Genital Herpes in Women
Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
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Genital Herpes Symptoms
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
 Genital herpes is a common condition affecting around 45 million people in
the U.S. The herpes viruses responsible for genital herpes are
transmitted through close personal contact such as sexual contact.
The symptoms of genital herpes vary among people. Most people infected with
HSV have no symptoms or have only mild symptoms, but some develop severe
symptoms. When symptoms do occur, the infected person usually develops one or
more painful blisters in the anal or genital areas that eventually ulcerate and
heal over a period of a few weeks.
When a person is first infected with the herpes virus, if symptoms occur,
these usually develop within the first two weeks after infection. These symptoms
of an initial infection can include:
- Fever and flu–like symptoms
- Genital itching, burning, or discomfort
- Vaginal discharge in women
- Swollen lymph nodes
- A feeling of pressure in the
abdomen
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What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can be
transferred from one person to another through any type of sexual contact. STDs
are sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) since they
involve the transmission of a disease-causing organism from one person to
another during sexual activity. It is important to realize that sexual contact
includes more than just sexual intercourse (vaginal and anal). Sexual contact
includes kissing, oral-genital contact, and the use of sexual "toys," such as
vibrators. STDs probably have been around for thousands of years, but the most dangerous of these conditions, infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), was only recognized in recent decades.
Many STDs are treatable, but effective cures are lacking
for others, such as HIV, HPV, hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Even
gonorrhea, once easily
cured, has become resistant to many of the older traditional antibiotics. Many STDs can be present in, and spread by, people who do not have any symptoms of
the condition and have not yet been diagnosed with an STD. Therefore, public awareness and education about these infections and
the methods of preventing them is important.
There really is no such thing as "safe" sex. The only truly effective way to
prevent STDs is abstinence.
Sex in the context of a monogamous relationship wherein neither party is
infected with a STD also is considered "safe." Most people think that kissing is
a safe activity. Unfortunately, syphilis, herpes, and other infections can be
contracted through this relatively simple and apparently harmless act. All other
forms of sexual contact carry some risk.
Condoms are commonly thought
to protect against STDs. Condoms are useful in decreasing the spread of certain
infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea; however, they do not fully protect
against other infections such as genital herpes,
genital warts, syphilis, and
HIV. Prevention of the spread of STDs is dependent upon the counseling of
at-risk individuals and the early diagnosis and treatment of infections.
Next: What is genital herpes? »
- acyclovir, Zovirax - Explains the medication acyclovir (Zovirax), a drug used to treat initial genital herpes infections and to treat patients with recurrent severe genital herpes.
- Colposcopy - Learn about colposcopy, a procedure used to determine and examine the cervical and vaginal area for cervical cancer and other conditions.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Learn and become aware of common STDs in women, including descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of each type of infection.
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