Infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as herpes, is common worldwide. HSV type 1 (HSV-1) is usually transmitted through oral contact and causes infection in or around the mouth (oral herpes), but it can also cause genital herpes. HSV-2 is transmitted mainly through sexual contact and causes genital herpes.

Both oral and genital herpes are mostly asymptomatic or go unrecognised, but they can cause painful blisters or sores at the site of infection, ranging from mild to severe. The infection is lifelong, and symptoms can recur over many years. Some medicines can reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, but they cannot cure the infection.

Recurring symptoms of both oral and genital herpes can be distressing. Genital herpes can also carry a stigma and affect sexual relationships. Over time, however, most people with either type of herpes adapt to living with the infection or find ways to manage it. Today there are many ways to address this condition, and gynaecology in Switzerland is at the forefront of its treatment.

Symptoms of genital herpes in women

In women, herpes infection can cause skin symptoms in the genital area. The symptoms of herpes simplex virus type 2 are:

  • Itching
  • Tingling
  • Burning
  • Skin lesions with small blisters or clusters of blisters;
  • A whitish coating on the lesions.

Many women seeking to overcome this condition choose treatment in Switzerland, which has repeatedly proven its effectiveness.

Genital herpes in men

In men, the symptoms of genital herpes are very similar to those in women, but they are often less painful:

  • Redness;
  • Itching;
  • Clusters of blisters or vesicles;
  • Skin lesions on the foreskin and penis;
  • Skin lesions on the thighs, buttocks or anus.

Preventing herpes

With herpes, prevention is better than cure. If herpes keeps recurring, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine to take at regular intervals to help keep the virus under control. Some people, for example, develop cold sores after time in the sun, so applying sunscreen to the lips to limit sun exposure can help control outbreaks.

Some people also develop cold sores when they are under stress, so finding ways to manage or reduce anxiety can help.

Because the virus can spread to other people and to other parts of your body, avoid sharing drinking glasses and food containers you use. Also avoid touching a blister and then touching another part of your body.

Treating herpes

Although there is no definitive cure for herpes, there are many ways to manage it. Finding the treatment that suits you best may take a little trial and error, but in time you will find one that reduces outbreaks or clears them up quickly.

TRANSMISSION OF GENITAL HERPES AND RISK FACTORS

Transmission between sexual partners

The herpes virus is most often passed between partners during oral, anal or vaginal sex.

Genital herpes can also develop after contact with a cold sore on the lip of an infected person during oral sex; in this case, genital herpes is most likely caused by HSV type 1 infection. Transmission from person to person can occur even when no sores are visible.

There is no risk of infection from contact with surfaces in the environment (door handles, toilet seats, bed linen).

The risk of transmission from an infected man to an uninfected female partner is higher than from an infected woman to an uninfected male partner. As with any other sexually transmitted infection, the risk of contracting genital herpes rises with the number of sexual partners, the frequency of sexual contact and infrequent condom use.

When is the virus most likely to spread?

The risk of spreading the infection is much higher when a person has signs or symptoms of active infection. Transmission is, however, possible even when no sores are present.