The question of how to live with genital herpes seems rhetorical (a question for the sake of a question): more than half of the world's population, suffering from its various forms, answer it every day of their difficult lives - but the other half of humanity is not yet concerned about it.
However, an answer to the question is necessary. The first - to make their life more acceptable and less annoying, the second - so that their life does not become the same as the first.
What is genital herpes?
The problem of genital herpes is just the tip of the iceberg, which is called in a short word: sex.
The existence of genital organs in humans implies their use not only for procreation, but also for obtaining the most exquisite pleasures. Sometimes the process of searching for and acquiring them ends with the development of a disease that is not very pleasant, and, moreover, is fraught with transmission through a chain of sexual partners.
This is a disease prone to an initially chronic course and sexually transmitted.
Considering the possibility of satisfying the need for mental and physical relaxation through not only traditional, but also oral or anal sex, the source of infection is not necessarily the genitals. But the genitals certainly become its receiver, because sex is impossible without their participation.
For the occurrence of herpetic lesions in the genitals during sex, all the necessary conditions are created:
- rubbing mucus or pus containing the causative virus into loose or damaged mucous membranes of the genitals;
- , suitable for activating the virus;
- required level of humidity.
If the mucous membranes are damaged, infection does not even require rubbing - it is enough that the virus gets on them even with a less significant impact (salination) or its introduction from someone else's thing that has heat and humidity suitable for the existence of the pathogen. This could be a washcloth containing the patient’s discharge, or his still warm and damp underwear, worn as a joke or due to a misunderstanding.
Linen that has been washed and dried (especially ironed) cannot be a source of infection, as well as other household items that cannot be a temporary refuge for the causative virus.
Its permanent habitat (and a suitable nutrient medium) is the mucous membranes of the genital tract or.
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Symptoms and manifestations
Symptoms of the disease consist of:
- the appearance of specific rashes;
- uncomfortable local sensations;
- general toxic manifestations;
- influences on the function of other organs and systems.
- undermining the foundations of immunity;
- shift in hormonal balance levels;
- influence on the humoral and cellular composition of biological fluids.
The existence and increase in the power of these factors cannot but affect the overall level of health of the body - it gradually decreases.
Relapse rate
Depending on the form of genital herpes, it can be rare or more frequent. With a mild form they occur no more than 3 times, with a moderate form 4-6 times during the year, with a severe form they usually occur monthly.
The frequency of relapses of the disease is influenced by susceptibility to ARVI, as well as the frequency of:
- hypothermia;
- stress;
- sexual intercourse.
The comfort level of the pathogen’s existence in the structures of the paravertebral nodes – formations on the border between the central and peripheral nervous systems – depends on these factors.
The level of antibodies in the blood is no less important - the higher it is, the lower the rate of production of new viruses and the level of their toxicity, and therefore activity. But the body is not able to completely displace the disease from itself; at this stage of development of science and medicine, herpes is ineradicable.
Considering that herpes is contracted as a result of sexual contact, caution should be exercised when carrying it out, namely, using means of mechanical protection of the genitals or chemical agents that destroy viruses on the surface of the contacting mucous membranes (and similar), or both together.
Since all of the above conditions for preparing for sex are incompatible with impulses of violent passion and are impossible in a state of alcohol or drug intoxication, it is sex without taking the necessary precautions that most often leads to infection with herpes, the most common sexually transmitted infection.
Effect on pregnancy and childbirth
Due to the ease of penetration through the placenta and the tropism (affinity) of the virus with the biochemical structures of the fetal nervous system, the presence of the pathogen has a negative effect on the development of the fetus, leading to:
- his death;
- the appearance of deformities;
- premature birth;
- spontaneous abortion.
The course of childbirth naturally is fraught when it passes through the diseased cervix and uterus.
Danger and forecasts
It poses a threat not only as an individual disease, but is also a socially significant phenomenon, leading to disruption of the health of significant social groups, a drop in the demographic indicators of countries due to increased morbidity, early mortality, and low birth rates.
For the patient personally, the danger is also obvious, because the disease not only destroys his body, but also contributes to his susceptibility to AIDS, tuberculosis and other deadly infections. ointments, creams, sprays for independent use.
To suppress associated (accompanying) pathogenic microflora, it is advisable to use. It should be remembered that they do not directly affect the virus.
Use (including local) is possible only with permission and under the supervision of a physician.
