Herpes in women in gynecology symptoms. Genital herpes in women: how does infection occur? Treatment methods and complications of the disease. Which doctor treats this disease?

Herpes is an incurable viral disease that affects the nervous system. For the female genitourinary system, the greatest danger is its second type, HSV 2. It has a recurrent course. With proper therapy, it is only possible to suppress the activity of viruses, but it is impossible to cope with them forever. Therefore, it is necessary to remember what genital herpes looks like, the features of its treatment and prevention.

Features of the infection

According to statistics, about 90% of the population of our planet is infected with herpervirus. There are 8 main varieties that are dangerous to human health. Greatest harm female reproductive function is caused by genital herpes. It is characterized by the appearance of specific rashes in the genital area.

Women are twice as likely to suffer from this problem than men. The risk group includes girls aged 20 to 25 years and from 35 to 40. The disease is often asymptomatic. The lady may not even be aware of the presence of infection. At the same time, she becomes its carrier.

The human body develops immunity to herpes. But this does not exclude the possibility of re-infection and relapse of the disease. The reason for this is not completely clear to experts.

Routes of transmission

The key reason for the development of the disease is the entry of the virus into the human body. Among the main routes of transmission of herpes in women are:

• Sexual. The infection is transmitted during sexual contact with an infected partner. This can happen with any form of sex. The virus settles on a man’s penis and may not manifest itself in any way. During the act he gets into female body and in the presence of aggravating factors, it begins to actively reproduce.
• Domestic. This method of transmission of infection is rare, but it cannot be completely excluded. The virus can exist for some time on the patient’s personal hygiene items. If they are used by a healthy person with a weakened immune system, then there is a high probability that he will develop the disease.
• Self-infection. This is possible if a person suffers from herpes, for example, on the lips. With insufficient hygiene, he can transfer the virus to the genitals with his hands.
• Vertical. Infection occurs during the phase intrauterine development fetus if the pregnant woman is a carrier of the virus. The infection easily penetrates the placental barrier. The baby is born already infected. With a high concentration of the virus in the mother's blood, the risk of miscarriage or complications during childbirth increases.

It is possible to avoid genital herpes in women only if all rules of individual hygiene are strictly observed. The main one is the refusal of promiscuity and the use of a condom during sexual intercourse.

Factors provoking the acute stage of the disease

Genital herpes in women remains in the latent phase for a long time and does not manifest itself in any way. The following factors can provoke the active reproduction of viruses and the manifestation of vivid symptoms:

• Taking a course of chemotherapy, using medications, exacerbation of chronic diseases.
• Prolonged stay in conditions of mental and emotional stress.
• A monotonous diet lacking sufficient amounts of fresh vegetables and fruits.
• Regular excessive physical activity.
• Hypothermia or overheating.
• Moving to a region with different climatic conditions.
• Hormonal changes in the body.
• Installation of an intrauterine device.
• Bad habits.
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Any other factors that lead to a decrease in the body’s protective functions can cause the disease to become acute. The disease is especially severe in people diagnosed with HIV.

Elimination of provoking factors plays an important role in reducing the number of relapses of the disease. All efforts must be directed towards strengthening the immune system.

Forms of the disease

Experts identify three main forms of genital herpes in women:

• Primary. Symptoms of this type of herpes appear immediately after infection. Antibodies to HSV are not detected in the blood.
• Recurrent. Involves the systematic occurrence of periods of exacerbation of the disease. Depending on the frequency of relapses and their clinical picture, mild, moderate and severe forms are distinguished. If the disease is mild, symptoms appear no more than three times a year.
• Asymptomatic. It is characterized by the complete absence of any manifestations of the disease. At the same time, the virus continues to live in the woman’s body and harm the health of her reproductive system. This problem can only be identified through a thorough medical examination. At the same time, the lady becomes a carrier of infection, which is dangerous for her sexual partners.

The method of its treatment will depend on how genital herpes manifests itself. The asymptomatic form becomes the most insidious, so women are advised to regularly undergo appropriate tests for sexually transmitted infections.

Stages of genital herpes

It is customary to classify diseases according to where exactly the source of infection is localized. The following stages of development of the problem are distinguished:

• First. Infection of the external genitalia occurs. Characteristic rashes appear on the skin of the perineum, as well as on the mucous surfaces of the vagina. The symptoms resemble vulvitis.
• Second. Herpes appears on the cervix. The infection affects the cervical canal and urethra. In this case, urethritis, endocervitis, and vulvovaginitis develop.
• Third. The infection spreads to the uterus and fallopian tubes. The bladder is also involved in the process. At this stage, the development of endometritis, cystitis, and salpingitis is possible. In severe cases, the rectum is also affected.

It is important to prevent the disease from progressing to the third stage. Herpes of the cervix and the organ itself is fraught with problems with conception, including complete infertility. Therefore, it is important to diagnose the problem in a timely manner and approach therapy correctly.

Characteristic symptoms

The first signs of infection appear 3-14 days after infection. They can persist for three weeks even with proper treatment. The following characteristic symptoms of genital herpes in women are distinguished:

• Redness, swelling, unbearable itching and burning sensation in the affected area.
• After some time, rashes in the form of small blisters begin to appear.
• There is an increase in the size of the lymph nodes.
• Sometimes body temperature rises.
• Getting worse general state health. The woman feels tired and overwhelmed, and her ability to work decreases.
• Pain appears that spreads to the hips and lower back.

The rashes that appear cause real suffering. While walking, friction occurs, which aggravates the course of the disease. Sharp pain may occur while emptying the bladder. This is due to urine particles getting into the wounds formed at the site of the blisters. Genital herpes in men has similar symptoms, but its manifestations are not so bright and painful.

How do rashes change over the course of the disease?

It is important to know what herpes looks like. Often it resembles lichen. Therefore, you should not make a diagnosis yourself; it is better to seek help from a professional. A herpetic lesion looks like this:

• Infected areas initially change color. There is slight swelling. There is a feeling of slight discomfort. The duration of this stage is about three days.
• Small bubbles filled with clear liquid appear. They are painful and cause suffering to the woman. The size of the affected area gradually increases. After four to five days, the color of the bubble changes to pale yellow.
• The bubbles begin to burst. The liquid they contain flows out.
• The wounds from the blisters become covered with crusts. Gradually, the skin regenerates and the affected area heals completely.

The liquid that fills the bubbles contains the maximum concentration of viruses. Therefore, at the stage of its leakage, a woman becomes the most dangerous for the sexual partner.

Diagnostic measures

Only a specialist knows what genital herpes may look like in women. Do not try to make a diagnosis yourself, much less prescribe therapy. This can only be done after passing a medical examination. The following diagnostic techniques are used:

• The doctor conducts a visual examination of the patient's genitals. The nature of the rashes, their localization and the presence of accompanying symptoms are assessed.
• The biological material taken from the woman is examined using the polymerase chain reaction technique. This makes it possible to detect the presence of viral DNA in it.
• Direct immunofluorescence helps determine the stage of disease development. Using this technique, the presence of antibodies to herpes in the blood is detected.
• A general biochemical analysis of blood and urine is performed. Thanks to this, the general health of the patient and the presence of inflammatory processes in the body are determined.

The liquid contained in the vials is taken as material for PCR. If the examination reveals the presence of an associated infection or concomitant diseases, consultation with highly specialized specialists will be required.

Therapy methods

As soon as the first signs of genital herpes appear in women, it is necessary to begin treatment. The specialist will select the right strategy based on the characteristics of the patient’s body. The following methods are used:

• Taking antiviral drugs. Among the most effective drugs are: Acyclovir, Penciclovir, Zovirax, Famciclovir and some others. Such remedies can be used to treat girls with early age. They act on the DNA of the pathogen and stop the reproduction process. The duration of use of such medications is about ten days.
• Elimination of painful symptoms. To eliminate painful sensations, itching and burning, analgesics are used. Douching with the use of local antiseptics is also indicated. It is better to use Chlorgeskidine or Miramistin. If herpetic manifestations are accompanied by an increase in body temperature, then antipyretics are prescribed.
• Restoring full immunity. The attending physician prescribes immunomodulators, vitamin-mineral complexes and interferon-based drugs.
• Adjustment of lifestyle and nutrition. You will need to completely stop wearing synthetic underwear. It creates a favorable atmosphere for the spread of viral infection. A woman must carefully monitor compliance with personal hygiene standards. For washing it is necessary to use only specialized non-aggressive means. Do not rub damaged areas with a towel. After washing, it is better to blot your skin with paper napkins or blow it with a hairdryer.
• Physiotherapy. This technique is used in Lately less and less.

In total, there are 8 types of herpes infection in humans, and the symptoms of different viruses are for the most part not similar to each other. The range of symptoms of herpes varies from simple - so-called. “colds” - to psychiatric and oncological diseases.

