More Than An Annoying Itch: Symptoms Of Genital Herpes For Women

Genital herpes is the silent villain of sexually transmitted infections. Often lying dormant for months or even years, many people don't know they have it until long after they've been infected. Genital herpes, however, isn't as simple as its quiet nature would suggest. It can cause serious symptoms and side effects, including birth defects in an unborn child.

Genital herpes? What's that, then?

Genital herpes is an incredibly common STI, thought to affect up to one-sixth of the population aged 14 to 49. It is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. During sexual contact with an affected partner, the Herpes Simplex Virus enters the body through microscopic lesions in the skin and in the mucous membrane of the genitals. 

There are two types of Herpes Simplex Virus. Type 1 is associated with cold sores, while Type 2 is passed on through genital contact. But don't assume you can't get Type 2 HSV if you only have oral sex; despite it's name, it can develop on the mouth, as well as the genitals.[1]

So what? If I get it, my doctor will treat it. It's really not that big a deal. Is it?

Actually, once you've had one outbreak of genital herpes, the Type 2 Herpes Simplex Virus settles in the nerves and lies dormant. That means that reactivations, or reoccurences, of genital herpes may happen throughout your lifetime.

But isn't genital herpes just a few spots and an itch?

When you think about genital herpes, you probably think about the small, blister-like spots, you imagine there'll be some itching, and you probably think that's all there is to this complex and recurrent sexually transmitted infection. That is not the case. Symptoms of genital herpes vary from person to person, and while many cases of genital herpes do cause mild to moderate symptoms, some women experience symptoms that are far more severe, even painful.

What if I'm pregnant?

Be aware of genital herpes if you a pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future. Genital herpes can be passed on from the mother to the fetus, and can cause serious side-effects. A baby who has contracted Herpes from their mother may be born prematurely, be born with brain damage or with damage to the skin or eyes, or may even be stillborn.

READ Home Remedies for Genital Herpes

If you have genital herpes or think you may have contracted them during your pregnancy, please tell your doctor or midwife. Your doctor will be able to prescribe appropriate medication to help you manage your Herpes: your doctor will probably subscribe acyclovir, Valacyclovir, or famciclovir approximately three weeks before your due date to prevent a potential outbreak during your delivery. Population-based studies prove acyclovir to be safe during pregnancy. [2]