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Prevention
Measures taken to prevent infection come down to the use of personal protective equipment for the genitals, knowledge and adherence to the laws of hygiene of sexual contacts, as well as to every possible increase in the level of health of the body in general and the level of its immunity in particular.
Despite the seeming hopelessness of life for a patient with genital herpes, he is capable of work and creativity, he has the opportunity to create a family and procreate. And the pace of development of science and medicine allows us to hope that in the coming years a reliable cure for the disease will be found, tested and will yield results.
The appearance of herpes on the genitals is associated with infection with HSV-2. The disease is characterized by the appearance of a rash on the genitals in the form of blisters with liquid. Having become infected with genital herpes, the patient cannot live his usual full life. He has to adapt to the new condition while fighting the disease.
Lifestyle with genital herpes
The discovery of manifestations resembling herpes on the genitals is most often a surprise. After the patient learns that this disease is practically incurable, his psychological state worsens, and he is left alone with his difficult problem. The patient’s life becomes divided into 2 periods – before and after infection with genital herpes. At the same time, he has a question - how to live with genital herpes?
Psychological reaction to genital herpes
The patient's first reaction to the disease is confusion. He cannot believe that what happened happened to him, and connects the manifestations on the genitals with anything but herpes. This period can last from several days to 2 weeks.
Then begins a period of despair and search for a way out. The patient has a feeling of misfortune, anger, shame, and depression may develop. He may blame himself for the action that led to the infection, cannot forgive his sex partner, and also avoids sexual contact.
Most often, the victim does not go to the doctor because of shame, and begins to look for a way out of the current situation on his own, gradually coming to terms with his condition. He is ashamed to admit what happened to his loved ones, he begins to move away from them, and is often harsh and cold.
How to overcome the first difficulties with genital herpes?
Problem #1. How to inform your loved one about your illness? The following tips can help you cope with this difficulty:
- You should talk about your troubles long before sex, and under no circumstances in bed.
- For a conversation, you need to choose a suitable place - a house, a park.
- It is important to remain calm.
- You can start the conversation by asking whether your partner has ever been tested for sexually transmitted infections, and what his attitude is towards safe sex. It can be mentioned that I myself had such a sad experience, as a result of which I became infected with the herpes virus.
- After this, you can ask what the partner is interested in on this issue, and try to give truthful answers to his questions, as well as recommend where he can get information about genital herpes.
- If your partner's reaction to the confession is negative, you should wait until he comprehends the information received.
Problem #2. Visit to the doctor. Given the complexity of the disease, it is impossible to cope with this problem on your own. Therefore, having overcome shame and modesty, you need to go to the doctor and notify him of your illness, without hiding anything. Such information will allow you to prescribe correct and timely treatment.
Patient behavior with genital herpes
A patient with genital herpes must carefully maintain hygiene. Painful manifestations must be wiped, removing moisture. Be sure to wash your hands after each touching the affected area to avoid spreading the infection. Taking a bath several times a day helps reduce itching and pain. Drying is best done with a hair dryer and a stream of cool air. You should refrain from sexual contact during this period.
Linen should be made of natural fabric, loose. Make sure that no one uses a towel or hygiene items of an infected person. Wash the patient's linen separately, using soap or washing powder, which helps remove the herpes virus.
You can now get tested for antibodies to the virus in many medical institutions, even in some medical centers. It would seem that one can only rejoice at such progress. However, fear is not the best medicine.
Feeling the first signs of pregnancy, Olga, as expected, registered with the antenatal clinic. I conscientiously passed all the tests recommended by the doctor, including testing for viral infections. She felt good; Olga had endured her previous pregnancy without complications, so nothing caused any particular concern. And suddenly, like a bolt from the blue, antibodies to the herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus were found in the blood.
“These viruses cause serious malformations in the fetus,” said the local gynecologist. “You have one healthy child, why give birth to someone who is obviously sick?” Olga left the office in tears, with trembling hands she hid the abortion referral in her purse...
The mere detection of antibodies to viruses in the blood does not indicate such a serious danger and, moreover, the need to terminate the pregnancy, says gynecologist-virologist of the Moscow City Herpetic Center Irina Anatolyevna Dolgopolova. - After all, about 98% of the entire population are virus carriers. But not all of them are sick, and not all, fortunately, are at risk of having seriously ill children. The doctor must draw conclusions based on which antibodies are found in the patient.
For example, Olga, who came to us almost in a state of shock, had only those antibodies that indicate a sluggish, latent infection (antibodies G). She hasn't had a relapse for many years. This form of viral infection does not pose a particular danger either to the woman herself or to her unborn child.