Symptoms of herpes type 1 - the virus that causes the “cold”

Herpes type 1 is the simplest and most quickly suppressed virus. The infection is mainly stored in the nerve endings cervical spine spine in a dormant state, but with a decrease in immunity or under the influence of stress, it is activated and manifests itself with the following symptoms:

1. First, the skin turns red and there is a burning sensation and itching.
2. After 6-48 hours, one or more vesicles - bubbles containing a clear liquid inside - form on the inflamed area.
3. If left untreated or scratched, the vesicles burst, spreading infected fluid around and causing the affected area of ​​skin to enlarge.
4. In place of the burst bubbles, a wound appears, which over time becomes covered with a crust.
5. With the support of the immune system, the disease gradually “falls asleep” again - goes into a latent state. Without support, large areas are damaged and wounds do not heal normally.

If a person has symptoms, they can infect others through contact. Most often, herpes 1 is localized on the face and mucous membranes of the mouth. It can affect the lips, cheeks, chin, mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, mouth or larynx. Sometimes the infection gets to the skin of the torso, causing the disease to spread to the body.

Symptoms of herpes type 2 - the genital form of the virus

The symptoms of herpes type 2 are similar to type 1, but the localization of the blisters is different. In a dormant state, this virus is located in the nerve endings of the sacral clutch. Vesicles are formed mainly in the groin area, on the thighs, buttocks, anus and genitals.

In addition to the usual symptoms, deterioration in mood and mental state, loss of appetite, and signs of intoxication are observed. Possible enlargement of the lymph nodes in the groin area. In women, vesicles can appear inside the vagina and on the cervix, in men - in the urethra.

Attention! Most often, relapses of the second occur in autumn or winter, when the prevalence of other viral diseases is high. On average, with the support of the immune system, symptoms disappear within 2-3 weeks.

Symptoms of herpes type 3 - the Zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles

The herpes zoster virus is usually infected in childhood, and it manifests itself in the form of ordinary chickenpox. When a child recovers, an infection remains in the endings of his trigeminal nerve forever, although it does not manifest itself under normal living conditions.

When immunity falls, a person gets sick with an acute respiratory infection or simply lives unhealthy, the symptoms of the disease appear again. Most often, the lesion occurs in people over 50 years of age, while recurrence of this type of herpes is the rarest (observed in only 5% of patients).

Repeated disease is called herpes zoster and has the following symptoms:

As a rule, the disease goes away after 1-3 weeks. After the rash appears, the pain is replaced by itching. In rare cases, the pain does not go away, it subsides, but appears throughout life.

Symptoms of herpes type 4 - mononucleosis from the Epstein-Barr virus

Epstein-Barr virus causes a disease called infectious mononucleosis. The disease is quite dangerous and requires treatment to prevent undesirable consequences - deep genital ulcers in women, destruction of blood cells, oncological pathologies (types of lymphomas), autoimmune diseases and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Typically, when infected with herpes virus type 4, the following symptoms are observed after 7-14 days:

The patient is often thirsty and has a fever for about a week. Lymph nodes shrink within a month, blood changes can last up to 6 months. Correct treatment leads to recovery and lifelong immunity, its absence leads to chronic form diseases:

1. Erased– muscle pain, joint aches, frequent low-grade fever, fatigue.
2. Atypical– frequent relapses of infectious diseases (acute respiratory infections, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or genitourinary system).
3. Active– ordinary mononucleosis symptoms are complicated by herpetic rashes, fungal or bacterial infections. Possible damage to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, dyspepsia.
4. Generalized– severe damage to the central nervous system, including meningitis, encephalitis, radiculoneuritis. Increased risk of myocarditis, hepatitis or pneumonitis.

Symptoms of chronic Epstein-Barr infection manifest themselves in waves - the number and intensity of symptoms gradually increase and also gradually decrease depending on the state of the immune system.

Symptoms of herpes type 5 - cytomegalovirus infection (CMV)

Cytomegalovirus does not appear immediately after infection; the carrier of the infection often does not even know about his own situation. With a strong immune system, the disease may never enter the active phase, but simply “sleep” in the body asymptomatically until the end of life (in 90% of cases this happens). However, the person will continue to transmit the virus to other people.

Patients with symptoms of CMV most often complain of signs of acute respiratory infections and mononucleosis (fever, fatigue, headaches, chills) that occur 20-60 days after infection. The duration of the disease is generally 4-6 weeks. If the activity of the virus is caused by immunodeficiency, pleurisy, pneumonia, arthritis, encephalitis or myocarditis may occur. Autonomic disorders are observed.

In its generalized form, CMV causes damage to the entire body - tissue inflammation internal organs, eyes, brain, and paralysis. In men, there may be damage to the tissues of the testicles and urethra; in women, there may be inflammation or erosion on the cervix, uterus, vagina or ovaries, and blue-white discharge.

Symptoms of poorly studied forms of herpes virus types 6, 7 and 8

Herpes type 6 lives in microphages and lymphocytes. Among all adults, about 50% are carriers of this infection, infecting the rest through blood and saliva, as well as by airborne droplets.

Symptoms of the disease are itching and mucous membranes, fever, ulcers or spots on the skin of the back, chest or abdomen (exanthema), mononucleosis syndrome, asthenia. With immunodeficiency, encephalitis is possible.

The infection often occurs in young children (3 months - 4 years). It is manifested by sudden exanthema and fever (up to 40° C), signs of intoxication. Symptoms last up to 4 days, then they are replaced by a rash that goes away within 3 days. Sometimes after a fever there are no rashes, but there may be cramps due to too much high temperature. Upon reaching 5 years of age, most children develop immunity against herpes type 6; relapse can only be caused by particularly severe immunodeficiency.

Herpes type 7 promotes the activation of type 6 virus and increases the risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome. This syndrome is the main manifestation of a viral infection.

It manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• general loss of strength;
• constant fatigue and lack of tone;
• bad mood, anxiety and psycho-emotional overload;
• loss of ability to work and concentrate;
• lack of positive changes even after a long rest;
• memory disorders;
• headaches and tearfulness;
• sleep disturbances and lack of sleep even during prolonged sleep;
• signs of depression;
• slight increase in temperature long time(up to six months);
• enlarged lymph nodes.

Worth noticing! When making a diagnosis based on these symptoms, a specialist must differentiate the disease from psychiatric/nervous pathologies, HIV infection, cancer, anemia and thyroid dysfunction.

Herpes type 8 least studied. Its symptoms include the development of other diseases - Kaposi's sarcoma, primary lymphomas, Castleman's disease and multiple myeloma. In this case, the patient develops malignant neoplasms on the skin, mucous membranes, internal organs and lymph nodes, looking like symmetrical plaques or spots of dark red or purple. There may also be a bloody cough, severe dyspepsia, and pain when eating.

Symptoms of any type of ocular herpes

Ophthalmoherpes develops on the retina, eyelids or mucous membranes of the eyes. Relapses can occur 3-5 times a year - this is one of the most common forms of herpes infection, mainly caused by types 1 and 3 of the virus.

The symptoms of ocular herpes are similar to allergies or from a bacterial infection; herpetic vesicles appear on the eyes, and the following signs are also observed:

• the eyeballs and eyelids turn red;
• there is pain and a feeling as if there is something in the eye foreign body;
• at good lighting there is discomfort;
• visual acuity decreases and becomes “foggy”;
• sparks or flashes are visible before the eyes;
• the shape and size of objects seem incorrect or double;
• twilight vision is significantly reduced;
• blepharospasms - the eyelids contract convulsively.

Patients often complain about severe pain in the eye socket and above the eyebrow. The field of view becomes narrower, and there may be a blind spot in the center. Moving your eyes is difficult and painful. All this may be accompanied by nausea, low-grade fever and headaches.

Symptoms of herpetic sore throat

Adults and children who have the herpes virus in their bodies often experience a sore throat caused by this infection. Its onset is usually abrupt and extremely acute:

1. The temperature rises to 40-41° C, as with pneumonia.
2. Severe pain occurs in the throat, it is very difficult to swallow, the discomfort lasts for at least 3 days.
3. The mucous membrane of the pharynx becomes swollen, visible with white bubbles on the tonsils and palate.
4. Over time, the vesicles merge with each other, forming a dense white “patina” covered with a film and surrounded by redness.
5. Suppuration of the rash lasts up to 3 weeks, during which herpes can spread to the skin of the face.

The incubation period of herpetic sore throat lasts 1-2 weeks. Sometimes the patient recovers easily - intoxication goes away before the vesicles appear by 6 days, treatment is greatly simplified. Sometimes complications arise - herpetic rhinitis, chronic tonsillitis, otitis media, myocarditis, encephalitis, etc.

Symptoms of herpes on internal organs

Internal herpes manifests itself with the usual symptoms of other diseases, since it causes them. None visible signs it is the herpes virus that is usually not observed; the type of infection can only be determined by clinical studies and laboratory tests.

As a rule, with ulcers in the esophagus due to herpes rashes, a person suffers from pain behind the sternum and when swallowing. A doctor can detect ulcers through an endoscopic examination. Pneumonia, bronchitis and tracheitis with characteristic symptoms(fever, cough, shortness of breath) are detected through special tests for herpes type 1, often these diseases are accompanied by a fungal or bacterial infection.

If the patient has herpetic hepatitis, the symptoms will be similar to those usual for hepatitis B or C - jaundice, change in the color of urine and stool, fever. To identify the cause of the disease, the patient is prescribed a test for herpes viruses. AND So for any other damage to internal organs, this virus does not have any specific symptoms.

Symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia is an echo of the disease after recovery from type 3 herpes. After a relapse of the Zoster virus, the patient remains with a feeling of discomfort and symptoms of infection, although the disease has already “subsided.” Acute symptoms also disappear completely. So, with such neuralgia there are:

• residual drying and flaking crusts in places where there was;
• throbbing pain or tingling in this area, sometimes extremely strong;
• itching between painful attacks, causing irritation, which only intensifies subsequent pain;
• numbness of the skin areas at the site of the former lichen or an extremely strong reaction to external irritants;
• muscle weakness and paralytic conditions (more often in old age).

Typically, postherpetic neuralgia lasts 2-3 weeks, but sometimes it remains for 2 months or even a year. Some symptoms last even longer, such as muscle weakness or extreme skin reactions. All this interferes with the normal lifestyle of people who have experienced reactivation of the chickenpox virus.

In order to understand how to treat genital herpes, you must first understand the symptoms and eliminate the routes of transmission of the disease so that the following situation does not happen: you will responsibly carry out treatment, and your partner, being a carrier, will remain in the dark or simply simply refuse any use of medications, citing the fact that there are no external manifestations. Before starting the treatment procedure, cut off all possible routes of transmission of the virus.

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In rare cases, the disease is transmitted through hygiene products and personal belongings, most often through unprotected sex or kissing the carrier. We have collected for you detailed instructions how to treat illness folk remedies, and by medicinal methods, however, before starting the procedure, you should carry out an accurate diagnosis of the disease from a doctor, this will help you clarify the degree and type of the disease, but when you know who to fight, you can use everything modern means, fortunately there are a lot of them.

Causes of genital herpes

The disease is most often transmitted through sexual contact, both regular and during anal sex. In rare cases, infection occurs through personal hygiene items.

Genital herpes can be contracted from a partner with herpetic rashes in the mouth area, since during oral contact with the genitals the infection spreads from the lips to the genitals.

Risk factors that increase the chance of contracting this disease:

1. Impaired immune function due to illness, stressful situations or intake medicines.
2. Minor damage to the mucous membrane and skin.
3. Simultaneous presence of several sexual partners.
4. Having sex without a condom.

Symptoms of genital herpes

The symptoms of genital herpes are somewhat difficult, since this infectious disease can exist in a latent state and only make itself felt in exceptional situations.

Herpes rashes in women most often form in the following places:

• around the anus;
• inside and outside the vagina;
• in the area of ​​the cervix;
• in the buttock area.

Rashes in men appear:

• on the scrotum;
• in the anus or thighs;
• on the head of the penis.

Still, there are several symptoms that indicate the presence of infection in the body:

• Noticeable itching and redness, accompanied by a strong burning sensation in the groin area.
• The formation of a small number of bubbles filled with a clear liquid.
• After a few days, the bubbles burst and then become covered with a kind of crust.
• Unpleasant sensations during urination.
• The presence of purulent discharge in the fair sex.
• Noticeable painful enlargement of the lymph nodes in the groin area.
• Sometimes there is a weak state, powerlessness.

For primary infection with herpes, the incubation period is up to 8 days. Then the following symptoms appear:

• itching, redness and burning in the genital area;
• small blisters filled with cloudy liquid form on the skin or mucous membrane;
• burst blisters transform into small erosions or ulcers covered with a crust;
• itching and tingling sensation during urination;
• when the cervix is ​​affected, the mucous membrane becomes hyperemic, erosive, with purulent discharge;
• the lymph nodes in the groin are enlarged.

Sometimes there is general weakness and malaise. It may take up to 30 days for the symptoms of the disease to completely disappear. Effective treatment of genital herpes shortens this period.

With secondary infection, the disease manifests itself with similar symptoms. Once the virus enters the human body, it turns him into a carrier of the disease. In this case, periods of remission are replaced by exacerbations.

The herpes virus lives in the spinal nerve ganglia, and not on the mucous membranes and skin, so before the appearance of the rash, warning symptoms appear in the form of nagging pain along the nerve ganglia, itching and burning in the area where the rash appears.

Have you noticed unpleasant symptoms, but don’t know which doctor treats genital herpes? If there are signs of this disease, women should contact a gynecologist, and men should contact a urologist or andrologist.

A virus received from a partner does not always lead to rashes, decisive role The state of the immune system plays a role in this.

Types of herpes virus

1. 1. Simplex virus herpes type 1– manifests itself as rashes on the lips, face,
2. 2. Simplex virus herpes type 2
3. herpes type 3– causes chickenpox in childhood, and shingles in old age
4. herpes type 4– causes the disease infectious mononucleosis, villous leukoplakia of the tongue
5. herpes 5, 6, 7, 8 types are even rarer and less well studied

The most common herpes affects the lips and skin, the second most popular is genital herpes. Herpes can lead to the development of diseases nervous system, damage to internal organs, eyes, mucous membranes. Among the infectious causes of death, the herpes virus ranks second (the first place is occupied by the influenza virus).

Herpes simplex virus type 1 - 2 - characteristics

1. 1. Herpes simplex virus type 1– manifests itself as rashes on the lips, face
2. 2. Herpes simplex virus type 2– causes genital herpes, which affects the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

The herpes simplex virus is very resistant to cold, but not resistant to heat. At a temperature of 50 degrees, it dies within 30 minutes. At a temperature of 37 degrees, it dies within 20 hours.

Outside the human body, with normal temperature and humidity, the herpes virus dies within 24 hours. On metal surfaces (door handles, taps, money) it survives for 2 hours, on damp (towels, linen) - 6-24 hours. You need to know all this to prevent infection.

This virus loses its activity and ability to reproduce under the influence of X-rays and ultraviolet rays, alcohol, organic solvents, phenol, formaldehyde, bile, disinfectants.

Diagnosis

• Genital herpes may be active, or may not make itself felt at all until a certain point.
• As a rule, the herpes virus, which occurs in a latent form, is almost impossible to detect unless you undergo a series of special tests.
• It is impossible to cure an infectious disease on your own, therefore, if you suspect the presence of genital herpes, it is recommended to immediately consult a specialist, otherwise the disease may become chronic.
• Only a qualified doctor can determine the type of herpes and then prescribe effective treatment.

In men and women

Genital or genital herpes is a disease of the genital organs in men and women caused by type 2 herpes simplex viruses, but in 20% of cases this disease is caused by infection with type 1 virus. For genital herpes Characterized by single or grouped skin rashes, it usually affects the external genitalia, the perineal and anal areas and (less commonly) the vagina and cervix (vaginal and cervical herpes in women). In severe cases, genital herpes can spread to the body of the uterus and its appendages.

The blisters filled with serous fluid then turn into ulcers and erosions. Pain, itching, and burning are felt at the affected sites. Measures must be taken to the fastest treatment, because the genital herpes virus can even provoke the development of cancer.
If the symptoms disappear, this does not mean that healing has occurred - the virus remains inside, and after some time the exacerbation may recur. For some - in a few weeks, for others - in a few years.

Provoking factors for exacerbation of genital herpes:

• – stress
• - cold, flu
• – diabetes
• – overheating or hypothermia
• – consumption of alcohol, caffeine

Treatment of herpes should be comprehensive, aimed at increasing the body's defenses. In addition, it is necessary to take vitamin and mineral complexes. During exacerbations, the dose of vitamins C, A, B needs to be increased.

Nutrition

Treatment of genital herpes must be combined with a diet: exclude sugar, alcohol, citrus fruits, and milk from the diet.

Coffee, nuts, chocolate, beef, and tomatoes contain the substance argenine, which promotes the proliferation of the herpes virus; it is also better to avoid these products. You need to include seaweed, apples, dairy products, cheese, yogurt in your menu.

Treatment with medications

At the beginning of treatment, you need to use ointments and tablets that help the immune system cope with the virus:

• "Acyclovir";
• "Lizavir";
• "Zovirax";
• "Fenistil";
• "Penciclovir";
• "Amiksin";
• "Interferon".

It is recommended to use these drugs for at least 10 days and no more than a month. With these ointments and tablets, you can prevent the initial manifestation and further spreading infections.

Drug treatment

Therapy is carried out with tableted medications, as well as ointments for external use.

Effective drugs for the treatment of genital herpes:

• "Acyclovir" ("Acivir", "Zovirax", "Acyclovir-BSM", "Virolex", "Lizavir", "Ciclovax");
• Famciclovir (Valtrex);
• "Penciclovir."

There are two ways to use antiviral drugs - in the form of episodic administration (short course of up to 10 days) and preventive (within a month or two).

More often in medical practice use "Acyclovir" (in tablets or capsules) and its analogues. Adult patients are prescribed a therapeutic dose of the drug in accordance with the instructions. Taking medications early in the course of the disease helps prevent the rash from appearing.

If you start treatment after the bubbles appear, the symptoms will become less severe and healing will occur faster. With frequent relapses of the disease, it is worth taking antiviral drugs for prevention.

