Genital Herpes Singapore | HIV PEP
Genital Herpes in Singapore: Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus. Painful sores appear on the genitals. Sexual contact is the main route of viral spread.
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Definition
In Singapore, genital herpes is a relatively common sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), which spreads via genital contact. Most infected people have no symptoms, but some experience sores in the genital areas, pain, and itching. After exposure, you will remain contagious even without visible symptoms. HSV may remain dormant for years, and is able to reactivate and cause symptoms throughout life. There are two types of the virus, known as HSV-1 and HSV-2. In the past, most reported cases of genital herpes were due to HSV-2 infection, with HSV-1 being primarily associated with the occurrence of fever blisters or cold sores in the mouth. However, recently, the incidence of genital herpes caused by HSV-1 has been increasing; it can spread from the mouth of one person to the genitals of another through oral sex.
Genital herpes cannot be cured. However, certain anti-viral medications can alleviate the symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission. Frequent reactivation of infection symptoms, including the formation of new blisters, is common throughout the lifetime.
Once the virus enters your body through the skin, the virus travels via the nerves, and becomes dormant within nerve cells, where it usually remains for life. It can also come back out of the nerve cells, reactivating the infection. When this happens, you will again experience the symptoms of genital herpes. Even when you have no symptoms, you may still be able to pass on the infection to others. Wearing a condom helps, but may not completely protect your sexual partner from getting the infection, as not all infected areas may be covered by the condom.
The frequency of episodes varies from one person to another. Some may experience frequent episodes, while some have none. Some of the triggers of outbreaks are stress, fatigue, menstruation, taking certain medications, and illness.
Causes of genital herpes
Genital herpes is caused by two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2). The virus cannot survive outside the body, so it cannot infect you by contact with objects such as towels or toilets.
Genital herpes is transmitted by direct person-to-person contact with infected skin or mucous membranes. This includes the mouth to genital contact with the infected person, as well as vaginal and anal intercourse. When compared to transmission of infection from a female to a male partner, the transmission rate from a male to a female is higher.
Risk Factors of genital herpes
You are at high risk of getting genital herpes if you:
- Have multiple sex partners, particularly if they are either diagnosed with or have been exposed to genital herpes.
- Are a woman, since women are more susceptible to genital herpes infection than men.