Genital herpes is a very common viral infection. HSV, or herpes simplex virus, usually infects mucous membranes, that is, it affects the oral cavity and genitals. Genital herpes, found in the body during pregnancy, often leads to spontaneous miscarriages and intrauterine death of the child. That is why it is necessary to know the symptoms of genital herpes in order to take all safety measures in a timely manner.

The progression of genital herpes is provoked by a reduced general and local immunity, gynecological manipulations, which include surgical abortion and the installation of an intrauterine device. Certain physiological and mental disorders also affect the development of genital herpes.

Genital herpes symptoms

In about twenty percent of all patients with genital herpes, the course of the disease is characterized by characteristic symptoms prone to relapse. The first symptoms of genital herpes are usually more pronounced than recurrences in the future. In some infected individuals, they are characterized by a short duration. The vast majority of people suffering from the disease have no symptoms of genital herpes.

During the period of the forerunners of the disease, symptoms of genital herpes such as scabies, burning and soreness of the genitals are noted. After that, on the mucous membranes of the genitals, rashes appear in the form of single spots or grouped rashes, characterized by a tendency to relapse in the same area. In the process of the formation of rashes, there may be a deterioration in general well-being, headaches, body temperature above normal, and sleep quality disorders. After this, the formations on the mucous membranes are opened, forming erosion. 

In representatives of weak genital herpes, genital herpes most often occurs on the external and internal labia, clitoris and vulva, vagina and uterine cervix. In men – on the head of the penis, foreskin and urethra.

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

In modern medicine, due to the variety of symptoms of genital herpes and its frequent combination with other infections characterized by similar symptoms, the diagnosis of the causative agent of genital herpes is of great importance.

In the process of diagnosing a disease, they resort to:

– virological studies of the mucous membrane for the detection of the herpes simplex virus;

– analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR);

– a method for detecting antibodies of the herpes virus;

– detection of antibodies of the herpes simplex virus using ELISA;

– methods of cytomorphology ;

The study is recommended to be repeated during treatment. In women, the material for analysis is taken from different foci of the herpes simplex virus. Analyzes are taken on the twentieth day of the menstrual cycle.

Treatment of genital herpes in pregnant women must be carried out without fail. In the process of treating genital herpes in pregnant women, acyclovir is used in recommended doses. The operation of a cesarean section becomes necessary as a prevention of infection of the child during his passage through the birth canal, provided there are rashes on the genitals or in case of primary infection of the mother. Otherwise, the decision is made in favor of natural relief from the burden. 

Patients with genital herpes are advised to have rest before all the symptoms of genital herpes have passed. When having sexual intercourse, condom use is essential.