entry into the body. HIV testing should be performed if you test positive for HSV-2.

You run an even greater risk of passing HSV-2 and HIV to a partner if you test positive for both.

 

When To See A Doctor 

Herpes anal or genital should be treated immediately by your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Your physician will perform a physical examination; additional testing may be required to identify other STDs. A regular STD test from a clinic or healthcare provider will protect you and your partners from STDs. You might contract or spread herpes without being aware since many cases of herpes are asymptomatic.

 

How Mobi Doctor Can Help

With Mobi Doctor, you can access online urgent care with STDs