Genital herpes can be a very difficult infection for a person to deal with. As is the case with most infections, it is always best to avoid contracting the infection, rather than having to deal with treating an acquired infection. In order to avoid contracting genital herpes, it is important to understand how it is spread and what you can do to limit your risk of getting this infection.
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two sub-types of this virus, named HSV-1 and HSV-2. It was previously thought that only HSV-2 caused genital herpes symptoms, but it is now known that either sub-type can cause a genital infection. HSV-2 remains the most common cause of genital herpes.
Genital herpes causes painful lesions in the genital area of an infected person. The virus infects nerve cells in the genital area. A person who is infected can experience recurrent “outbreaks”. The virus will be dormant for long periods of time, only to flare up and cause active symptoms from time to time. Flare-ups can be triggered by a number of factors, including exposure to sunlight, stress, other infections, and local trauma.
It is estimated that up to 25% of the population in America has been exposed to the HSV-2. This does not mean that all of these people will get symptoms. In some people the immune system is able to fight off the infection, preventing symptoms.
Okay, so there’s a basic introduction – now how is genital herpes spread?
Genital herpes is transmitted from one person to another by sexual contact. When the virus becomes active, it begins to replicate in and around the nerves of an infected person. These viral particles can then be passed from one person to another by sexual contact.
Active herpes lesions can be very infective. Contact with any fluid leaking from these vessicles can transmit a genital herpes infection. It is also important to note that a person does not have to have symptoms to be contagious. In addition, women often get symptoms internally in the vaginal canal – this can make it hard to tell if the woman is having an outbreak, especially if the outbreak is small and non-painful.
Genital herpes can be spread from oral, vaginal, and anal sex. A person who has breaks in the skin around the genital region is at greater risk for contracting an infection. This is because the skin is the primary defence against an infection. If the skin is broken, a person is at greater risk.
Risk of spread of genital herpes can be lowered by avoiding contact with someone who is having a known outbreak. Condom use greatly lowers the risk of transmission. Remember, a person does not need to have an active outbreak to be contagious. Always practice safe-sex if you believe there is any risk of contracting a genital herpes infection.
If you have any questions about genital herpes and what you can do to limit the spread of the virus, talk with your doctor
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