How to treat genital herpes with topical products? For this purpose, ointments are used as part of complex therapy for the disease:

• "Acyclovir";
• "Zovirax";
• "Virolex";
• "Fukortsin" (if the skin is affected);
• Oxolinic ointment.

Immunomodulators are prescribed together with antiviral drugs:

• "Amiksin";
• "Polyoxidonium";
• "Lykopid";
• "Interferon".

The listed drugs affect the immune system of patients with genital herpes, stimulating its specific and nonspecific factors. This allows you to block further distribution virus and reduce the frequency of relapses.

Treatment regimen for the disease

There are certain treatment regimens for genital herpes. The choice of a specific one depends on the type of disease, its duration and the patient’s condition.
Taking medications during primary infection

Treatment of recurrent genital herpes

Treatment of genital herpes in women

Antiviral therapy is not recommended during pregnancy. The exceptions are severe forms genital herpes, complicated by other diseases that threaten the patient’s life.

For effective treatment in this situation, human immunoglobulin is used. It is administered intravenously at 25 ml 3 times (every other day) in the first, second and third trimester (two weeks before the expected date of delivery). Viferon may be prescribed in complex therapy.

Scheme for using drugs from the pharmacy

Reception medical supplies when infected with genital herpes

Taking medications for progressive genital herpes

It is worth noting that treatment and prevention of genital herpes is contraindicated for pregnant women. If the infection becomes active, you should contact your doctor for detailed advice. As a rule, every trimester of pregnancy a woman is injected intravenously with immunoglobulin, which inhibits the manifestations of genital herpes; doctors often recommend taking Viferon.

Stage 1 (relapse)

• Alpizarin (0.1 g) - up to 5 times a day, with a total course of 5-7 days;
• Zovirax (200 mg) - in the first 5 days up to 5 times (daily), then 4 times (daily) for 14-21 days. Instead of Zovirax, you can use Virolex or Acyclovir;
• Ascorbic acid (1 g) - 2 r. during the day, for 2 weeks.

As a specific therapy, it is recommended to administer antiherpetic immunoglobulin (3 ml) 1 r. during the day intramuscularly (with a course of at least 5 injections). Can be combined with the administration of 1 ml of Activin (s.c.) at least 2 times a week (10 injections in total).

• Gossypola;
• Megasina;
• Bonafton;
• Alpisarin (for treating the vagina).

During primary infection or during exacerbations of the infectious process, external treatment should be performed for at least 5 days.

Before treating a herpes virus, it is necessary to undergo a full diagnostic examination of the body, because the symptoms of the disease are often similar to other infectious diseases. In addition, there are a number of contraindications for taking certain medications and this should definitely be taken into account.

Stage 2 (exacerbation subsides)

At this stage, injection administration is recommended - B vitamins (B2, B1) - 1 ml with a break of 1 day for a course of 15 injections. In addition, it is recommended to carry out autohemotherapy according to the scheme: starting with 2 ml. up to 10 ml. (increasingly) and in reverse order.

Orally:

• Tazepam – 1 tablet. 2 r. per day (21 days);
• Eleutherococcus (20 drops) in the morning;
• Tavegil – 1 tablet. 2 r. per day (21 days);
• 10% calcium chloride solution – 1 tbsp. l. 3 r. per day (20 days) or Calcium gluconate (tab.) – 0.5 g 3 r. per day (2 weeks);
• Dibazol – 1⁄2 tablet. 2 r. per day (21 days).

Locally: Gossypol, Megasin.

When suppressive (suppressive herpesvirus) treatment is carried out, antiviral drugs are recommended to be taken in a minimum dosage, but over a longer period. Alpizarin is most often used as a prophylactic agent.

Stage 3 (remission)

Genital herpes in the remission phase requires vaccine therapy (if relapses last more than 2 months), which is performed after a symptomatic course, as well as general strengthening measures.

The herpetic vaccine is administered subcutaneously (0.3 ml) 1 r. for 3 days. The general vaccination course is 5 injections. Next, you need to take a break (14 days) with the introduction of a similar dosage (5 injection doses), but 1 r. (daily) for another 7 days. If herpetic manifestations occur during this period of time, the gap between vaccine administrations should be increased by at least 2 times. It is recommended to repeat the vaccination six months later.

In the remission stage, herpes on the genitals involves taking immunomodulators.

The most commonly used:

• Imunofan - the drug is administered intramuscularly (0.1 ml) with a break of 1 day, for a total course of 5 injections;
• Meglumine acridone acetate – (0.25 mg) IM 1 injection daily for 10 days;
• Panavir – (3 ml) IV 1 r. in 3 days (5 injections);
• Immunomax - (100-200 units) IM 1 r. in accordance with the prescribed scheme;
• Sodium ribonucleate – (2 ml) IM 1 r. during the day (5 injections);
• Galavit – (1 tablet) 2-3 r. per day, in accordance with the scheme;
• Ridostin – (8 mg) IM 1 r. at 3 days (3 injections);
• Lavomax (Tiloron) - this drug has a dual effect (antiviral and immunomodulatory). In order to neutralize genital herpes, a special treatment regimen (2.5 mg) of the drug is recommended on the first day, then a break for 2 days, and on the remaining days (0.125 mg).

Only a qualified doctor can tell you how to treat herpes most effectively.

Means for prevention

If unprotected sex occurs, emergency preventive measures should be taken in the form of antiseptics to help localize the possible appearance of herpetic eruptions on the genitals.

The group of such drugs includes the following drugs.

Miramistin

This antiseptic is available in the form of a 0.1% solution packaged in a plastic bottle. Before using it, the area on the genitals, and then the groin area, is first washed with soap, dried and treated with a cotton swab soaked in Miramistin solution.

• Women are advised to administer the solution (using a special sprayer included with the medicine), inject approximately 10 ml of solution deep into the vagina and 1.5 ml into the urethral area, holding the solution for 2-3 minutes.
• After treatment, it is not recommended to urinate for 1 hour.
• It is recommended to perform this treatment at least 2 times during the day.

Betadine

The medicine is available in the form of an ointment, vaginal suppositories and antiseptic solution. Betadine should be used after unprotected sexual intercourse (within 2 hours). To prevent infection, a woman must insert a suppository into the vagina with additional treatment of the mucous membrane with an antiseptic solution.

Panavir

This medication is available in the form of a spray and is used in emergency cases. You can apply it to a condom and also treat the intimate organ area with it.

For effective prevention herpes, as well as any infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact, it is very important to avoid unprotected, promiscuous sexual contact.

During the period of exacerbation of the herpes virus, you should avoid having sex, because even the most reliable means of contraception are not able to provide protection against the virus entering the body.

We use immunomodulators

It is completely impossible to get rid of the disease. When the immune system weakens after illness, the virus will make itself known. The task of doctors is to convert the virus into an inactive form. Thus, the disease will sleep inside the person. In people with weak immunity relapses can occur every month. In people with good immunity, relapses are rare. Therefore, every carrier of genital herpes should take care of their health.

Immunostimulants are often used in the treatment of viruses, as they destroy the cell membrane. The human body produces an immunomodulator - interferon. Based on it, many drugs are made to treat viral infections.

Interferon-based drugs:

• Viferon. For genital genital herpes it is used as an ointment. The affected areas are lubricated with it. The main component of the ointment is human recombinant interferon alpha-2b. In addition, the preparation contains vitamin E, which improves wound healing, petroleum jelly and lanolin.
• . This is human fibroblast interferon. Used as injections. The drug is expensive, but recovery occurs in 70% of cases. After adequate treatment, relapses are extremely rare. The duration of treatment can be up to 6 months.

Interferon-based medications should be used with caution. There is an opinion that they introduce additional interferon into the body, thereby reducing the production of this substance by diseased cells. It is necessary not to introduce interferon, but to stimulate its production.

For frequent relapses, it is worth taking vitamin complexes, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids. Sanatorium-resort treatment on the sea coast is recommended. Sea water copes well with various rashes.<

We use antiviral drugs

At the acute stage of the disease, the patient should take tablet medications. Antiviral drugs damage the virus cells and block their reproduction, preventing them from growing.

The following drugs are used for treatment:

1. Acyclovir. Used for the prevention and treatment of recurrent and primary herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, which are caused by Herpes viruses types 1 and 2. The effectiveness is due to inhibition of the DNA of viral cells.
2. Pharmaciclovir. A drug based on penciclovir. It is used for frequent relapses of genital herpes. With its help you can get rid of neuralgia caused by the virus.
3. Denavir. Cream based on penciclovir.
4. Groprinosin. The drug is based on inosine pranobex. It destroys the DNA of the virus and improves the body's resistance. Sold in tablet form. You need to take the drug for 1-3 months.
5. . It is an ester of acyclovir. After administration, it breaks down into valine and acyclovir. Sold in tablets. Should be taken during periods of exacerbation. It does not improve immunity, but only destroys virus cells.

Acyclovir and its analogues are most often used. It is quite effective as it destroys the membrane of the virus, preventing its reproduction. Treatment should begin even before the appearance of rashes or on the first day of the appearance of blisters. This will reduce the risk of the rash growing.
Interferon (Viferon, Genferon, Anaferon) is prescribed together with antiviral drugs.

