How to treat genital herpes, medication and traditional methods. General characteristics of the disease. Which organs are most often affected by genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a very unpleasant disease caused by type 2 entering the body.

The disease cannot be treated; therapy is aimed only at relieving symptoms and prolonging remission. The pathology is characterized by frequent outbreaks of relapses.

More about the disease

Herpes simplex virus type 2 from an infected person during sexual intercourse. The partner may not have pronounced symptoms of the disease, but he will be a carrier of the virus. There is a vertical way of infecting a child from the mother during labor. Household infection is not excluded, but is extremely rare in clinical medicine, since the pathogen does not live long outside the human body.

Symptoms appear after the initial infection and each time there is a relapse. The disease manifests itself in the form of multiple rashes that look white and filled with liquid contents. The rash occurs on the mucous membranes of the genital organs, goes through several stages of development - its filling, spontaneous bursting, appearance, crusting. Accompanied by itching and burning, pain on contact. General symptoms may be present - lethargy, headaches. The duration of the rash from the initial stage until the crusts disappear is from 7 to 10 days. Infectious diseases, hypothermia, suppression of the immune system, and alcohol consumption can trigger a relapse.

Diagnosis of the disease: PCR analysis, examination of a vaginal smear, .

Treatment methods for genital herpes

To quickly get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease and suppress the activity of pathogenic viruses, driving herpes into a state of long-term remission, it is necessary, which includes the following aspects:

taking antiviral medications (in tablets, injections);
usage ;
use of local spectrum medications (gels, creams).

Therapy includes the mandatory use of immunomodulators, which restore the body’s protective functions and prevent relapse.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Effective remedies for genital herpes that have an anti-inflammatory effect and are aimed at suppressing pathogenic microflora:

Acyclovir. Release form: tablets and powder for injection. Injections with Acyclovir are recommended for frequent relapses with a severe symptomatic picture. The duration of treatment is from 5 to 7 days. If necessary, repeat, a break of 2-4 weeks is needed. Dosage: 200 mg tablets up to 5 times a day. Injections: 250 mg of the drug, diluted in 10 ml of water, three times a day. The course of treatment is 3-5 days.
Valaciclovir. Release form: tablets and solution for injection. The dosage of tablets is 500 mg twice a day. Injections are given 1-2 times a day, a single dose of the drug is 40 mg. Duration of therapy is 2-5 days.
(other name ). Release form: tablets, the dose at one time is 250 mg, three times a day. Duration of therapy is 3-7 days.

How do anti-inflammatory drugs work for herpes virus type 2: the active components of the drug are introduced into the DNA of the virus, stopping its growth and reproduction. and give a short-term effect; relapses are possible if preventive measures are not followed. The advantages of these drugs are the absence of side symptoms.

– a potent antiviral agent with a long-lasting effect, but with a toxic effect on the body.

Local spectrum drugs

Ointments, gels and creams, which contain components of the antiviral spectrum of action, are aimed at suppressing the signs of the disease and preventing further progression of herpes. The rash blisters are filled with liquid contents that contain the virus. Violation of the integrity of the rash will lead to herpes affecting a larger area of the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

Local spectrum drugs effective in the treatment of genital herpes:

Viru-Merz Serol.
Riodoxol ointment.
Zovirax.

The method of application and the number of applications for all drugs is identical. Before use, it is necessary to perform genital hygiene and dry with a towel. Wash your hands, squeeze a small amount of cream or ointment onto a cotton swab and lubricate the damaged area of the mucous membrane and skin. The product is applied only to the source of inflammation; there is no need to smear the surrounding skin. Number of applications 4-6 times a day.

The choice of drug must be agreed with.

ethnoscience

Decoctions and tinctures based on medicinal herbs have an antiviral spectrum of action and are used to quickly heal the mucous membrane and reduce rashes. Best recipes:

A herbal decoction for treating the genitals: mix dried and crushed birch leaves, plantain, and calendula in equal parts. Pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture into 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, strain. Use twice a day to wash.
Mix 50 grams of celandine, 50 grams of honey, apply the resulting mixture with a cotton swab to the rash. Use each day before bed. Store the product in a cool place.
Herbal decoction for internal use. Dried and crushed lemon balm, chamomile, motherwort, raspberry (leaves), thyme in equal proportions, mix. Pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture into 500 ml of boiling water. Leave for 1 hour, strain. Take half a glass twice a day. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.

It is impossible to cure a disease using traditional medicine alone. Complex therapy with antiviral medications is required.

Immunomodulators

Medicines to restore the immune system and prevent relapse of genital herpes are taken during the period of remission. What remedies are recommended by doctors:

Imunofan: intramuscular injection, dosage 1 ml, administered every other day. The course consists of 5 injections.
Panavir: administered intravenously. Dosage 3 ml. The course of treatment is once every three days, a total of 5 injections.
: 1-3 tablets daily for 21 days.
Ridostin: administered intramuscularly 1 time every 3 days. The course consists of 3 injections.

If necessary, repeat the course of treatment, take a break of 1 month.

