Related articles: Genital herpes
Definition
Genital herpes is an infectious disease caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV). The infection causes skin lesions located mainly in the anogenital area.
The transmission of genital herpes occurs through unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) or intimate practices involving contact with infected mucous membranes (kissing, petting, mutual masturbation etc.). Furthermore, there is the possibility of a vertical transmission, that is to say from the mother, with injuries or ongoing infection, to the child during birth (neonatal infection).
The pathogen generally involved is HSV-2, although 10-30% of cases are caused by HSV-1 (the same viral strain responsible for herpes labialis). Once the infection has been resolved, these viruses have the peculiar characteristic of remaining in a latent state within the body (they elude the immune system and are not eliminated definitively).
Their stay in the nerve ganglia corresponding to the affected areas allows brief and generally less severe reactivation episodes compared to the first infection. Recurrences of genital herpes are favored by stress, an excess of alcohol, exposure to the sun or a decrease in the immune system.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Cervical mucus alteration
- Anal burning
- Decline in sexual desire
- Appearance of roundish vesicles in the skin and mucous membranes of the facial and / or genital area
- Dysuria
- Pain in the penis
- Anal pain
- Articolar pains
- Temperature
- lymphadenitis
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Backache
- Headache
- Mass or swelling in the groin
- Meningitis
- papules
- Vaginal discharge
- itch
- Anal itching
- Urethral itching
- Constipation
- Strangury
- Skin Ulcers
- blisters
Further indications
Genital herpes is an infectious disease caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV). The infection causes skin lesions located mainly in the anogenital area.
The transmission of genital herpes occurs through unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) or intimate practices involving contact with infected mucous membranes (kissing, petting, mutual masturbation etc.). Furthermore, there is the possibility of a vertical transmission, that is to say from the mother, with injuries or ongoing infection, to the child during birth (neonatal infection).
The pathogen generally involved is HSV-2, although 10-30% of cases are caused by HSV-1 (the same viral strain responsible for herpes labialis). Once the infection has been resolved, these viruses have the peculiar characteristic of remaining in a latent state within the body (they elude the immune system and are not eliminated definitively).
Their stay in the nerve ganglia corresponding to the affected areas allows brief and generally less severe reactivation episodes compared to the first infection. Recurrences of genital herpes are favored by stress, an excess of alcohol, exposure to the sun or a decrease in the immune system.
After 4-7 days from the infection, the herpes simplex genital infection presents itself with small papules or roundish vesicles, often painful and gathered "in clusters". Generally, the appearance of these skin lesions is preceded by an annoying sensation of burning and tingling at the point of entry of the infectious agent, ie at the level of the mucosa or skin of the genitals and surrounding areas. The lesions of genital herpes are located mainly on the prepuce, glans and penile body in men, on large and small labia, clitoris, perineum, vagina and cervix in women.
The vesicles cause itching and discomfort; within a few days, they can erode, spilling their contents and forming painful ulcers, which can flow together. This moment coincides with the phase of maximum infectivity.
As the disease progresses, the ulcers left by the rupture of the bullous lesions dry out. In this way crusts are formed which gradually heal, until they disappear. Lesions of genital herpes generally regress after 3-4 weeks.
In some cases, however, the vesicles can appear repeatedly with a cyclical pattern (ie they appear and after 10-15 days disappear, only to appear again). Compared to recurrent genital lesions, primary vesicles are generally more painful and widespread. On the other hand, recurrent genital lesions may be associated with severe prodromal manifestations and may also affect the buttocks, groin or thighs.
In addition to genital manifestation, primary Herpes simplex infection can cause systemic symptoms, such as fever, headache, joint pain, general malaise, difficulty urinating and constipation.
Rarely, complications can occur, such as severe sacral radiculopathy or aseptic meningitis.
In some cases, however, genital herpes does not cause any obvious symptoms; this factor is significant if the unconscious transmission of the disease is considered.
Recurrences of herpetic infection may be associated with the appearance of obvious lesions or the simple asymptomatic release of the virus.
The diagnosis of genital herpes is based on the observation of the characteristic lesions that appear during the acute phase. In suspected cases, in addition to the symptoms, it is necessary to verify the presence of specific antibodies directed towards the HSV (the presence of IgM indicates a primary active infection, that of IgG a previous infection). The assessment may also include the search for the virus in the genital lesion material by PCR analysis (Polymerasys Chain Reaction).
The treatments currently available are not able to cure the infection definitively. However, therapy based on antiviral drugs (aciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir) is however effective in reducing symptoms and shortening healing times.
As for prevention, there is still no vaccine to prevent genital herpes. For this reason, it is very important to take precautions during sexual intercourse (correct use of the condom and abstaining from intimate contacts for the entire duration of the episode).
In order to prevent neonatal infection, caesarean section is recommended for pregnant women with current infection and herpes simplex genital lesions.