Treatment of illness in women

Doctors state the fact that the fair half of humanity is more likely to experience genital genital herpes than men. Therapy for men and women is not much different. Antiseptics are used to treat genital herpes and internal rashes. For this purpose, Dekasan is prescribed for douching. This is a solution that has an antiviral effect.

Consequences of genital herpes infection in women:

• Cervical cancer, dysplasia. The saddest thing is that the herpes virus can cause cancer. Rashes on the cervix often degenerate into dysplasia. If left untreated, you can develop cervical cancer.
• Dry vaginal mucous membranes. Cracks often occur. This is due to changes in hormonal levels, as a result of which a negligible amount of lubricant is produced.
• Decreased libido. Due to damage to nerve cells, lower back pain and constant aching pain in the lower abdomen are possible. Because of this, sex drive decreases.
• Endometritis, colpitis. This is inflammation of the walls of the uterus and vagina. Can lead to the formation of adhesions inside the uterus. This reduces the likelihood of conception and may negatively affect pregnancy.

How to treat in men

In the stronger half of humanity, genital herpes is less common. It mainly affects the head of the penis and the anus. In rare cases, rashes appear in the urethra and rectum. Initially, temperature and swelling appear at the site of future ulcers. 3 days after the onset of the vesicles burst. At this time, pain and fever subsides. Treatment is carried out according to the standard regimen: antiviral drugs and strengthening the immune system.

Consequences of genital herpes in men:

1. Chronic and acute prostatitis. The virus cells infect the prostate gland. Typically, exacerbation of prostatitis occurs simultaneously with rashes and subsides with the use of antiviral drugs. But in some cases, antibiotics are required.
2. Herpetic proctitis. This is a disease of the rectum, characterized by the appearance of ulcers or hemorrhages on the mucous membranes. During the acute phase, bleeding may occur during bowel movements. The absorption of nutrients in the intestine decreases.
3. Urethritis. This is an inflammation of the urethra. Characterized by painful urination.

Rules for the treatment of genital herpes in pregnant women

During pregnancy, all women are tested for TORCH infections, including herpes. If a high concentration of antibodies to the herpes virus is detected, the pregnant woman is prescribed antiviral drugs and immunomodulators.

Infecting a child with the herpes virus through the birth canal is considered the most dangerous. In this case, there is a high risk of the disease progressing to the acute phase.

If a high concentration of antibodies is detected, the pregnant woman is prescribed the following drugs:

• Zovirax. The active ingredient is acyclovir. Inhibits the DNA of viral cells and prevents their reproduction.
• Oxolinic ointment. An antiviral ointment that deactivates acids that maintain the viability of the virus.
• Viferon. A drug based on human interferon. Sold in the form of suppositories, ointments and gels.

The choice of drug depends on the gestational age. The most dangerous form is considered to be acute in the first trimester of pregnancy. In this case, spontaneous abortion is possible. Developmental defects in the fetus are often diagnosed after the mother’s illness. In the third trimester, the disease is less dangerous for the child, since almost all organs are formed. In this case, the pregnant woman is treated with local drugs and strengthens the immune system.

tutknow.ru

Conditional treatment regimen

Below you can familiarize yourself with the treatment regimen and understand what doctors are guided by when prescribing certain medications, but this regimen can be adjusted by the doctor during a personal examination of the patient.

Indications for treatment in a hospital:

• if the body does not tolerate antiviral drugs;
• complications from the central nervous system;
• disseminated herpes infection.

What are the goals of treatment:

• reduce the risk of transmitting infection to the fetus;
• reduce the possibility of transmitting herpesvirus to a partner;
• reduce the number of relapses;
• prevent possible complications;
• get rid of symptomatic discomfort.

People looking for information on how to cure genital herpes often see large lists of medications and understand that in any case they will have to go to a specialist to prescribe a course of treatment. And it’s true, the fact is that you cannot write how many tablets of Cycloferon or Acyclovir to use without knowing the individual characteristics of the patient. Even after reading the instructions for use, you should not just buy pills and take them without examination by a specialist. Especially if this concerns children or adults in certain situations, for example, during pregnancy or with immunodeficiency.

herpess.ru

Treatment of genital herpes using folk methods

There are several folk ways to combat genital herpes:

• Tea tree oil solution. Dilute 10 drops of oil in 500 ml of warm water. Wash your genitals for 10 days, preferably at night.
• Collection of herbs. Mix the herbal mixture with 400 ml of warm water and place on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the broth cool to room temperature. Clean your genitals once a day for 14 days.
• Infusion of succession. This recipe is used in the initial stages of infection to relieve itching and burning. Mix 10 grams of string and 200 ml of hot water, let the ingredients sit for an hour. Next, you need to strain the prepared infusion and apply it to the affected area of ​​the skin for 15 minutes.
• Camomile tea. It will help relieve pain and stop the inflammatory process. Dilute 5-10 grams of dry collection in 250 ml of boiled water, mix thoroughly and let it brew for an hour. You need to treat the affected areas of the skin no more than 2 times a day for 2 weeks.
• Sea salt. Fill the bath with 10 liters of hot water, add 60 grams of sea salt and mix thoroughly. Wait for the water to cool slightly, then sit in it for about 45 minutes. The procedure must be carried out daily for about 2 weeks.
• Echinacea root tincture. The prepared product will help strengthen the immune system. Mix 30 grams of crushed root and 120 ml of alcohol, mix the ingredients thoroughly. Leave the product to sit for about 6-7 days. Next, carefully strain the finished infusion and consume 20 drops, 4 times a day. within 2 months.

Funds from the village

In addition to medicinal methods, it is possible to treat genital herpes with folk remedies:

1. Tea tree oil. To use, add 10 drops of oil to 400 ml of boiling water. Use the product to wash the genitals. The procedure should be performed before bedtime.
2. Herbal collection. Mix equal amounts of birch leaves, red clover flowers, calendula, dandelion root and motherwort grass. 10 g of collection pour 350 ml of water. Boil the broth over low heat for 5 minutes. After cooling, it is filtered and used for washing or douching. The procedure is performed once a day before bedtime for two weeks.
3. A series. To relieve itching at the initial stage of herpes, you need to pour 10 grams of dry herbs into 250 ml of boiling water and let it stand for an hour. Strain the infusion, soak a piece of gauze in it and apply to the affected area for 10 minutes. The product can also be taken orally (100 ml twice a day).
4. Chamomile. Has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps relieve pain. 5 grams of dried flowers are poured into 200 ml of boiling water and left for 40 minutes. Strain and use for irrigation of mucous membranes or douching. You can use this infusion 2 times a day.
5. How to treat genital herpes with sea salt: 50 grams of sea salt are dissolved in 10 liters of boiling water and after the product has cooled, it is used to take sitz baths. The procedure is carried out daily (a quarter of an hour for 14 days). There is no need to rinse off the saline solution; just gently blot the external genitalia.
6. Echinacea root. Used to strengthen the immune system. To prepare the product, you need to pour 20 grams of crushed raw materials into 100 ml of 70% alcohol. The tincture is kept for a week in a cool, dark place. Then, filter the product and take 25 drops 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2 months. It can be repeated if necessary.

Herbal treatment

Take 4 tbsp. l. herbs lemon balm, thyme and motherwort, chamomile flowers, raspberry leaves, juniper fruits, 2 tbsp. l. wormwood, adonis and St. John's wort. Pour 2 tbsp. l. mixture with two glasses of boiling water. Leave for an hour, take 1/4 cup 4 times a day. Course – 2 weeks.
For this disease, baths with the addition of essential oils of lemon, geranium eucalyptus and tea tree help well. The duration of the bath is 15 minutes.

Arnica in folk treatment

15 g of dried arnica flowers pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, use for compresses on affected areas

Traditional treatment of genital herpes with birch buds

Pour 15 g of birch buds into 1 glass of milk, cook for 5 minutes, cool, wrap in gauze, use as an external anti-inflammatory agent in the form of compresses.

Viburnum in the folk treatment of genital herpes in men and women

Pour 20 g of mashed dry viburnum fruits into 1 glass of boiling water and leave for 4 hours. Take 1/2 cup 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 10 days.

Traditional treatment with lungwort

1 tbsp. l. pour 1 cup of boiling water over the lungwort and leave in a thermos for 45 minutes. Take 1 glass 2 times a day. The course of treatment for genital herpes is 10-12 days

narrecepti.ru

Ways of transmission of the disease

Genital herpes belongs to the category of sexually transmitted diseases.

Infection occurs not only from a person who suffers from rashes on the genitals (relapse), but also in the absence of characteristic manifestations of the disease, which is observed with asymptomatic carriers of the virus and atypical forms.

Infection is also possible through oral-genital contact. Household transmission of infection is extremely rare. The highest incidence rate is observed in the age group of 20-29 years. The herpes virus can live in the body throughout life. During the inter-relapse period, it is located in the nervous system and does not manifest itself, so patients, often unaware of the presence of the disease, can become a source of infection for sexual partners.

