+1 (800) 224-4024 OTCQB: BPSR

I have confirmed HSV2 (Genital herpes)

We expect most of you accessing this site will have suffered a number of attacks of genital herpes.
Most patients experience a condition called the prodrome. This causes tingling, urinary urgency, or heat which precedes the development of the actual sores or blisters. Typically small blisters form on the genital or anal skin which burst to form small weeping and crusting sores. These can be present for days before healing, and if the herpes blisters are on the internal skin (urine pipe, prostate, cervix or vagina) then discomfort or pain may be the only symptom for the affected person. Fatigue can also be a problem.

Like HSV1, genital herpes often reactivates during periods of illness, fatigue and stress – nobody knows quite why this should be. Some individuals will only suffer recurrence when they are already under the weather, while others can have recurrences every month or so. The average frequency of HSV2 attacks is probably 3-4 per year.

Treatment: It is essential that you have previously had a clear diagnosis made by a physician, in order to rule out other potentially serious or transmissible infections.

Your doctor may have recommended creams to put on the affected when you feel the symptoms coming on, or in more severe cases may give you similar medication to take by mouth. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are helpful for some, but not all, sufferers.

A

Antiviral drugs

As for HSV1, the most common drugs used are the antiviral medicines called nucleoside analogues – the most frequently prescribed and used are Acyclovir, Valacyclovir. These medicines have been shown to shorten the duration of the attack but do not cure the disease. The drugs in tablet form can be taken either when the prodrome is first noticed, or in more frequent attacks (or high risk individuals) as a regular suppressive treatment. While effective, these medicines can be associated with side effects including burning, stinging, pain passing urine and flaking of the skin (using cream or ointment,) or nausea, vomiting, fatigue or loss of appetite (using tablets.) More serious side effects can happen but are very rare.

In most countries, creams or ointments can be obtained over the counter but the tablet form of the medication must be prescribed by a physician. Patients will usually keep a supply of their medication at home to self-dose when an attack is coming on.

A

Barrier creams and toiletries

Barrier creams or ointments, or local anaesthetics, may be obtained over the counter or by prescription. They have little benefit in genital herpes for most patients and have not been shown to shorten the length of attacks. Most patients will find that avoiding highly perfumed toiletries and keeping the genitals from becoming dehydrated will give a little extra comfort during attacks.
A

Steroids

These are generally not recommended for use in genital herpes either as creams or by mouth.

Avoiding transmission to others

You may be infectious to others if you have either the symptoms or signs of the disease. It may be possible to transfer the virus to other sites such as your own eyes mouth, eyes and anogenital region. Clearly there is a major risk to others. You may be more prone to catch or spread other infections such as HIV and gonorrhoea while there are active HSV2 sores in your genitals or anal region.

If you have symptoms then you should be sure to do the following:

Z
Wash and dry your hands carefully after any contact with your genitals
Z
Avoid sexual contact unless with a regular partner whose HSV2 status is known
Z
If sex does happen, use a condom from the start of foreplay – oral to genital contact can occur.
Z
A water based lubricant may reduce the spread of the virus
Z
Always be open and frank with sexual partners
Z
If you are pregnant it is absolutely vital your maternity team are aware of current or previous HSV2 infection to avoid potential transmission during childbirth.