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HPV na Prática Clínica

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What causes genital herpes?

Usually, this infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) although herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), the virus responsible for cold sores, may occasionally cause this disease.

How common is genital herpes?

Almost 50 million American adults and adolescents have genital herpes -- that's 1 out of every 5 people, making it one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Since the late 1970s, the number of Americans with genital herpes infection has increased 30%, mostly in young white teens.

Genital herpes is more common in women than in men.

How do I know if I have genital herpes?

Most people infected with genital herpes have very minimal or no signs or symptoms of their disease. The first attack of herpes usually follows this course:· Skin on or near the sex organ becomes inflamed.

• Skin may burn, itch or be painful.
• Blister-like sores appear on or near the sex organs.
• Sores open, scab over, and then heal.

Symptoms that may also be present when the virus first appears include:

• Swollen glands
• Fever
• Headache
• Burning when passing urine
• Muscle aches

The first outbreak of herpes can last for several weeks. After the outbreak, the virus retreats to the nervous system, where it remains inactive until something triggers it to become active again.Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the first episode. Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to go down over a period of years.

How often do outbreaks happen?

How often outbreaks occur depends on the person. On average, people with herpes experience about four outbreaks a year. The first outbreak usually is the most painful and takes the longest to heal. The pain and recovery time often decrease with each outbreak.

What triggers an outbreak?

It depends on the person. Some commonly reported triggers include:

• Stress
• Illness
• Surgery
• Vigorous sex
• Diet
• Monthly period

How are genital herpes diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose genital herpes by visual inspection if the outbreak is typical, and by taking a sample from the sore(s). But, HSV infections can be difficult to diagnose between outbreaks. Your doctor may check for ulcers internally -- on the cervix in women and the urethra in men. Blood tests that detect HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection may be helpful, although the results are not always definite.

How is genital herpes treated?

There is no cure for genital herpes, but your doctor can prescribe anti-virus medicines that may help the sores heal faster. Those include: Famvir, Valtrex, and Zovirax.

Over-the-counter painkillers may help with the discomfort.

If recurrences of your genital herpes are frequent, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication (Famvir, Valtrex and Zovirax) to suppress the outbreaks.

How does genital herpes affect a pregnant woman and her baby?

Outbreaks of genital herpes during pregnancy have been associated with miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, and herpes infection causing severe brain injury and possible blindness in the baby. Still, women with herpes can give birth to healthy babies. If you have herpes and plan to have children, discuss your illness with your doctor.

How can I protect myself from herpes?

• Do not have sex with someone who has an open sore on his or her sex organs.
• Always use a latex condom during sex. Also use a spermicide that contains nonoxynol-9.
• Limit your number of sex partners.

Taking antiviral medications (Valtrex) can reduce the risk of a person with genital herpes from spreading the disease, but that doesn't eliminate the risk. Be sure to practice the measures listed above to decrease risk.

Can herpes be cured?

There is no cure for herpes. Once a person has the virus, it remains in the body. The virus lies inactive in the nerve cells until something triggers it to become active again. These herpes "outbreaks," which can include the painful herpes sores, can be controlled with medication.

What can I do if I have herpes?

Many people who find out that they have herpes feel depressed knowing that they will always have the virus and can give it to others. But you are not alone. If you have herpes, you should learn all that you can about herpes. Information will help you to manage your disease and feel better about yourself. It also helps to talk about your illness with a trusted friend.

If you have herpes, you can still have sex, if you use a condom (and/or have your partner use a condom), and you tell your partner about your illness. You also can still have children.

For More Information
Contact the CDC National STD Hotline: 1 (800) 227-8922National Herpes Hotline: 1 (919) 361-8488

For a complete guide to sexual health for your patient visit WebMD HealthReviewed by the Cleveland Clinic Department of Infectious DiseaseEdited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, September 2003.