• In addition to the sexual method of transmission of genital herpes, infection is possible when a child passes through the birth canal during childbirth or the fetus passes through the placenta of a sick mother.
• In some cases, infection of a person can occur in the absence of sexual contact: infection in this case is the result of non-compliance with personal hygiene rules, when a person transfers the herpes simplex virus from his lips to his genitals with dirty hands.
• The herpes simplex virus, which once entered the body through microtrauma to the skin and mucous membrane of the genital organs, remains in the body for life.
• A person who has a strong immune system and leads a healthy lifestyle may never know about the presence of the virus in the body and may not become familiar with the clinical signs of the disease.
• However, under factors favorable to infection (severe overwork, stress, hypothermia, colds, overheating in the sun, mental and physical trauma, prolonged alcohol intoxication, hormonal changes), the virus is activated and genital herpes worsens.

In newborns

The most severe complication of genital herpes is neonatal herpes, when the child is infected from the mother during childbirth. The likelihood of transmission of neonatal herpes virus increases if the mother became infected in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Infection in newborns leads to serious damage to the child’s nervous system, blindness and even death.

If it has been determined that during pregnancy the expectant mother’s herpetic infection has entered an active phase, then delivery by cesarean section is recommended to avoid the passage of the fetus through the birth canal.

In adults, genital herpes does not cause disruption of internal organs and does not provoke infertility. This disease is the least dangerous among all those that are sexually transmitted. The question of how to treat genital herpes is relevant because it brings a lot of suffering to the patient during an exacerbation, worsens his emotional and psychological state, and reduces a person’s performance. In addition, the infection facilitates the transmission of HIV infection and provokes the transition of HIV to AIDS.
jlady.ru

Infection with pathology

There are several ways to become infected with genital herpes:

1. Sexually. It is worth noting that a condom cannot 100% protect against genital herpes. When the vesicles are damaged, virus cells can end up on pubic hair and the inner thighs. Therefore, the percentage of protection with a condom is only 50%. Homosexuals are more likely to suffer from genital herpes; the disease usually affects the anus, colon and urethra.
2. Through the use of the patient's utensils. This method of infection is rare, since rashes on the genitals are caused in 70% of cases by the type 2 virus.
3. In public toilets. This method of infection is rare, since the virus does not live long on the human body.
4. Transfer of the virus from the lips to the genitals by touching the ulcers. This is a so-called autoinfection, when a patient from one part of the body transfers disease cells to another.
5. During oral sex with someone who has rashes on their lips. It is possible that the genitals may become infected when caressing them with lips affected by herpes. But there are also cases of reverse infection, when the virus from the genitals enters the oral mucosa.

Of course, disease cells do not live very long in the air, but this is quite enough to penetrate the mucous membranes of the nose or mouth. Scientists have found that the herpes simplex virus does not die when exposed to repeated freezing and thawing. At a temperature of 36°C it lives for 20 hours.

What should you not do if you are sick?

If symptoms of the disease appear, there is no need to panic, since long-term remission is possible with proper treatment. You should also abstain from sexual activity until the symptoms of herpes completely disappear.

• It is not recommended to consume alcohol, which serves as a provoking factor for this disease.
• Before visiting a doctor, do not rub the affected areas or touch them with your hands.
• This contributes to the spread of the virus and the appearance of new rashes.
• It is strictly prohibited to treat blisters with alcohol, as it is not intended to treat such problems and can cause chemical burns to the mucous membranes or skin.

Many patients are interested in the question: is it possible to cure genital herpes without going to the hospital? The answer is negative. Self-medication will only worsen the condition and cause frequent relapses.

Possible complications

You need to know how to quickly cure genital herpes, since complications may occur if you do not consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Without timely treatment, genital herpes causes:

1. Dysuria or neuropathy causing acute urinary retention.
2. Massive infection of internal organs. This occurs in rare cases, mainly in immunodeficiency (the hands, buttocks, and mucous membranes of the eyes are affected, and stomatitis, cheilitis, or pharyngitis occurs during oral sex).
3. In women, having genital herpes increases the likelihood of developing cervical cancer.
4. Psychological problems and tendency to depression.
5. With primary genital herpes in pregnant women, in 50% of cases the fetus becomes infected. More often this happens during the passage of a child through the genital tract affected by herpes, and is excluded during a cesarean section. Infection of the fetus leads to damage to its eyes, skin and nervous system, and sometimes to disability.

Prevention

Methods of specific prevention include the use of vaccines. But due to the fact that the virus is designed in a special way, it is not always possible to obtain a lasting effect.

Nonspecific measures to prevent genital herpes are:

• moderate exercise and a healthy lifestyle;
• cessation of drinking alcohol and smoking;
• strengthening the immune system;
• use of barrier contraception for all types of sex.
• proper personal hygiene (do not use other people's underwear, towels, etc.).

If you are already infected with the herpes virus, to prevent frequent exacerbations, avoid overheating and hypothermia, take vitamin complexes for prevention. Be attentive to your body and always stay healthy!

Useful video: life with genital herpes virus (doctor's advice)

sovetclub.ru

Methods of transmission of the herpes virus

The viability of the virus in the external environment at room temperature and normal humidity persists for 24 hours; at a temperature of 50-52 °C it is inactivated after 30 minutes, and at low temperatures (−70 °C) the virus is able to remain viable for 5 days. On metal surfaces (coins, door handles, water taps) the virus survives for 2 hours, on damp sterile medical cotton wool and gauze - during the entire drying time (up to 6 hours). The herpes simplex virus is most easily transmitted through direct contact with damaged tissue or body fluids of an infected person. Transmission of the virus is also possible during periods of asymptomatic carriage of the virus. The herpes virus is not able to penetrate the intact stratum corneum of the skin, which is due to the absence of specific receptors on it.

Oral herpes is easily diagnosed only in the presence of external manifestations - wounds or ulcers. In this case, it will not be difficult to diagnose the disease yourself by comparing the herpes on the lip with a photo on the Internet. However, in the early stages there are no symptoms of the disease, and herpes can only be diagnosed using laboratory methods. Prodromal symptoms, which appear even before the appearance of visible herpetic lesions, will make it possible to differentially diagnose the symptoms of infection with the herpes virus from, for example, allergic stomatitis. If the disease does not appear inside the mouth, primary orofacial herpes may be mistaken for impetigo or a bacterial infection. In addition, mouth ulcers (canker sores) can also look like oral herpes, but do not cause blisters. After contact with the source of infection, viral particles enter the skin epithelial cells, then the virus migrates into nerve cells by merging the outer shell of the virus with the cell membrane, and viral DNA is released inside the cell. Next, it is transported along the dendrites of the nerve endings to the body of the sensory neuron, located in the sensory ganglion, where it is built into its genetic apparatus forever. After the virus penetrates, the process of its active reproduction in the cell begins - persistence. Viral lesions of the lips are characterized by persistence of the virus in the neurocytes of the sensory ganglia of the trigeminal nerve. Most people reproduce and shed the virus immediately after infection without symptoms. This may occur more than a week before or after the first symptoms appear in 50% of cases. The pathogen multiplies intensively in it. Focal death of the epithelium occurs: cells increase in size, then die, forming foci of dead cells. The duration of the period of viral shedding when the virus is localized on the lips in herpes simplex type 1 is 6-33 days, and in herpes simplex type 2 it is 1 day. After infection, the body begins to synthesize antibodies against a specific type of herpes virus, preventing the spread of infection. In case of infection with herpes virus type 1, such antibody production will protect the body from other infectious processes caused by this virus, such as genital herpes, herpetic keratitis and felon.

Antibodies that are produced after the initial herpes infection prevent infection with the same type of virus: people who have had orofacial herpes type 1 do not develop whitlow or the genital herpes caused by herpes type 1.

Herpes on the lips: course of the disease

Herpes on the lips appears within a short time. It is localized mainly on the upper lip or in the corners of the mouth. Bubbles with liquid burst and form painful wounds, which dry out and crust over in 3-4 days. The healing of these wounds is complicated by the fact that when talking or eating, the crust may burst and the wound begins to bleed.

Treatment of herpes on the lips

There is currently no cure for herpes. Available drugs only suppress the replication of the virus, but do not remove fragments of viral DNA from neurocytes. Therefore, there is always a possibility of recurrent rashes, especially with immunodeficiencies (for example, with HIV infection or tumors). The use of antiviral drugs can suppress the activity of the virus and alleviate symptoms. Treatment of herpes on the lips can take a long time - the wound can heal much faster if left undisturbed, but in the case of lips this is almost impossible. Antiviral ointments such as acyclovir will help speed up the healing process. Acyclovir and valacyclovir have been proven to be effective in the treatment of facial herpes (on the lips), including in cancer patients. When applied topically, acyclovir, penciclovir, and docosanol are effective for the treatment of facial herpes. These drugs are approved for sale without a doctor's prescription. They must be used regularly, while observing hygiene rules: using only personal utensils, towels, and so on. Alternative methods act indirectly, having only a general strengthening, anti-inflammatory effect. Echinacea preparations stimulate the immune system. Lysine, being an essential amino acid, is a plastic material for tissue regeneration. Zinc ointments, when applied to the skin, have an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and drying effect, preventing the penetration of the virus and accelerating the healing of ulcers. This also includes aloe vera extract and propolis as natural anti-inflammatory agents. If the symptoms of the disease do not go away for a long time, you should consult a doctor who will recommend how to treat herpes on the lips more effectively and avoid complications.

