Herpes

Updated: 03.08.2023
Approved by: General Practitioner, Alice Pan

Herpes is a virus that can cause disease in both female and male genitalia. There are two types of herpes virus, respectively Herpes Simplex 1 and Herpes Simplex 2. In active disease, herpes is easily transmitted to a partner during sexual activity. Genital herpes disease is not dangerous in itself in otherwise healthy patients but can cause painful and distressing outbreaks. There is no curative treatment for herpes, but the symptoms can be alleviated and the duration of the disease shortened.

What is herpes?

Herpes is a virus, and about 30% of the adult population are carriers. There are two types, HSV1 and HSV2. HSV1 is primarily associated with mouth ulcers, but easily infects the genitals and can also cause genital outbreaks. Recurrence (relapse) is less common with HSV1, however.

HSV2 is associated with more frequent genital outbreaks. Herpes virus is the most common cause of genital sores. Not everyone who is infected with herpes will have an outbreak and it seems to be random who gets this. If you are first infected with herpes, the virus will remain in the body for the rest of your life. Herpes virus collects in sores and blisters during outbreaks and this is transmitted to the partner during intercourse, oral sex, kissing or other physical contact.

Symptoms

In herpes outbreaks, sores and blisters occur on and in the area around the genitals.

For women, this includes the outer and inner labia, the vulva and, in some cases, the outer parts of the vagina. Changes may also occur in the area around the rectal opening.

For men, ulcers can occur on the penis, the foreskin, the outer part of the urethra and the area around the root of the penis and the anus.

The wounds are painful, and some will also feel a general feeling of illness, with fever, reduced general condition and muscle aches.

How to prevent herpes

Herpes is highly contagious during an ongoing outbreak, i.e. when there are open sores or blisters that come into contact with a partner. It is recommended to avoid sexual contact during outbreaks. Condoms will have a limited effect. Herpes is not contagious in the latent phase.

How can Dr.Dropin help you?

The doctors at Dr.Dropin have good experience in dealing with herpes. First of all, we will take samples from current changes and confirm the diagnosis. During outbreaks, antivirals can treat, preferably tablets, shorten the duration of the illness and relieve the patient's discomfort. Such treatment is offered where there is no good reason not to. We also have the opportunity to relieve pain with the right tools.

Patients with frequent outbreaks will be considered too fixed treatment. In case of severe outbreaks, you will be referred to the specialist health service.

References

• NEL, (2022), Genital herpes in women, available from: legehandboka.no (accessed 12.11.2022).

• NEL, (2020), Genital herpes in men, available from: legehandboka.no

• Oslo University Hospital, (2020), Genital herpes (HSV), available from: oslo-universitetssykehus.no (accessed 10.11.2022).

• Oslo University Hospital, (2022), Herpes in pregnancy and childbirth, available from: ehandboken.ous-hf.no (accessed 10.11.2022)