Emergency supplies

If unprotected sexual intercourse has taken place, it is recommended to use products that have an antiseptic effect and prevent the virus from entering the blood if the partner may have genital herpes:

. Used to treat the mucous membranes of the genital organs. Wash the groin area with soap and water and dry. Soak a tampon in the medicine, insert it into the vagina, or treat the mucous membranes. Carry out the procedure 2-4 times during the day after unprotected sex.
Betadine. Release form: ointment, solution, vaginal suppositories. Treat the genitals with the solution (moisten a cotton sponge), or apply ointment to the mucous membranes. Apply 1-3 times a day. Course – 1-2 days after sexual intercourse.

Laboratory tests for the presence of herpes virus type 2 can be taken no earlier than 2 weeks to a month after the suspected infection.

– a viral infection of the genital mucosa, characterized by the appearance of a group of blisters, and then erosions and ulcers. Accompanied by a local burning sensation, swelling, hyperemia, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes and symptoms of intoxication. It is prone to relapses and can subsequently lead to serious complications: a decrease in local and general immunity, the development of bacterial infections of the genitals, damage to the nervous system, the development of cervical and prostate cancer. It is especially dangerous in pregnant women, as it increases the likelihood of spontaneous miscarriage, pathology and even death of the newborn. It is included in the group of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

General information

The causative agent of genital herpes is a type of herpes simplex virus (HSV). The incidence of herpes infection among the world's population is about 90%.

There are several types of herpes virus that cause damage to the skin, mucous membranes, central nervous system and other organs (herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes zoster, etc.). Herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 cause oral and genital forms of the disease, with HSV type 1 affecting mainly the face, lips, and wings of the nose, and HSV type 2 most often causes genital herpes. HSV is often detected in association with ureaplasma and cytomegalovirus.

Genital herpes has a sexual transmission route; with various forms of sexual contact, it easily penetrates through damaged skin and mucosal epithelium. After infection, HSV migrates to the nerve ganglia, remaining there for life. Reproduction of HSV in epithelial cells of the skin and mucous membranes leads to their degeneration and death. The infection is characterized by a chronic course and manifests itself cyclically: periods of activity or relapses (2-21 days), accompanied by the appearance of rashes in the form of blisters, alternate with periods of remission, when clinical symptoms disappear. Often, genital herpes is asymptomatic, but patients are still a source of infection.

Causes of genital herpes

Primary infection with HSV usually occurs by airborne droplets in childhood (in the population of children 6-7 years of age, the incidence rate is already 50%). The reasons for this are high population density, low socio-economic standard of living, and non-compliance with hygiene rules.

Secondary infection usually occurs as a result of sexual contact. A high incidence of genital herpes is observed among people aged 20-30 years. This is due to the early onset of sexual activity, promiscuity, frequent changes or the presence of several partners, and unprotected sexual intercourse. Venereology also includes internal causes as risk factors for genital herpes:

decreased immune defense of the body;
presence of STDs;
gender of the person (it has been noticed that women suffer from genital herpes much more often than men);
surgical termination of pregnancy, use of intrauterine devices.

The human immune system reacts to the penetration of HSV by producing specific antibodies, and with a normal level of immune reactions, clinical manifestations of infection are not observed. Under the influence of a number of unfavorable factors that reduce the body’s immune reactivity, HSV is activated, which is manifested by rashes on the skin and mucous membranes, and neuralgic pain. Episodes of relapse of genital herpes often occur against the background of chronic stress, lack of vitamins, hypothermia, overheating, climate change, and colds.

Ways of transmission of genital herpes

Infection with genital herpes most often occurs through the mucous membranes of the genitals, rectum, urethra or damage to the skin during genital, oral-genital and anal-genital contact.

HSV transmission is also possible:

airborne droplets;
vertically from a sick mother to the fetus (during childbirth in contact with the mother’s birth canal, transplacentally, ascending from the mother’s external genitalia through the cervical canal into the uterine cavity);
in case of self-infection - autoinoculation (a sick person himself transfers the infection from infected areas of the body to uninfected areas - from the face to the genitals);
by household means - rarely (through wet hygiene items).

Typically, infection with genital herpes occurs when the infected partner does not even know about the disease, since he does not have clinical manifestations of the disease (in the case of asymptomatic virus carriers).

Forms and manifestations of genital herpes

According to the clinical course, a distinction is made between primary genital herpes (the first episode of the disease) and recurrent (all subsequent episodes of the disease).

Recurrent genital herpes can occur in typical, atypical clinical forms and the form of asymptomatic virus carriage.

Primary genital herpes

The earliest symptoms of primary genital herpes include swelling, redness, pain, and burning in the area at the entrance gate of the infection. Local manifestations of genital herpes are often accompanied by fever, malaise, headache and muscle pain. After a few days, herpetic rashes appear - small blisters with transparent contents. The rupture of the vesicles is accompanied by the formation of painful erosive and ulcerative elements. When ulcers are localized on the genitals, painful urination is noted. Healing of the rash occurs within two weeks.

