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Published on:Â 15th January 2025
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Alina Gabdulbarova
The HSV or Herpes Simplex Virus may lead to oral or genital herpes in women and men. Those with a weak immune system are more vulnerable to this condition. There are two variations of the herpes virus i.e. HSV-1 and HSV-2. Understanding the difference between them, and the effects on females is what the blog aims to bring forward. Let us take you through the common signs, herpes treatment, care options, and prevention methods.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): How It Affects Women?
Viral infection affecting the genitals and mouth may spread from skin-to-skin contact. For women, the herpes virus impacting the mouth through oral contact is HSV-1, leading to fever blisters and cold sores on the mouth. If the mouth comes in touch with the genitals, it can lead to sores in the private parts of the female as well. HSV-2 is particularly the cause of genital herpes in women.
- The transmission occurs through sexual activity, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, or during childbirth leading to a weak immune system.
- Since herpes affecting the genitals is chronic, it may affect newborns as well. A person may occasionally encounter symptoms, while many do not show any signs.
- Women are more prone to herpes because of the risk of vaginal tissue tear. Other risk factors are having multiple sexual partners or engaging in intercourse with a person not taking the medicine, despite the disease.
- The initial herpes virus impact occurs within 2 weeks of coming in contact with the infected individual.
- Kissing, sharing objects, contact with saliva, and oral sex with an affected person may cause herpes disease.
- Coming in contact with infected surfaces such as conjunctiva, oropharynx, or cervix can also result in herpes infection.
- Diagnosis before genital herpes treatment includes a swab test, blood test, or lumbar puncture. The genetic material test is the most common, helping to detect if the infection is due to HSV-1 or HSV-2.
Recognizing Herpes Symptoms in Women
Know everything about early herpes symptoms (HSV-1 and HSV-2), especially in women, and how to recognize them:
- The early signs of herpes in women include painful urination, swollen glands, blisters, difficulty peeing, and burning/itching/tingling feeling in the anal and vaginal area.
- Fever, discolored vaginal discharge, pain in the vaginal area/buttocks/legs, flu-like symptoms, and headache.
- Mild herpes symptoms in women may seem like blisters or sores as small as an ingrown hair or pimple. These may appear on the butt and thighs apart from the genitals.
- Infection with HSV-1 leads to cold sores not just around the mouth but even on the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth. The blisters may fill up with liquid.
- HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections are both lifelong. The initial outbreak results in the most severe herpes symptoms compared to a recurrence of the condition.
Herpes Treatment and Care Options
Since the condition is lifelong, there is no permanent herpes cure for women and men. However, there are several ways to manage the symptoms, treat the infection, and reduce the outbreak risk:
- The most popular and effective treatment for HSV-1 and HSV-2 disease is the antiviral medication. These shorten the herpes outbreak period, allow symptoms to disappear faster, and reduce the incidence of the infection.
- Some antiviral medicines for herpes treatment are famciclovir, acyclovir, and valacyclovir. It is advisable to seek consultation with a healthcare provider as soon you encounter herpes symptoms such as tingling or itching.
- Since genital herpes may spread through sexual contact, you must use condoms, dental dams, or other barrier methods during intercourse to prevent the transmission.
- To control pain, you can have a warm bath as a home remedy for herpes simplex infection. But ensure the skin stays dry and not too much moisture.
- Applying an ice pack for herpes cold sores may ease the pain. Your doctor may recommend pain relief medicines such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.
- Living with herpes may be difficult if outbreaks are occurring often. This can lead to stress and hurt mental well-being. If you feel a need to talk to someone, seek timely care and help.
- If you have visible blisters or lesions, then avoid skin-to-skin contact and sexual activity. This will assist in preventing the spreading of the herpes simplex virus.
Did You Know?
Pregnant women with genital herpes may pass the infection during childbirth. To prevent the risk, the healthcare provider may recommend a C-section to limit contact with vaginal fluids and the virus.
Pregnant women with genital herpes may pass the infection during childbirth. To prevent the risk, the healthcare provider may recommend a C-section to limit contact with vaginal fluids and the virus.
Conclusion: Coping with Herpes Virus Infection
Herpes is a risk factor for several STIs and secondary diseases. For instance, according to World Health Organization (WHO), a cross-sectional study among female university students in Ajman, UAE found that cervical cancer was more common in HPV-positive women with herpes simplex virus-2 seropositivity, poor hygiene, long-term use of hormonal contraception, and other factors.
Thus, observing the signs of herpes and treating it will not only keep frequent outbreaks at bay but help identify if you are at risk of any other health problem, which can be prevented or monitored.
Herpes Detection by First Response Healthcare
If you suspect herpes and notice symptoms like cold sores or blisters on the mouth or genitals, it is essential to get tested promptly. First Response Healthcare offers comprehensive testing for HSV-1 and HSV-2, along with expert guidance on the best treatment options to manage and prevent outbreaks.
For added convenience and privacy, you can also book our STD testing at home or schedule a doctor on call for a confidential consultation in the comfort of your home, ensuring expert care and peace of mind.
To book an appointment with our doctors who are available 24 hours in Dubai, you can call us at 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also make an appointment by visiting our website or messaging us on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions About HMPV
Q. What are the early signs of herpes in women?
The early signs of herpes for women are blisters, fever, burning, itching, tingling, painful urination, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, and others.
Q. Can genital herpes be treated at home?
There is no herpes cure for HSV-1 and HSV-2. However, antiviral medicines can reduce the severity of herpes symptoms and outbreaks. Consult a health professional for available supplements to boost the immune system.
Q. Is there a cure for herpes, or just treatment?
There is no oral or genital herpes treatment, which is permanent. Temporary relief medicines are available for sores, pain, and superficial symptoms such as itching, burning, etc.
Q. How can I prevent herpes outbreaks?
Avoid skin-to-skin contact with a person infected with herpes virus, if they show symptoms, especially blisters and sores. If engaging in sexual contact, use barrier methods such as dental dams on the mouth, condoms, etc.
Q. What should I do if I think I have herpes?
If you see herpes symptoms, contact your healthcare provider to get tested. The test will help detect if the infection is from HSV-1 or HSV-2 so that the professional can suggest treatment accordingly.