When is the herpes virus dangerous?
It is most dangerous for the intrauterine development of a child if the mother becomes infected herpes or cytomegalovirus directly during pregnancy.
It is difficult not to notice the primary infection with herpes: for the first time, itchy, blisters appear on the face or genitals (and sometimes on other parts of the body), the temperature may rise, chills, and weakness may appear. M antibodies are detected in the blood at this moment. If this happens in the first trimester of pregnancy, then it usually ends in a miscarriage. If the infection occurs in the third trimester, then in 50-70% of cases it leads to premature birth and infection of the child. However, a chronic form of infection is inevitable. If the virus has settled in the body for a long time and constantly reproduces itself in one of its environments (detected when analyzed in urine or saliva), it can also harm the unborn child. This form is called persistent.
Only the latent form (antibodies G) is relatively safe. Only in the blood with it, intrauterine infection occurs in 5% of cases. But if you consider that during pregnancy a woman’s immunity decreases somewhat, doctors recommend getting tested monthly to notice the activation of the virus.
But most often, a child becomes infected not during pregnancy, but during childbirth (85% of cases), during breastfeeding, and through direct contact with the mother.
What if a herpes infection occurs?
This is really dangerous for a child. How great this danger will be and what form of infection the virus will have depends, first of all, on the state of the immune system of the unborn baby.
Doctors distinguish three forms of infection in newborns:
- Damage to the skin and mucous membranes.
- Damage to the central nervous system (the child is born with signs of encephalitis, which is manifested by lethargy, decreased appetite, convulsions, changes in the cerebrospinal fluid).
- Disseminated form, which affects the liver, lungs and other vital internal organs.
The first form, of course, is the mildest, and with immediate treatment with antiviral drugs, one can hope for the child’s recovery. In the second form, the situation is more serious. Only half of the babies can be saved. But even those who survive may experience complications in the form of increased intracranial pressure, psycho-emotional problems (especially at critical moments in life), and in the worst case, even cerebral palsy. In addition, infection with the virus can lead to secondary immunodeficiency, and any infection becomes extremely dangerous for the child. The risk of pneumonia, kidney damage, and sepsis increases. A baby with severe immunodeficiency cannot cope with such severe diseases, and he can rarely live more than six months. In the third, disseminated form of the lesion, child mortality reaches 90%.
Is infection with herpes fatal?
All these numbers are, of course, scary. Especially when you consider that once you “catch” herpes, it is no longer possible to get rid of it - it remains with us for life. However, there are methods to reduce the activity of the virus and make it practically safe.
When should you start treatment for herpes?
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If relapses occur four times a year or more often, then it’s better not to delay. If pregnancy is planned in the foreseeable future, then it is very advisable to undergo the course of treatment “before that”.
This course is quite long, lasting several months. It usually includes the use of special antiviral drugs (alpizarin, acyclavir, etc.), an antiherpetic vaccine and immunoglobulin. Pregnant women whose infection is quite active and may threaten the child are prescribed a course of immunoglobulin, and in case of exacerbations, acyclavir (it does not have a harmful effect on the fetus). If, at the time of delivery, tests show that the infection is still quite active and the baby can become infected while passing through the birth canal, the woman is recommended to have a cesarean section. Thus, those 85% of cases of infection that occur during childbirth are by no means fatal. If during breastfeeding a woman takes antiviral drugs prescribed by a doctor, then the child can no longer become infected through milk. In general, the main problem is to contact a virologist on time, get tested and undergo a course of treatment. In Moscow there are already quite a few medical institutions involved in the diagnosis and treatment of viral infections.
By the way, treatment with homeopathic medicines also gives a good effect. And here you don’t even have to undergo special tests. Properly selected homeopathic medicines literally help against all diseases, as they increase immunity and allow the body to suppress the infection itself, in this case a viral one. However, it is impossible to determine in absentia which patient will benefit better from traditional allopathic treatment and who is more suited to homeopathy. This is decided by doctors in practice and depends on the individual characteristics of the person.
Herpes chooses the weak
Genital herpes is usually classified as a sexually transmitted disease. Therefore, having received a disappointing analysis result, you involuntarily ask yourself the question: who “awarded” me with it?
