
Genital herpes
Specialist in the article
Basic facts about genital herpes
- Genital herpes is the most common cause of genital ulcers.
- Genital herpes can recur, but it can be prevented with prophylactic medication.
- Approximately 20 percent of the Finnish population are infected with HSV-2, but only a small percentage of them have symptoms.
- HSV-1, which is more often associated with oral herpes, can also cause symptoms in the genital area.
Symptoms of genital herpes
In most cases, the symptoms of genital herpes appear 4–14 days after infection. Initial symptoms include burning and itching sensations, after which blisters may develop in the genital area. The blisters develop into ulcers and later on into scabs.
The first inflammation related to herpes generally includes a more serious range of symptoms, and it is associated with urinary problems. General symptoms include fever, headache and muscle pain. The symptoms will subside in 2–3 weeks. The first herpes infection can also be asymptomatic.
Treatment of genital herpes
Antiviral medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms of herpes and to decrease their duration and the risk of spreading the infection. If the symptoms are mild, the use of antiviral medications is not recommended. If the symptoms cause problems, it is advisable to seek medical attention from a doctor. Infections associated with general symptoms and urinary problems can be treated at a hospital.
Recurrent herpes can be treated with a prophylactic medication.
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More information about sexually transmitted diseases
Chlamydia
The most common sexually transmitted infection in Finland. Almost all chlamydia infections are asymptomatic.
Condyloma or genital warts
Are warts that typically develop in the genital area of women and men. They are caused by the human papillomavirus.
Gonorrhoea
Is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria that is transmitted through unprotected sex.
HIV and AIDS
The HIV virus causes a permanent infection that slowly destroys the human immune system.
Mycoplasma genitalium
Is a sexually transmitted bacterium that causes an inflammation with symptoms that resemble chlamydia.
Sexually transmitted diseases
Are transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. Sexually transmitted diseases should always be treated as early as possible.
Syphilis
About 3–4 weeks after a syphilis infection, a painless ulcer will appear at the site of infection and it will heal spontaneously within a few weeks.
Other related services
Frequently asked questions about genital herpes
Herpes symptoms occur approximately 4–14 days after the infection. The first symptoms of herpes are burning and itching, after which blisters will appear in the genital area. The blisters develop into ulcers and later on into scabs.
The first herpes infection may be asymptomatic or its symptoms may be more severe. It may be associated with urinary problems and general symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle pain. The symptoms will subside in 2–3 weeks.
Genital herpes is caused by the HSV-2 virus (herpes simplex virus), while oral herpes is caused by the HSV-1 virus. The virus that causes oral herpes can also cause symptoms in the genital area.
Genital herpes usually manifests as blisters on the skin of the genital area.
Antiviral medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms of herpes and to decrease their duration and the risk of spreading the infection. If the symptoms are mild, the use of antiviral medications is not recommended. In the case of severe symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention from a doctor. Infections associated with general symptoms and urinary problems can be treated at a hospital. Prophylactic medication is an option only in the treatment of recurring herpes.