The infection manifests as erythematous papules and blisters with serous or seropurulent fluid, erythema and oedema. In a few days, the blisters break creating painful, itchy sores, with fever, fatigue, muscle pains, and lymphadenopathy. In women, depending on the location, it may cause cervicitis with vaginal discharge and painful intercourse (dyspareunia) while in case of urethritis there is urethral discharge and dysuria (painful urination). Furthermore, if the autonomic nervous plexus that innervates the bladder or anus is affected, the patient will develop urinary retention or difficulty opening the bowel.

Genital herpes caused mainly by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) and less often by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1). The infections that are caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2 are among the most common viral infections in humans. The HSV-1 and HSV-2 are double-stranded DNA viruses of the Herpesviridae family. In nature, only humans are carriers and get sick and not the animals. The transmission occurs when a person is in close contact with a carrier without necessarily having any clinical symptoms or lesions.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 & HSV-2) or Herpes viruses are more common in developing countries than in developed ones. The highest frequency is recorded in sub-Saharan Africa (70% in women and 55% in men). The lowest frequency is recorded in Europe, 18% in women and 13% in men. In America, it is estimated that 1 in 6 men and women between the ages of 14-49 have genital herpes.

Treatment

The treatment differs between the primary infection and the recurrent infection. In primary infection, the dosage, the type of medication as well as the duration of administration may differ and can be modified, from that of the relapsing infections.

In any case, it is important that in addition to the diagnosis and the appropriate protecting measures (e.g. wear a condom during every sexual intercourse) to administer the appropriate medication in order to reduce the infectivity, to limit the intensity, the extent, and the duration of symptoms.