Genital Herpes In Women (cont.)
What is the treatment for genital herpes?
Although there is no known cure for herpes, there are
treatments for the outbreaks. There are oral medications, such as acyclovir
(Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), or valacyclovir (Valtrex) that prevent the
virus from multiplying and even shorten the length of the eruption. Although
topical (applied directly on the lesions) agents exist, they are generally
less effective than other medications and are not routinely used. Medication
that is taken by mouth, or in severe cases intravenously, is more effective. It
is important to remember that there is still no cure for genital herpes and that
these treatments only reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks.
Since the initial infection with HSV tends to be the most severe episode, an
antiviral medication usually is warranted. These medications can significantly
reduce pain and decrease the length of time until the sores heal, but treatment
of the first infection does not appear to reduce the frequency of recurrent
episodes.
In contrast to a new outbreak of genital herpes, recurrent herpes episodes
tend to be mild, and the benefit of antiviral medications is only derived if
therapy is started immediately prior to the outbreak or within the first 24
hours of the outbreak. Thus, the antiviral drug must be provided for the patient
in advance. The patient is instructed to begin treatment as soon as the familiar
pre-outbreak "tingling" sensation occurs or at the very onset of blister
formation.
Finally, suppressive therapy to prevent frequent recurrences may be indicated for those with more than
six outbreaks in a given year. Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir Famvir), and valacyclovir
(Valtrex) may all be given as suppressive therapies.
Herpes can be spread from one part of the body to another during an outbreak.
- Therefore, it is important not to touch the eyes or mouth after touching the
blisters or ulcers.
- Thorough hand washing is a must during outbreaks.
- Clothing
that comes in contact with ulcers should not be shared with others.
- Couples that
want to minimize the risk of transmission should always use condoms if a partner
is infected. Unfortunately, even when an infected partner isn't currently having
an outbreak, herpes can be spread.
- Couples may also want to consider avoiding
all sexual contact, including kissing, during an outbreak of herpes.
- Since an
active genital herpes outbreak (with blisters) during
labor and delivery can be
harmful to the infant, pregnant women who suspect that they have genital herpes
should tell their doctor. Women who have herpes and are
pregnant can have a
vaginal delivery as long as they are not experiencing symptoms or actually
having an outbreak while in labor.
Next: Genital Herpes At A Glance »
- 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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