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February 3, 2012
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Genital Herpes

Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Is it Genital Herpes? Symptoms of an Initial Outbreak

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

The initial symptoms of genital herpes include fever, itching or tingling in the genital area, vaginal discharge, and headacheGenital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection (STD) that is relatively common worldwide. In the U.S., it is estimated to affect about 45 million people. While the hallmark of this recurring condition is the presence of raised, reddened, and usually painful bumps or blisters in the genital area, the initial outbreak of genital herpes may look and feel different than the later characteristic flare-ups.

In a person who has never been exposed to the herpes simplex virus (genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 or HSV-2; and, less commonly, herpes simplex virus type 1 or HSV-1), symptoms (if present) typically develop within two to 12 days, with an average time of four days. The symptoms and appearance of the initial infection (known as the primary infection) vary widely among individuals.

It is possible for someone to become infected with the herpes simplex virus and not display any symptoms at all. Other people may have a mild infection that may even go unnoticed. Still others will develop a more severe illness including the typical skin lesions.

Read more about the initial symptoms of genital herpes »

Genital Herpes Overview

Genital herpes is a common, highly infectious disease caused by a virus that infects genital areas. It is transmitted from one person to another during sexual activity. Genital herpes causes blisters or groups of small ulcers (open sores) on and around the genitals in both men and women. Genital herpes cannot be cured; however, there are medications that can be prescribed to treat outbreaks and minimize the symptoms.

  • Genital herpes is extremely widespread, largely because it is so contagious. Carriers can transmit the disease without having any symptoms of an active infection.
  • At least 45 million Americans are infected with the genital herpes virus, with approximately one million new infections each year. About one out of six people 14 to 49 years of age have genital HSV-2 infection. As many as 80%-90% of those infected fail to recognize genital herpes symptoms or have no symptoms at all.
  • The highest rates of infection are seen among the poor, those with less education, those using cocaine, and those with many sexual partners.

Genital Herpes Causes

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Most genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-2. HSV-1 is the usual cause of what most people call "fever blisters" in and around the mouth and can be transmitted from person to person through kissing. Less often, HSV-1 can cause genital herpes infections through oral sexual contact. The genital sores caused by either virus look the same.

  • Genital herpes is spread by direct contact with an infected person. Sexual intercourse and oral sex are the most common methods of spreading genital herpes. Any type of skin-to-skin contact, however, is capable of spreading herpes.
  • Although anyone can spread the disease, transmission from an infected male to a female partner is more common than spread from an infected female to a male partner.

Note: People with herpes may spread the disease even if they do not realize they have an infection. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that people with herpes can transmit infection even while their disease appears to be inactive and no sores can be visibly seen.

  • Many people remember having an episode of genital herpes when it occurs. But as many as 90% of those infected fail to recognize the symptoms or have no symptoms at all. It is not clear whether these people never had an initial herpes outbreak or whether they never noticed a mild infection.
    In these individuals genital herpes is still contagious, and they may have additional outbreaks, nonetheless.
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Is Genital Herpes Contagious?»
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Genital Herpes - Treatment

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What were effective treatments for your genital herpes?

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Genital Herpes - Symptoms and Signs

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What symptoms and signs did you experience with genital herpes?

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Genital Herpes

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Cesarean Childbirth Overview

Cesarean delivery, also known as cesarean section, is a major abdominal surgery involving 2 incisions (cuts): One is an incision through the abdominal wall and the second is an incision involving the uterus to deliver the baby. While at times absolutely necessary, especially in emergencies or for the safety of the mother or the baby, cesarean childbirth is not a procedure to be undertaken lightly by the doctor or the expectant mother. During the surgical delivery, if not an emergency, the woman may be awake but numb from the chest to the legs.

  • History: Legend has it that the Roman leader Julius Caesar was delivered by this operation, and the procedure was named after him. However, Caesar's mother lived many years after his birth, and at that time, the operation most likely caused death in the mother. In addition, no mention is made of this procedure prior to the Middle Ages; therefore, Caesar’s...

Read the C-Section (Cesarean Childbirth) article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

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Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are ubiquitous, extremely host-adapted pathogens that can cause a wide variety of illnesses.

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