Genital Herpes

body {
background: #FFF;
}
Alternative Names    

Herpes – genital; Herpes simplex – genital; Herpesvirus 2; HSV-2

Definition    

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection affecting the skin
of the genitals.

Causes    

Herpes is caused by two viruses:

- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)

- Herpes simplex virus type 2
(HSV-2)

HSV-1, the virus responsible for common cold sores, can be transmitted
through fluids from the mouth. It is responsible for some cases of genital
herpes cases. HSV can spread from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex.

HSV-2 causes most of the genital herpes cases. HSV-2 can be spread through
secretions from the mouth or genitals.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is spread from one person to another by
skin-to-skin contact. The virus is shed from visible sores, blisters, or a rash
during outbreaks, but can also be shed from the affected area between outbreaks
of symptoms.

HSV is transmitted to the area of skin with which it comes into contact.
There are also some cases by which other types of contact can spread HSV. For
example, a variant of herpes, known as herpes gladiatorum, can be passed on
during body contact sports, such as wrestling.

Because the virus is transmitted through secretions from the mouth or genital
tissue (mucosa), common sites of infection in men include:

- Anus

- Inner thighs

- Scrotum

- Shaft and head of the penis

Common sites of infection in women include:

- Anus

- Cervix

- Inner thighs

- Labia

- Vagina

The mouth can also be a site of infection in both sexes.

Research suggests that the virus can be transmitted even when there are no
symptoms present, so that a sexual partner without obvious genital herpes sores
can still transmit the illness. In fact, asymptomatic spread may actually
contribute more to the spread of genital herpes than do active sores.

Symptoms    

For people with no prior contact with HSV-1 or HSV-2, initial infection
involves both whole body (systemic) and local symptoms.

Generalized symptoms include: