Genital Herpes Stages

Getting accurate information is crucial when dealing with herpes or concerns about infection. Herpes is treatable, so it's vital to understand your medical choices.

In 2021, the CDC estimated 572,000 new cases of genital herpes annually in the United States, with around 1 in 6 Americans (16.67%) having had a herpes infection.

This article covers genital herpes, its five stages, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods.

What Is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) recognized by red bumps and white blisters in the genital area.

In 2016, the World Health Organization estimated that 3.7 million people under 50 had HSV-1, and 491 million people aged 15 to 49 had HSV-2.

This infection is caused by two herpes simplex viruses (HSV):

• HSV-1, known for causing cold sores, can also lead to genital herpes.
  
  
• HSV-2 typically causes genital herpes but can also result in cold sores.

Beyond visible outbreaks, the virus can be present in bodily fluids like saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions.

What Are The Symptoms Of Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:

• Possible blisters in the mouth, on the lips, or on parts of the face that have come into contact with the infection.
  
  
• Often, individuals with genital herpes feel itching, tingling, or burning in the affected area before blisters appear on the skin.
  
  
• Untreated blisters may progress into open sores that release fluid.
  
  
• A crust may form over the sores within a week of the outbreak.
  
  
• Swelling of the body's lymph glands is vital for the immune system's functioning and infection defence.
  
  
• Symptoms like headaches, body aches, or fever may occur.
  
  
• Pain during urination can also be experienced.

In men, herpes symptoms may manifest as blisters around:

• Penis
  
  
• Scrotum
  
  
• Buttocks

In women, herpes symptoms can include blisters around:

• Vagina
  
  
• Anus
  
  
• Buttocks

Additionally, women may notice an unusual vaginal discharge as part of their herpes symptoms.

What Is Vaginal Discharge?

The way a woman's body gets rid of fluid and cells is through vaginal discharge.

The amount, consistency, and appearance of vaginal discharge (e.g. pink, brown) will differ from person to person and will depend on:

• Menstrual cycle
  
  
• Hormones
  
  
• Pregnancy
  
  
• Infections

Vaginal discharge is made up of fluids from the uterus, cervix, and vagina.

Diagnosis Of Genital Herpes

Your healthcare provider can often diagnose genital herpes by visually examining any visible sores. They may also collect a sample from these sores for testing. Without sores, a blood test can be conducted to detect HSV antibodies.

It's crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider about herpes testing and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

While the herpes blood test can determine if you have the virus, it cannot pinpoint the infection's source or the transmission time.

Understanding The 5 Stages Of Genital Herpes

Predicting the onset of a genital herpes outbreak can be challenging, but symptoms typically manifest around two to 12 days after infection. Genital herpes is a complex condition that can be divided into five distinct phases:

• Herpes Stage 1 - Primary Infection Stage: Initial stages of genital herpes often exhibit flu-like symptoms such as sharp pain, fever, and headaches.
  
  
• Herpes Stage 2 - Latent Stage: In the latent Stage of herpes, individuals remain symptom-free. However, it's important to remember that the virus is still present in the body despite the absence of symptoms.
  
  
• Herpes Stage 3 - Prodrome Stage: Many individuals with herpes experience recurrent outbreaks following the primary infection.
  
  
• Herpes Stage 4 - Blister Stage (comprising its five stages): Herpes blisters start as small red bumps that eventually fill with fluid. They may resemble other common skin conditions like pimples, ingrown hairs, or jock itch, but they are highly contagious.
  
  
• Herpes Stage 5 - Healing Stage: You may notice red or irritated skin after the scabs fall off. It's essential to continue protecting these areas until the healing process is complete.

Recognizing these five stages of genital herpes outbreaks can help individuals better manage the infection. The following section will delve into each Stage in more detail.

How Can You Get Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a widespread sexually transmitted infection (STI) primarily transmitted through unprotected oral, anal, or genital sexual contact with an infected person.

The virus is most easily transmitted when the infected person has active blisters that are open and oozing.

Once the virus comes into contact with your body, it spreads through thin tissue layers called mucous membranes found in openings like your nose, mouth, and genitals.

The virus infiltrates your body's cells and tricks them into producing more viruses while hiding from your immune system's defences.

What Is The Best Treatment For Genital Herpes Outbreaks?

Although there's no cure for the herpes simplex virus, you can effectively manage its symptoms and flare-ups with proper treatment.

Antiviral medications are available for genital herpes infections, which can help in several ways:

• Reduce the duration of outbreaks.
  
  
• Alleviate discomfort.
  
  
• Prevent symptoms from worsening.

The critical step is to consult a doctor, get tested, and initiate a treatment plan. Managing the condition can help you feel more in control and offer relief from both physical and mental distress caused by genital herpes outbreaks.

Which Drugs Are Used To Treat Herpes Outbreaks?

Treatment for genital herpes outbreaks typically involves oral antiviral medications. There are three primary types of drugs used to manage the symptoms of genital herpes:

 

• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
  
  
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
  
  
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

These medications are taken in pill form. In severe cases, Acyclovir (Zovirax) can also be administered intravenously (IV).

How Can I Prevent Genital Herpes?

While it's possible to contract the herpes simplex virus without sexual contact, most people acquire it through sexual activity with someone who has genital herpes sores. To protect yourself and others from herpes, consider these measures:

• Practice monogamy or limit the number of sexual partners you have.
  
  
• If you have multiple sexual partners, always use protection, such as condoms and dental dams.
  
  
• Get tested for STIs and encourage your partner to do the same.
  
  
• Attend regular checkups with your doctor and complete any prescribed treatment.
  
  
• Notify your sexual partners as soon as you learn that you have genital herpes so they can get tested as well.
  
  
• Maintain good hand hygiene, especially if you or your partner has an outbreak.

If your sexual partner has genital herpes, follow these steps to reduce the risk of transmission:

• Avoid sexual contact when your partner has symptoms, as condoms may not cover all sores, leaving the potential for virus transmission.
  
  
• Ensure that your partner takes antiviral medication as prescribed.
  
  
• Wait until the scabs have healed before resuming sexual activity.

You can seek assistance from Mobi Doctor for medical advice and consultations.