Herpes and weakened immunity

During primary infection, IgM antibodies are formed, during relapses - IgG and IgA. Due to the persistence of the virus in infected people, the immunity is non-sterile. In some periods, under the influence of various factors, the disease may worsen and manifest itself in the form of well-known symptoms. In addition, the herpes virus itself is capable of inducing immunodeficiency. The level of immunity significantly affects the number and severity of relapses. After the active infection stage, the virus remains in an inactive state to live in the sensory ganglia and ganglia of the autonomic nervous system. No viral particles are produced in this phase. The frequency and severity of outbreaks varies widely among individuals. Some people develop ulcers that do not heal for weeks, while others experience only minor itching and burning for a few days. There is some evidence that heredity influences relapse rates. In the region of chromosome 21, there is a zone that includes 6 genes, which is associated with the frequency of outbreaks. The severity of outbreaks and their frequency decreases over time. After a few years, some people will have no symptoms at all, although the virus will still be shed and able to spread to others. In people with defective immune systems, outbreaks will be more severe, longer, and more frequent. Outbreaks may occur in previous locations or in close proximity to the nerve endings of infected ganglia.

https://medportal.ru/enc/venerology/reading/10/

Symptoms

There are primary and recurrent herpes. Symptoms of primary herpes appear on average 2–14 days after infection. With recurrent herpes, the disease worsens periodically. The number of relapses determines the severity of the disease, and three degrees are distinguished:

• Mild when exacerbations occur up to 3-4 times a year.
• Moderate, when exacerbations occur 4 to 6 times a year.
• Severe, in which exacerbations occur monthly.

Before the onset of rashes in the genital area, there are warning signs of relapse: burning, itching, pain and swelling. Periodic numbness, heaviness and aching in the upper thigh may occur, sometimes radiating to the lower back or buttocks; nagging pain in the perineum. These symptoms may be accompanied by fever and general malaise. Then, bubbles filled with clear liquid form on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals, which soon burst. In their place, small painful ulcers form.

Very often, genital herpes is asymptomatic. However, infection of sexual partners is possible even in the absence of symptoms.

Due to the variety of clinical manifestations of genital herpes and its frequent combination with other urogenital infections that have similar symptoms, identification of the causative agent of the disease is of great importance.

Diagnostics

With typical symptoms, diagnosis is based on the clinical picture. A careful examination of the patient allows a diagnosis to be made.

In unobvious cases, laboratory tests are used. For laboratory tests, swabs and blood tests are taken. Studies for diagnosing the disease are divided into two groups - detection of HSV, detection of antibodies to HSV.

Treatment

Treatment of genital herpes is complex and long-term. Even after therapy, HSV remains in the body, but as a result of antiviral treatment, the activity of the virus decreases, the duration and number of exacerbations decreases, and periods of remission lengthen.

Prevention

A long-term relationship with one regular partner who has been tested for genital herpes can reduce the risk of infection.

Using condoms when having sex with a new partner helps prevent herpes infection. After accidental unprotected sexual contact, preventive measures should be taken.

https://chaika.com/what-do-we-treat/diseases/genitalnyi-gerpes

Symptoms of genital herpes

Genital herpes is a viral infectious disease that is believed to be sexually transmitted. The causative agent of genital herpes is the herpes simplex virus. The incubation period can be up to a week after sexual contact with a virus carrier. A characteristic sign is the appearance of herpetic blisters in the place where there was contact with a sexual partner - in the area of ​​the external and internal genital organs, labia. The blisters open and in their place painful ulcers form, which become covered with crusts. Then the crusts come off. A new rash may appear within ten days. In more than half of the cases, herpes occurs without clinical symptoms, but virus carriers can also infect their sexual partners. Asymptomatic virus carriers pose the greatest danger to newborns, since in them herpes can cause severe neurological changes and blindness.

Diagnosis of genital herpes

To confirm the diagnosis of genital herpes, immunofluorescence assay (ELISA) reactions and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostics are used. But even in the presence of a characteristic clinical picture of the disease, laboratory methods can give negative results.

Treatment of genital herpes

The main factor in treatment is stimulation of the body’s own immune system and the administration of antiviral drugs. For severe exacerbations, acyclovir is prescribed, and cycloferon is prescribed locally. However, it should be borne in mind that even modern antiherpetic drugs only reduce the severity and frequency of exacerbations of the disease, but do not destroy the virus in the body.

Prevention of genital herpes

The main method of prevention is maintaining hygiene and orderly sexual contacts, excluding oral-genital contacts unprotected by contact contraceptives.

https://medaboutme.ru/zdorove/spravochnik/bolezni/genitalnyy_gerpes_/

Genital or genital herpes is an infectious disease of the genital organs, which is extremely common on the planet. These are not only unpleasant and itchy blisters on the skin and mucous membranes, but also a serious threat to the immune system and health in general.

In our review and video in this article, we will talk about how the symptoms of herpes manifest themselves in women, as well as methods for diagnosing and treating this pathology.

Currently, science knows of 8 types of herpes viruses, united by common characteristics, but having their own distinctive features. In women, herpes in 80% of cases is caused by HSV-2 (virus herpes simplex type 2), in 20% by HSV-1 (it is usually associated with the appearance of a “cold” on the lips).

Herpesviruses have a round shape and are quite large in size - in the range of 150-200 nm. They consist of a nucleocapsid, which protects the genetic code of DNA, and a supercapsid, an outer shell that is pierced by glycoprotein spikes.

Mechanisms of infection: how herpes is transmitted

The options for herpes infection are not very diverse. Most often, infection occurs after reaching puberty, during sex.

Note! According to statistics, about 14% of the adult population of the planet are carriers of HSV-2.

Much less often, herpes infection occurs:

• by household means due to failure to maintain personal hygiene, using shared underwear, towels, washcloths, etc.;
• by transmission, through blood transfusion;
• vertically - from a sick mother to a child in the womb (read more).

Also in medicine, cases of autoinoculation are described - transferring the virus with your own hands from one infected area to another. Self-infection with herpes is possible, for example, through masturbation.

Clinical manifestations of pathology

So, what happens to the virus after it enters the victim’s body, and what does female herpes look like?

Primary infection

Immediately after infection, there are usually no clinical manifestations, and the pathogen is transported to the nearest nerve plexuses - the sacral (translated from Latin - sacral) ganglia of the spinal cord.

In only 1-15% of patients, primary infection is characterized by violent infection.

Typical signs of herpes in women:

• swelling, redness of the mucous membrane of the vulva, vagina, cervix;
• the appearance of one or more groups of small bubbles (see table below);
• burning, rawness, itching at the affected area;
• pain, discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• enlargement, soreness of the inguinal nodes;
• fever, signs of intoxication - malaise, weakness, loss of appetite, myalgia, arthralgia.

Table: Herpes in women: symptoms and characteristics of the rash:

After the signs of primary infection subside, the disease may remain asymptomatic for a long time. But the virus is not going away: it has settled in the patient’s nervous system forever and is simply waiting for the right moment to be activated.

Relapses

Exacerbations can be triggered by:

• decreased general or local immunity;
• concomitant diseases and infections;
• stress;
• hypothermia;
• nutrition with insufficient nutrients and vitamins, fasting;
• excessive physical activity.

How does herpes manifest itself in women during an exacerbation? In general, the symptoms are not much different from those described. The only caveat is mild or not at all signs of intoxication, a moderate amount of bubbles.

Atypical forms

Damage to the genitals is not the only manifestation of herpes in women. The disease can occur in a wide variety of forms.

Urethral herpes in women is characterized by inflammatory lesions of the urethra.

In addition to inflammation and swelling of the external genitalia, the patient may complain of:

• itching, discomfort, sharp pain during urination;
• blistering rashes in the area of ​​the external urethral opening;
• general manifestations of intoxication.

Herpes of the bladder in women is manifested by dysuria and bleeding in the urine. Painful sensations in the lower abdomen are possible, urine acquires a sharp and unpleasant odor.

When the virus penetrates the vagina, colpitis develops. The spread of infection further through the organs of the reproductive system leads to damage to the uterus and appendages and can cause infertility.

Important! Scientists have proven the connection between chronic herpesvirus infection and the development of cervical cancer.

Herpes in the anus in a woman can occur in two forms:

• perianal lesion - the appearance of characteristic itchy and painful blisters in the fold of skin near the anus;
• Herpetic proctitis is characterized by painful defecation, burning in the rectal area, and the release of scarlet blood in the feces.

Note! Usually the pathology is beyond doubt: herpes in the groin in women is difficult to confuse with anything. Another thing is damage to internal organs. Sometimes finding out the cause of a patient's complaints can be very difficult.

Herpes during pregnancy

If under normal conditions herpes is considered an unpleasant but rather harmless sore, then during pregnancy this pathology can cause many problems. What an expectant mother should know to protect her own health and the health of her baby.

