An Overview Of HSV-2 (Genital Herpes)

Synopsis

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by one of two herpex simplex viruses (herpes simplex I or herpes simplex II). Traditionally, the term 'genital herpes' has been thought to be synonymous with HSV-2 (herpes simplex II), however doctors have realized that more and more cases of herpes outbreaks on the genitals are being caused by HSV-1. Genital herpes often goes unnoticed as many individuals carrying the disease go asymptomatic for years.

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Genital Herpes In The US Population

Genital herpes, like oral herpes, is a common STD in the United States with roughly 20% of the population between 14-50 years of age carrying it. Recorded cases of genital herpes infections have been on the rise since the 90's with a peak of 371,000 cases in 2006 and an estimated 300,000 visits tallied in 2014.

How HSV-2 Spreads

Genital herpes spreads through anal, oral and vaginal sex. The infection is spread through cells traveling in seminal fluids, vaginal liquids and other bodily secretions. Herpes is most contagious with an open sore however the disease can still be passed even with no visible signs or sores.

Am I At Risk For Genital Herpes?

If you are sexually active you are at risk for genital herpes. To completely avoid ever contracting HSV-2 you would need to abstain from all oral, vaginal and anal sex. You can reduce your risk of getting genital herpes by having a long term monogamous relationship where both partners have tested negative for the disease. If you are sexually active, proper usage of latex condoms is necessary for reducing your risk of infection of not only genital herpes but a variety of infections as well.

HSV-2 And Pregnancy

Pregnant females that know they have HSV-2 should make that known to their healthcare provider during the first prenatal visit. Your doctor should run a full blood panel that will pick up the infection but be sure to bring it up as soon as possible. Genital herpes poses a number of health risks to a pregnant mother and her baby including premature births and miscarriages. Often mothers may be prescribed low dosage antiviral medications in the later stages of the pregnancy to reduce the risk of active infection during childbirth. A child passing through the birth canal of a mother with genital herpes can become infected with the virus.

Can HSV-2 Be Cured?

Currently there is no known cure for either genital herpes or oral herpes. Once the virus has entered your body it will remain there for life. The severity and frequency of outbreaks differs from individual to individual and many herpes sufferers are able to completely control outbreaks through antiral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir.

How Is Genital Herpes Diagnosed?

Genital herpes often goes undiagnosed for many individuals because the commonly known symptoms such as open sores and leisons doesn't happen for all those infected with the disease. Type specific labratory testing is necessary to identify the antibodies created in response to a herpes simplex type I or type II infection. Those with open sores might have a cell culture or PCR done to determine if a genital ulcer is infected. The most common blood panel for herpes HSV-2 is the Elisa test. Due to the fact that IgM tests are not type-specific, they are not useful in the identification of HSV-1 or HSV-2.

HSV-2 Prevention

To completely prevent genital herpes one must abstain from all forms of sex. To reduce your risk of getting genital herpes, never accept oral sex from a partner with cold sores and always use latex condoms and/or dental dams before sex or oral sex.

The History Of Genital Herpes

Both genital and oral herpes have been around for thousands of years. The two herpes simplex viruses weren't treated until antiviral medications began being explored in the early 1960's. By the 1970's an entire industry was borne out of treating viral infections and many new medications began to hit the markets such as the drug 9-(2-hydroxyethoxymetyl) guanine or acyclovir.