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Genital Herpes
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Genital herpes is an infection of the sex organs caused
by the herpes (HER-peez) simplex virus (HSV). Painful sores
develop on or around the sex organs when you first get the
virus. Once the virus is no longer active, the sores should
begin to heal. However, the virus remains in the body
permanently, and can cause renewed symptoms at any
time.
Cause
The virus is acquired through
sexual contact with someone who has an active case of the
disease. Although genital herpes is usually caused by the
herpes simplex 2 virus (HSV-2), sometimes it is caused by the
herpes simplex 1 virus (HSV-1), which produces cold sores in
and around the mouth. Both viruses can be found in either
place.
Signs/Symptoms
Typically, the symptoms are
itching, burning or pain on or around the sex organs, followed
by painful blisters; difficulty or pain when trying to urinate;
swollen lymph glands; fever and feeling sick.
Care
There is no cure, but there is
medicine that works against the virus to help you feel better
and heal more quickly. Acetaminophen can help with the pain.
Try to get plenty of rest, too.
Risks
Without treatment, you have a
greater risk of inflammation of the brain, spinal cord, or bone
marrow, as well as nerve pain.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
If your doctor prescribes medicine to help the sores
heal, take it exactly as directed. You may use
acetaminophen to help relieve pain.
-
Tell partners with whom you had sex before you were
treated that you have herpes. They also may be infected and
need treatment.
-
Don't have sex until all the sores clear up (about 1
month). Also avoid sex when either partner has blisters or
sores. Don't have oral sex with a partner who has cold
sores around the mouth.
-
When it is safe have sex, use a latex condom. Using a
condom or spermicide that contains nonoxynol-9 increases
protection against herpes and also helps prevent the spread
of gonorrhea and other infections.
-
Warm baths can help relieve pain and inflammation.
Add a tablespoon of salt to the water. Applying wet tea
bags or petroleum jelly to the sores may also be
soothing.
-
Urinating in the shower or through a tube (toilet
paper roll) can help women relieve pain. Pouring a cup of
warm water between the legs while urinating also
helps.
-
Women should wear cotton panties or pantyhose with a
cotton crotch. Douching is not recommended unless the
doctor has ordered it.
-
Try to avoid stress, fatigue, and illness. They
increase the chances that your symptoms will
return.
-
Pregnant women should be sure to tell the doctor that
they have genital herpes. They are at greater risk for
miscarriage or early labor. Herpes also can be passed on to
the baby during birth and cause serious
problems.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
There is any unusual bleeding from the
vagina.
-
You get a high temperature during treatment or you
feel generally ill.
-
You get a headache or start throwing
up.
-
Your symptoms become worse or do not improve one week
after starting treatment.
-
Your symptoms return after you have been treated.
Your herpes may have come back, and you may need to be
treated again.
-
You have any problems that may be related to the
medicine you are taking.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Pulse Oximeter: You may be hooked up to a pulse
oximeter (ox-IM-ih-ter). It is placed on your ear, finger,
or toe and is connected to a machine. It measures the
oxygen in your blood.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or
from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done to measure
certain chemicals normally found in the
blood.
-
CT Scan: Also called a ""CAT'' scan, and similar to
an x-ray, this machine will be used to check for
inflammation in the brain.
-
ECG: Also called a heart monitor, an
electrocardiograph (e-LEK-tro-CAR-dee-o-graf), or EKG. The
patches on your chest are hooked up to a TV-type screen or
a small portable box (telemetry unit). The TV-type screen
shows a tracing of each heartbeat. Your heart will be
watched for signs of injury or damage that could be related
to the virus.
-
Lumbar Puncture: In this procedure, fluid is taken
out of an area near your spine, then tested for blood and
signs of infection.
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