Genital Herpes and HIV

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are linked with each other. Genital herpes and HIV risk are closely related. Studies suggested that people infected with Genital Herpes (HSV-2) are more likely to become infected with HIV than those who were not infected with HSV-2. There is no cure for this disease, which may consist of painful sores and lesions that recur several times a year, but genital herpes treatment can prevent and lessen outbreaks.

Genital herpes and its symptoms

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by (HSV-2) or type 1 (HSV-1). It is chronic, widespread, and infectious during both its symptomatic and symptomatic periods. Herpes can affect the genital area, the rectum, and the anus and sometimes legs and buttocks. The infected area becomes painful, and blisters are visible.  Infection is for lifelong and may go unnoticed. In some individuals, herpes cause typical outbreaks, while in some cases, the infection is mild in nature and can easily be confused with other skin problems.

Genital Herpes and HIV

Also Read: HIV and Other Sexual Problems in Women

Herpes infection is transmitted easily through sexual contacts with herpes lesions. It can also pass by contact with the skin, mucous membrane, and secretions from the affected area. Genital infection with HSV-2 is usually transferred during vaginal or anal intercourse and infection by HSV-1 through oral sexual practice. Oral sexual practice is the cause of the rapid increase of genital infection caused by HSV-1. Herpes simplex virus may cause infection when it reaches the mouth, genitals, or rectum or even through the skin if it is damaged with a small crack. There are chances of transferring the infection from mother to child, especially during the birth. The risk is even higher if the mother acquires genital herpes late in pregnancy.  Females are more susceptible to infection than men.

Genital herpes symptoms:

Signs and symptoms of herpes infection can vary considerably among infected individuals. A few people show signs and symptoms or outbreaks. The first sign starts about a week after infection. These include irritation, itching, burning sensation or stinging. Red marks can also be visible on the skin or mucous membranes. You can see small blisters or sores after one to two days. They are usually appeared on or around the genital area, but can also develop inside the vagina, on the cervix, or in the anus, where they can’t be visible.

Some patients with herpes infection may have a complaint of painful symptoms while others get quite mildly. During the first outbreak, one can experience fever, aches, swollen glands in the groin, pain, and as well as vaginal discharge. In some cases, women find difficulty urinating. After anal intercourse with someone who is infected with the virus, the rectum becomes infected, which may cause pain, mucus, or blood in the stools.

Genital herpes and HIV

If you have genital herpes, this means you are a high risk of being infected with HIV. Studies show that those who have genital herpes sores are more likely to be affected with HIV during a sexual practice. Genital herpes can worsen the effects of HIV. According to clinical research, Herpes virus is active and it may encourage the process of replication, in which the HIV can make more copies of itself. These copies of HIV will destroy more body’s infection-fighting cells, eventually, leads to an Auto Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV can make an outbreak of genital herpes prolonged and much more serious. Additionally, there is also a great risk of recurrent outbreaks. In these cases, a more intensive and a long term genital herpes care is required. During an outbreak of herpes infection, an individual is at a higher risk of developing HIV and he/she if developed HIV will be more infectious during a herpes outbreak.

Also Read: 11 Signs That You May Have HIV!

Treatment

There is no cure for herpes virus. Hence, there are no drugs available that can get rid of the infection. It remains in your body for a lifetime and may reappear. But the good news is that there is genital herpes medicine available in the pharmaceutical industry that shortens the outbreaks. It works to stop the virus from multiplying in the body, preventing the spreading of the virus. You can buy genital herpes medication online to prevent the outbreaks occurring.

Add your comment or reply. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *