Good afternoon everyone, today I want to talk about a topic that may not be the easiest to
discuss, but one that is very important for our understanding of sexual health - genital
herpes infections. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes
simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus - HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is
usually associated with oral herpes, or cold sores, while HSV-2 is primarily associated with
genital herpes. However, it is possible for both types of the virus to cause infections in either
location. In the UK, it is estimated that around one in ten people have genital herpes, making
it one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. According to a study conducted
by the Health Protection Agency in the UK, the prevalence of genital herpes was found to be
highest in young adults aged 16 to 24 years old, with rates decreasing with age. Genital
herpes is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, usually during sexual activity. Once a
person is infected with HSV, the virus can remain dormant in the nerve cells of the body for
extended periods of time, even for the rest of their life. However, the virus can reactivate and
cause outbreaks of symptoms, which can include painful blisters or sores on or around the
genitals, anus, or mouth, as well as flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and swollen
glands. While many people with genital herpes may not experience symptoms, it is
important to diagnose these cases because of the potential risks and complications that can
arise. Untreated genital herpes can increase the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual
partners, which can lead to further spread of the infection. In addition, genital herpes can
lead to serious complications in some individuals, such as neonatal herpes in infants born to
mothers with genital herpes and meningitis. Diagnosing genital herpes can be challenging,
as many people infected with the virus may not experience any symptoms or may mistake
their symptoms for something else, such as a yeast infection or razor burn. According to a
study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, up to 90% of individuals with
genital herpes may not realize they have the infection due to the lack of visible symptoms.
This makes it important for healthcare providers in the UK to perform a physical exam and
laboratory tests, such as a viral culture or blood test, to confirm a diagnosis of genital herpes.
It is recommended that sexually active individuals get tested for STIs, including herpes,
regularly to ensure early detection and prompt treatment. Treatment for genital herpes can
include antiviral medication, which can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms
during an outbreak, and may also be used as a suppressive therapy to prevent recurrent
outbreaks. According to a study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,
antiviral medication has been shown to significantly reduce the duration and severity of
genital herpes outbreaks. It is important to note that while medication can help manage
symptoms, it does not cure the infection or prevent transmission of the virus. According to a
study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, using condoms consistently and
correctly can reduce the risk of transmission of genital herpes by up to 30%. In addition to
medical treatment, it's important to address the emotional and psychological impact of a
genital herpes diagnosis. According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology,
individuals with genital herpes may experience feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety, which
can have a negative impact on their mental health and quality of life. In the UK, there are
resources available, such as counseling and support groups, to help individuals cope with the
emotional and psychological impact of a genital herpes diagnosis. In conclusion, early
diagnosis and prompt treatment of genital herpes is important to prevent further spread of
the infection and to minimize the risk