Only if you were close to your sexual partner when herpes was rapidly “blooming” on his lips or intimate parts of the body, can we assume that he infected you. The likelihood of illness and its severity depend mainly on the state of your immune system. If your immunity is weak, then you can become infected even from a person whose disease is latent and who is not aware of it. In addition, herpes, even genital, can just as easily be transmitted through airborne droplets and household contact. The rash first appears approximately 7-10 days after infection. So, if there were no “suspicious” contacts during this period, there is clearly no need to blame anyone. Herpes itself chooses its victim among the weaker. Well, the reasons for the decline in immunity in recent years are known: deteriorating environmental conditions, stress, excessive use of antibiotics. Of course, the “sexual revolution” also contributed to the spread of herpes.
Concerning cytomegalovirus, then it is transmitted with equal success both sexually and by airborne droplets. By the way, these two infections “love” each other very much: in about 25% of cases they occur together. By further reducing the immunity of their “host”, they contribute to infection with a wide variety of sexually transmitted diseases.
How to live with herpes?
Of course, you don’t have to think that life is over. Herpes is contagious mainly during exacerbations. These days, of course, you need to refrain from sexual contact, including oral-genital. When contacting a new partner, a condom will always help out: it reliably protects against all sexually transmitted diseases. Of course, pregnant women don't look for adventure that often, but if this happens, the “condom rule” should be unshakable. Much more often, husbands cannot resist the temptation to “have sex” when their wife is pregnant. Issues of marital fidelity, of course, do not fall within the competence of a virologist, but a man must be aware of the risk he may expose to his wife and unborn child. How are you feeling, embryo? According to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Medical Academy named after. Sechenov, only 15% of women with herpes experience intrauterine infection of the fetus.
If you fall into this group, you will not be relieved by the fact that 85% of women give birth to healthy babies. How to be? In most cases, the factors on which its proper development depends can be influenced with the help of antiviral, immunostimulating, and homeopathic remedies. And only in rare cases, when the likelihood of giving birth to a seriously ill, defective child is very high, do doctors advise terminating the pregnancy. As you can see, viral infections, although they can be truly dangerous, are still controllable. It is only important not to neglect examination and treatment.
How to cure herpes, how to avoid getting herpes, how to avoid getting herpes , these and other questions are periodically asked by more than 70% of all people living in the post-Soviet space.
Why here? Yes, because Europe and other developed countries have been concerned about the problem of herpes for at least 30 years, and people there have already been taught, and for them Special government programs are being implemented to prevent herpes infection.
As for us, we are forced to fight this virus on our own, you have probably encountered this more than once the indifference of our doctors to this illness... They explain to us that there is no need to worry and beat your head on the floor, since nothing can be done about it anyway, and there is no way to get rid of this scourge.. And only our persistent and stubborn demands on doctors, only some manage to achieve their more loyal attitude...
And then probably if you" grease it up"You will be prescribed an immunogram and a course of treatment with an antiviral drug.. And only a few succeed get rid of the doctors adequate attitude towards you and your problem...
Then they will even decipher your immunogram and prescribe complex treatment using modern methods... You have a better chance of achieving this if you are pregnant.. But in this case, the doctors are simply afraid of responsibility for the dead child, because herpes can lead to the death of the fetus...
But often this infection simply plagues us and ruins our lives, with vile and painful lumps that appear at the most inopportune moment.
Unfortunately, I also had to face these problems. One day I set out to remember when I first had a fever? That’s what doctors and my mother used to call herpes before... But I couldn’t decide, because already in my distant 4 years I had this infection.. And regularly 3-4 times a year it covered my lips and nose, until I was 25 anniversary... And what happened then, you ask?
And then it happened that this herpes has also settled in an intimate place:-(
By the way, I noticed that from that moment on, the herpes that usually appeared on the lips began to do so less and less, and now it happens a couple of times every 2-3 years, but the nasty (genital) type of herpes visits me regularly, with every few months...
What happened next...
Over time, and it took about 15 years, I found "our" control methods and fight this virus...
At random :) I determined at what moments the virus can be transmitted, this is of course very tough, but who lives righteously now? Moreover, 99% of girls with herpes do not admit it, but have herpes of the second type - every third. You don’t even have to check this, otherwise it will turn out that every second one :) It’s just that among them, for the most part, it either did not manifest itself yet, or it manifested itself once or twice in total, but went unnoticed...
Well, of course, the experience gained in fighting this infection cannot be overestimated... All this allowed me to determine the main directions of military action... Therefore, if anyone is faced with a virus one on one and does not know how to behave - The main thing is not to lose heart!
It’s really not that scary, although there’s not much that’s pleasant...