It is known that neonatal herpes occurs as a result of intrauterine infection. In fact, even if a woman has had herpes for a long time, the risk of damage to the embryo remains low. It increases to 50-60% during primary infection during pregnancy, causing the development of miscarriage, congenital deformities, and damage to internal organs. Relapses are less dangerous.

Important! If an exacerbation of herpes occurs after the 32nd week of gestation, the patient is usually recommended to deliver by cesarean section. This will prevent the baby from becoming infected as it passes through the birth canal.

Diagnostics

Even if the clinical picture of the disease is quite typical, it is wrong to make a clinical diagnosis based on the collection of complaints, anamnesis and examination.

Standard medical instructions provide for:

• Isolation of HSV-2 and its typing on nutrient media;
• ELISA, RIF and other tests aimed at identifying antigens to the virus;
• PCR, based on the detection of pathogen DNA fragments in biomaterial.

Treatment methods

Despite the fact that it is not possible to completely remove the virus from the body, modern medications can significantly alleviate the course of the disease and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Treatment of herpes in women includes:

• taking antiviral drugs based on acyclovir(Acyclovir, Virolex,);
• symptomatic use of analgesics and antihistamines to relieve discomfort (pain, burning, itching);
• according to indications – immunomodulatory therapy with interferon preparations(Genferon, Viferon) or interferon inducers (Amiksin).

It is also important to adhere to the principles of a healthy lifestyle and use non-drug methods to strengthen the immune system. Compliance with these simple rules will defeat herpes on the genitals: treatment in women usually allows for a significant reduction in the number of exacerbations.

Questions for the doctor

How to reduce the likelihood of infection

I have been living with my husband for two years now, and I recently found out that he suffers from genital herpes. I don't have any symptoms yet. How can you reduce the likelihood of infection?

Hello! Do not have sex during periods of exacerbation of your spouse, or at least use condoms.

Treatment effectiveness

Hello! I have had herpes for three years now. Exacerbations are very frequent, almost every month. Now, as prescribed by the doctor, I take Acyclovir and Panavir once a year. Amiksin was recently recommended to me. What can you say about this medicine? Or maybe you can recommend something else? Thank you.

Good day! Amiksin is a good medicine, but it is not antiviral. Its mechanism of action is based on enhancing the production of its own interferon, which means strengthening the immune system, which is very good in your case.

When genital herpes is diagnosed in women, treatment is selected quite carefully. This is necessary because the symptoms of the disease cause severe discomfort, and in addition, can cause certain complications. Also, individual selection of treatment tactics is necessary due to the fact that the immune system of different people also functions differently, and if one drug helped your neighbor, it is not a fact that it will work for you.

In this article we will talk about what symptoms this disease has, why it occurs and what is the treatment of genital herpes in women.

The appearance of genital herpes is characterized by rashes on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals, buttocks and thighs. The disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2, sometimes by type 1.

These are herpes simplex, widespread among people. At the moment, HSV is one of the most common diseases, having “lost ground” to trichomoniasis.

A large percentage of the population suffering from herpes is due to the following reasons:

1. There is a strong belief that herpes simplex is not dangerous and does not cause serious diseases.
2. Long stay of the disease in the latent stage.
3. Lifelong carriage - at the moment there are no methods that can completely remove the virus from the body.
4. A large selection of ways of transmitting the disease.

Most often, contact with herpes infection occurs in childhood (according to statistics, 50% of children 5-8 years old are already infected). This occurs due to high population density, poor personal hygiene and low socio-economic standards of living.

Secondary infection occurs due to the following reasons:

• early onset of sexual activity;
• promiscuity;
• lack of barrier contraception during sexual intercourse;
• presence of STDs;
• reduction of the body's immune forces;
• use of intrauterine devices;
• surgical termination of pregnancy.

When the virus enters the body, the immune system produces specific antibodies, as a result of which, with normal immune reactions, no clinical picture of the disease is observed. When exposed to certain unfavorable factors that reduce immune reactivity, the virus comes into action, and as a result, rashes and neuralgic pain appear.

Relapses of the disease can occur due to stress, climate change, overheating or hypothermia, colds and lack of vitamins.

The routes of infection with genital herpes are quite varied. Infection occurs through contact of the pathogen with mucous membranes or when the skin is damaged.

In this way, transmission of the virus is possible:

1. Sexually– the main route of transmission of the disease, the largest number of patients is observed in the age range of 20-30 years. Infection with herpes during sexual intercourse occurs both during the traditional type of intercourse and during oral-genital and anal-genital contacts.
2. In case of self-infection– in this case, herpes is transferred from infected parts of the body to healthy ones.
3. In close skin-to-skin contact. This method of infection is quite rare, since it is necessary to be in close bodily contact with a person if there are lesions on the skin.
4. Airborne route, as well as the household route of infection with genital herpes is practically not found. Nevertheless, the virus can survive at room temperature and normal humidity for up to 1 day, and when heated to 50°C or higher, it dies within half an hour. Thus, infection through bed linen, towels, dishes or handkerchiefs of a patient with herpes is still possible.
5. Vertical path– herpes is transmitted from a sick mother to a child during pregnancy or childbirth.

Many people believe that the herpes virus of the first type occurs only on the skin and mucous membranes of the face, and the HSV of the second type occurs on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs. However, up to 70-80% of genital herpes is caused by a type 2 virus, and the remaining 20-30% is associated with infection with type 1 HSV. Once herpes enters the human body, it remains there forever.

What are the signs of genital herpes in women?

Genital herpes in women has very diverse symptoms.

There are various clinical types of the disease:

• primary infection;
• secondary infection;
• recurrent herpes;
• atypical course;
• asymptomatic course.

Depending on the clinical type of herpes, symptoms vary, and in some cases they are completely absent.

You can take a closer look at the possible variants of the disease:

Symptoms characteristic of herpes affect the following body parts and organs in women:

• vestibule of the vagina;
• external opening of the urethra;
• labia minora and labia majora;
• crotch;
• perianal area;
• thighs and buttocks;
• vagina;
• cervix.

When the cervix is ​​affected, the inflammation may be similar to cervicitis. In this case, erosions with purulent discharge and hyperemia are observed on the mucous membrane of the cervix. In addition, the inguinal lymph nodes become inflamed and urination becomes difficult.

Treatment of genital herpes

In order to find out how to treat genital herpes in women, the patient should consult a doctor. After collecting anamnesis, examination and carrying out the necessary tests, the specialist will choose how to treat the herpetic infection.

Features of therapy in this case are:

1. Total destruction of the pathogen is impossible.
2. It is advisable to prescribe etiotropic therapy only in the active phase of the disease.
3. Prescribing antibacterial drugs for viral diseases is inappropriate.
4. The vaccine against the virus is used only in the latent period, in addition, it does not have absolute protective properties.

Important! A herpetic infection is characterized by symptoms that can negatively affect the psycho-emotional state of the patient: a person is afraid of the appearance of new rashes, is nervous, this can lead to attempts to alleviate the symptoms with his own hands. This is strictly prohibited, as it may worsen the patient's condition.

Treatment instructions are aimed at reducing itching, rash, local and total pain, as well as fever. In addition, the main therapeutic principles include reducing periods of exacerbations and increasing the latent period.

Key treatment methods include:

1. Etiotropic therapy: antiviral agents that suppress viral replication.
2. Treatment of genital herpes in women is carried out with the help of immunomodulators and symptomatic therapy (drugs to eliminate itching and pain).
3. Physiotherapy and vaccinations.

In case of primary infection, an antiviral of choice is used for therapy: acyclovir, pharmacociclovir or valacyclovir. The dosage is selected individually, based on sensitivity to the drug, the patient’s weight and medical recommendations.

In the stage of remission and if an imminent exacerbation is suspected, drugs are prescribed to stimulate the general immune status: cycloferon, vegetarian, ribotan and others, as well as B vitamins. The use of antiviral drugs in this period is pointless, since the virus is in an inactive phase.

To treat a recurrent infection, drugs are selected depending on how often relapses occur and according to the recommendations of a specialist. The universal regimen includes the use of acyclovir, immunostimulants, other tonic agents and vitamins. During precursors of the disease, the use of interferon drugs is indicated, since they are most effective only in the early stages of the disease.

The price of medicines is quite varied, so if necessary, you can choose analogues in accordance with your financial capabilities. For example, the cost of antiviral drugs starts from 30 rubles, which is a rather insignificant amount.

From the photos and videos in this article, we got acquainted with the clinical picture of genital herpes in women, and also got an idea of ​​the treatment regimens for the disease in different periods.

Frequently asked questions to the doctor

You don't have to get sick

Good day. I am pregnant, I recently had tests and no herpes was detected. I would like it to continue like this. Can I somehow protect myself and my child from infection?

Hello. Of course, there are a lot of options on how to protect yourself from infection. It is necessary to use condoms during sexual intercourse, and, if necessary, treat with antiseptics the places where the virus could presumably have entered.

Also, do not forget about washing your hands after visiting public places, transport, the toilet, or contact with money. It is important to use only your own personal care items and keep them separate from others. However, it is almost impossible to protect yourself from infection with the herpes simplex virus type 1, since it can be transmitted even through short-term contact with the skin of a healthy person.