Female genital herpes

Female genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that can produce physical sores and outbreaks in sufferers. Research has shown that 16% of people aged 14 to 49 have the infection and it is more likely to be seen in sexually active women. It's more likely that a woman will catch the infection from a man, than vice versa. Although the infection can remain indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years, as the body produces antibodies to the virus.

What causes female genital herpes?

Female genital herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), of which there are two kinds.

• HSV-1: This version of the virus usually causes infections of the mouth and lips, which are referred to as 'fever blisters', however it can cause breakouts in the genital region.
• HSV-2: Most female genital herpes is caused by this version of the virus.

HSV can be transmitted by the sores that the virus causes, but can also be spread by physical contact with skin that does not appear to have a sore.

Genital HSV-2 outbreaks occur more regularly than genital HSV-1 occurrences.

What are the symptoms?

Many women are unaware that they are infected by HSV-2, and do not experience any physical symptoms, however if any are experienced during the first outbreak, they can be severe.

The first occurrence of the outbreak is usually two weeks after the transmission of the virus, and the sores have typically healed within two to four weeks. There are often other genital herpes symptoms during this first outbreak, and these can include a second set of sores, or flu like symptoms; such as swollen glands and fever.

People recently diagnosed can expect around four to five reoccurrences within a year. It is also possible for a person to experience the "first episode" many years after infection.

Treatment

Unfortunately, herpes is incurable, but there is a selection of highly effective antiviral medications which can treat and suppress outbreaks.

Herpes carriers should abstain from sexual activities with uninfected individuals during an outbreak. Even if no symptoms are present, someone with the virus can still infect their sexual partner.

If in doubt, tests can be run to see if HSV is present. A positive HSV-2 infection is a strong indicator of a female genital herpes infection.

In case you are diagnosed with genital herpes after a blood test or a viral antibody test, you can buy Valtrex or Famvir online from our clinic, following an online consultation with any of our reputed doctors.