Genital Herpes
GENITAL HERPES/HERPES SIMPLEX 2
(just one of the sexually transmitted diseases)
TRANSMISSION:
- the disease can be given to your partner even when you do not have symptoms (70%)
- occurs most effectively when you have symptoms
PREVALENCE:
- 21.9% of the people in the United States with evidence of prior infection
- Rate of herpes simplex 2 infection increases with an increase in the number of sexual partners
- Increased in African-Americans at baseline
WAYS TO DECREASE TRANSMISSION:
- Limit the number of sexual partners.
- Always use condoms.
- Avoid high risk situations such as alcohol and drugs.
- Alternate ways to express sexuality.
| Symptons | Common Triggers |
| Very painful, tender vesicles | Emotional Stress |
| Dysuria | Menstruation |
| Flu-like symptoms | Sexual Intercourse |
| Masturbation | |
| Over Exertion | |
| Sleepiness | |
| Illness/Fever | |
| Sunlight |
| Symptomatic Relief | Treatment |
| Warm baths twice daily (mild soap, water, burrows solution, cornstarch) | Prescription drugs can be used by your health care provider (Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famicyclovir) |
| Apply ice paks for 5-10 minutes | |
| Gently pat dry or use hairdryer | |
| Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (ibuprofen / Advil / Motrin, acetominophen / Tylenol) | |
| Tannic Acid | |
| Povidine-Iodine | |
| Alcohol | |
| Loose fitting underwear | |
| Squirting tepid water while urinating | |
| Increase fluid intake and avoid acidic drinks |
GOALS OF TREATMENT:
- Decrease the quantity of virus shed during each particular episode.
- Decrease the number days virus is present in the genital tract.
Please see your physician/health care provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WITH GENITAL HERPES
- American Social Health Association (ASHA) patient herpes hotline 919-361-8488 or www.ashastd.org/herpes/hrc/index.html
- The Center for Disease Control (CDC) Herpes Hotline 800-227-8922 or www.cdc.gov
- ASHA for booklets, books, handouts: The Helper 800-230-6039
"Meeting the Physical and Emotional Challenges of Genital Herpes" supported through educational grant from Glaxo Wellcome.
Camille J. Dyer, MS, PA-C
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