First What needs to be done is to determine exactly what type of virus has invaded your body. Since, for example, both types of virus (1 and 2) can be located on the genitals...
If this is type 1, it will pose a great danger to the partner, now I’ll try to explain why...
The fact is that a genital virus is usually type 2, and it is present, as I already said, in almost 30% of people, and if you also have type 2, then you will not infect a partner who already has the same, the only thing that can happen is He's having a relapse, nothing more...
Well, there is still an extremely low probability of mutation of the second type of virus, approximately 0.001%
But if your partner has type 2 virus, and you have type 1, increases the risk of cross-infection of you with type 2 virus, and your partner with your virus... Exactly the same risk will be in the case of oral sex!
So, if you are like me - you have a type 1 virus on your lips, type 2 on your genitals, then you ideally need the same partner, well, or one who does not have the virus at all or one of the types... And at the same time you will receive oral sex is contraindicated... Yes. I forgot to say that cross-contamination is also a possible option..
This is when you had types 1 and 2 in their typical places, and your partner too, then after oral sex it may turn out that both you and your partner will have both types of viruses on their lips, and 2 types of viruses on their genitals too,
In this case, the probability of mutations increases sharply, to approximately 0.1% (this is several orders of magnitude)! so many...:(
Also, all this is complicated by the fact that your immunity will be in constant overload, it will be forced to constantly produce antibodies to all types of virus, over four times longer periods of time! In a word, such people don’t live long... And they don’t get rid of acne... It’s extremely difficult to help in this case... unless you freeze you in a cryogenic unit for 200 years, I hope by then they will come up with an effective cure for herpes...
Now about the precautions...
Never plan sex and close relationships if you have pimples, because even if you didn’t intend to “fuck”, anything can happen, it will take you around, take it apart and jump into the crib :)
It’s better to make up an idea that your aunt/uncle, or your ex-passion has come to see you, or your friends have unexpectedly dropped in with beer... Believe me, it will be much easier for you to figure it out and explain yourself than if someone comes to you about an infection...
Even if you provoke a breakup by canceling the meeting, it’s still better than doing the same thing. parting, but after exchanging germs...
Use a condom...
But remember that he does not provide a 100% guarantee of non-infection, especially on days when your pimples have not healed... About 15 out of 100 people get infected even while wearing a condom...
This is equivalent to the fact that you had sex with a condom 7 times, and once you still got infected!
Do not put a condom on a penis that has been freshly coated with antiviral cream!!!
Because this cream destroys the structure of the condom material, and it becomes like a sieve for the virus...or it will even tear or slip off...:)
Start sexual exploits no earlier than 2 days after the pimples have healed, dried up, fallen off and only a slight redness remains in the place of the former pimples... this is if you wear a helmet... :) and if without, then only after 4 days take your captive by the gills :)
All the time, from the very beginning as soon as you see that there is a problem (pimple or redness) take your medicine!
Creams and ointments are NOT EFFECTIVE...
You need to take medicine wisely!
And only the right medicine...:)
Only these pills really help(listed in order of increasing effectiveness)...
Cycloferon tablets (stimulates antiviral immunity);
- Laferon (these are no longer tablets but injections, only a form for 3 million units);
- herpevir (tablets are produced in Ukraine, inexpensive);
- acyclovir (made in Russia, it will be more expensive but not better);
- Zovirax (maybe you will find such a rarity somewhere);
- Valtrex(the most effective, but the pockets will be empty quickly)...
How much and how to drink, you will find in the instructions, but do not drink to the minimum... there will be zero benefit.. If it is allowed to drink up to 10 tablets a day, for example, and the minimum effective dose is 2 tablets a day, drink 3 times a day 2 tablets each...
Well, it’s better to swallow pills, and drink only water.
You don’t need to take tablets at this dose for a long time, only 3 days... and then reduce the dose by half, i.e. one tablet 3 times a day.
Drinking alcohol during treatment is not recommended, because the virus can go away and hide in the liver... Then cirrhosis of the liver will be added to your problems, that way in 5-6 years...
By the way, we are not alcoholics drinking alone... :)
Therefore, it will be easy for you to sit alone and play computer games :) without beer and vodka :)
But I want to disappoint you - sitting at a computer for more than 3 hours a day reduces immunity, and reduces the chances of a rapid end of relapse..
Well, that seems to be all... if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask them :-)
Or read here:
www.herpes.net.ua/herpes.html
Good luck and health to you all!!!
