Genital herpes is a result of the hsv simplex virus. Most infections are cause by HSV type 2 (HSV-2), but a growing number are due to the HSV-1 serotype. HSV-1 genital herpes is commonly associated with decreased harshness of symptoms when compared with HSV-2. The incidence of genital herpes caused by HSV1 is highest inside the college age population.

Some in the symptoms common to both HSV1 and HSV2 genital herpes infection in women include:

- Vesicular and/or ulcerative lesions on external genitalia, perianal region, buttocks

- Vulvar or perianal fissures

- Mild discomfort, itching, severe local pain

- Dysuria (discomfort with urination)

- Vaginal or urethral discharge

- Sacral parasthesia

- Tender regional lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)

- Fever, malaise, myalgias, headache

- Aseptic meningitis, disseminated disease occurs rarely

However, many genital herpes infections are asymptomatic. In fact, 75-90% of women are unaware of using an HSV infection. Additionally, women may confuse their symptoms with other causes. For example, in ladies with actual genital herpes symptoms will often be erroneously caused by:

However, many genital herpes infections are asymptomatic. In fact, 75-90% of women are unaware of having an HSV infection. Additionally, women may confuse their symptoms with other causes. For example, in women with actual genital herpes symptoms will often be erroneously attributed to:

- Recurrent candida albicans, utis (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis

- Recurrent candida albicans, bladder infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis

- Allergies to condoms, semen, spermicides, pantyhose

- Irritation from sexual intercouse

- Heat rash

- Hemorrhoids

Nearly all HSV-2 seropositive persons have active infection with intermittent shedding from the virus using their genital areas. Most have mild disease and symptoms, if any.

Asymptomatic viral shedding occurs in the absence of genital lesions. Rates of shedding may actually be similar in people with or without symptomatic disease. HSV-2 infections tend to be related to more frequent and prolonged asymptomatic shedding.

An individidual may produce a primary infection, nonprimary infection or recurrent infection with herpes.

Primary herpes infection:

A primary HSV infection is the first ever HSV infection a person acquires.

- Average incubation period after exposure- 4 days (range 2 to 12 days)

- Average time period of lesions is 19 days

- Average duration of lesions is 19 days

Nonprimary herpes infection:

A nonprimary herpes simplex infection is the place an individual has one subtype of herpes (ex. HSV-1) and acquires an additional subtype of herpes (ex. HSV-2).

- Associated with fewer lesions and systemic symptoms than primary infection

Recurrent herpes infection:

A recurrent herpes infection occurs when an individual has 2 or more symptomatic flares of genital herpes.

- Typically docile, shorter duration than primary or nonprimary infections (average duration is 10 days)

- Up to 50% of patients have prodromal symptoms before eruption:

Local mild tingling, shooting pains in buttocks, legs, and/or hips

Genital herpes is easily diagnosed and easily treated. Genital herpes can be easily prevented by making use of condoms. Remember that the incidence of genital herpes brought on by HSV-1, which normally causes herpes lesions about the lips and/or oral mucosa, is increasing. Couples by which one individual has active oral lesions should avoid oral sex or make use of a dental dam.

Additionally, each woman who are considering pregnancy should be aware of their HSV status in order to prevent neonatal herpes, a potentially life-threatening condition.

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