|
Click image to enlarge
|
Genital
Herpes
Basic facts:
- Genital herpes is an STI
transmitted through direct contact with the painful ulcers (sores) the
infection causes, but herpes can also be passed to a partner even after
the sores have healed or before an outbreak has occurred.
- Herpes can be transmitted
from the mouth to the genitals or from the genitals to the mouth during
oral sex.
- Herpes sores heal on their
own after 10 to 14 days, but the virus stays in the body after the sores
are healed.
Symptoms:
- Blisters or ulcers (sores)
on the mouth, lips, genitals, anus, or surrounding areas
- Burning or pain during
urination
- Itching or tingling in
the genital area
Complications:
- There is no cure for herpes,
but there are ways to relieve pain caused by the sores.
- Some people experience
repeated outbreaks (in other words, the sores return after they have
healed).
- Genital herpes can be transmitted
to a baby during pregnancy and delivery. If infected, the baby can become
very sick and possibly die.
Prevention of outbreaks and transmission
to others:
- If available, certain medicines
can shorten the time it takes the sores to heal and can help prevent
them from coming back.
- Clients can get relief
from the sores by:
- Sitting in
a bathtub or basin filled with warm water and some baking soda two
times a day.
- Keeping the
sores and the areas around them clean and dry.
- Using pain
relievers, such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol or Panadol) or aspirin.
- To reduce the chances of
infecting their sexual partners, partners should avoid any contact with
the sores until they are completely healed. The easiest way to avoid
contact is not to have sex until the sores are fully healed or to use
a male or female condom during anal, oral, or vaginal sex (however,
transmission can still occur if the condom does not cover the sores).
- Some people have outbreaks
during stressful times. Sunlight can also increase outbreaks, so it
is best to stay out of the sun or use protection from the sun while
outdoors.
- A person with herpes infection
often feels a tingling or itchy feeling at the site where an outbreak
is about to occur. The risk for transmission is highest just before
and during an outbreak. If possible, the client should avoid sex at
these times.
- An infected client should
inform all sexual partners about the infection (if possible) and encourage
them to come to the clinic for more information—even if a partner
does not have any symptoms.
|