Recurrent genital herpes

The development of relapses of genital herpes occurs in 50-70% of patients who have suffered a primary infection. Depending on the frequency of repeated episodes, several forms of recurrent genital herpes are distinguished:

mild form (exacerbations no more than 3 times a year)
moderate form (exacerbations 4 to 6 times a year)
severe form (monthly exacerbations)

The course of recurrent genital herpes can be arrhythmic, monotonous and subsiding.

The arrhythmic course of genital herpes is characterized by alternating remissions from 2 weeks to 5 months. Moreover, the longer the periods of remission, the more intense and prolonged the relapses of genital herpes, and vice versa.

With a monotonous course of genital herpes, frequent episodes of the disease are observed after slightly changing periods of remission. This type includes menstrual herpes, which has a persistent course and is difficult to treat.

Genital herpes of the subsiding type has a more favorable course. It is characterized by a decrease in the intensity of relapses and an increase in periods of remission.

The development of relapses of genital herpes occurs under the influence of various factors: hypothermia, sexual intercourse, stressful situations, overwork, and the occurrence of other pathologies (influenza, ARVI).

Symptomatically, relapses of genital herpes are milder than the primary disease, however, their consequences can be much more serious.

Rashes with genital herpes are accompanied by extreme pain, making it difficult for the patient to move, go to the toilet, and disrupt sleep. The psychological state of a person often changes: irritability, fear of new rashes, fear for the health of loved ones, suicidal thoughts, etc. appear.

Atypical forms of genital herpes

Atypical forms of herpes genius occur gradually, in the form of chronic inflammation of the external and internal genital organs (vulvovaginitis, colpitis, endocervicitis, urethritis, cystitis, prostatitis, etc.). The diagnosis of genital herpes is based on laboratory confirmation of the presence of herpes infection. Atypical forms of genital herpes account for more than half of clinical cases - 65%.

The atypical form of genital herpes is characterized by mild swelling, areas of erythema, pinpoint blisters, persistent burning and itching, and profuse leucorrhoea that cannot be treated. With a long course of genital herpes, enlargement and soreness of the inguinal lymph nodes are noted.

Based on the localization of herpetic eruptions, there are 3 stages:

Stage I - genital herpes affects the external genitalia;
Stage II - genital herpes affects the vagina, cervix, urethra;
Stage III - genital herpes affects the uterus, appendages, bladder, prostate.

The higher the herpetic infection penetrates the genitourinary tract, the more serious the prognosis. An advanced form of genital herpes can lead to a state of immunodeficiency, and in women it increases the risk of developing infertility and cervical cancer. HSV is dangerous for people with weakened immune systems (HIV-infected) and those who have undergone organ transplantation.

Genital herpes and pregnancy

During pregnancy, genital herpes poses the greatest danger in the case of a primary infection, if no manifestations of the disease have previously been observed. There is a possibility of developmental defects if the mother’s illness occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, when the fetus is developing all the organs and tissues. HSV can be transmitted through the placenta, affecting mainly the nervous tissue of the fetus. Genital herpes increases the risk of spontaneous miscarriage, premature birth, fetal deformities and death.

Pregnant women with atypical forms of genital herpes are examined twice for HSV in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy. If a herpes virus is detected, a cesarean section is performed routinely to exclude possible infection of the fetus during passage through the birth canal.

The best option is to screen women for HSV at the stage of preparation for pregnancy, as well as during pregnancy during each trimester.

Genital herpes in newborns

Most often, infection of the fetus occurs in the first 4-6 hours of labor after rupture of the membranes, or during the passage of the fetus through the birth canal of an infected mother. Typically, HSV in newborns affects the eyes, oral mucosa, skin, and respiratory tract. After primary infection of a newborn, HSV spreads in the body through hematogenous or contact routes. The likelihood of infection in newborns increases when the mother is infected with genital herpes in the last trimester of pregnancy.

With a localized form of herpetic infection in newborns, redness, vesicles, hemorrhages of the skin and oral mucosa may appear, meningoencephalitis, keratoconjunctivitis and chorioretinitis (inflammation of the blood vessels and retina), and clouding of the lens may develop. Children infected with genital herpes often suffer from permanent neurological disorders.

Genital herpes can cause a generalized infection in newborns. Signs of a generalized herpetic infection appear 1-2 weeks after the birth of the child. Local symptoms include refusal to eat, vomiting, fever, jaundice, respiratory distress, bleeding, and shock. The death of a child can occur from acute blood loss and vascular insufficiency.

Diagnosis of genital herpes

When diagnosing genital herpes, the venereologist takes into account complaints, medical history and objective examination. Diagnosis of typical cases of genital herpes is usually not difficult and is based on clinical manifestations. Herpetic ulcers that exist for a long time should be distinguished from syphilitic ones.

Laboratory methods for diagnosing genital herpes include:

methods for detecting HSV in material from affected organs (scrapings from the vagina and cervix, smear from the urethra, histological material from the fallopian tubes, etc.). For this purpose, the method of growing HSV in tissue culture and subsequent study of its properties is used; the method of recognizing the virus under an electron microscope is used;
methods for detecting antibodies to HSV in blood serum (immunoglobulins M and G). They allow you to detect genital herpes even in asymptomatic cases and determine antibodies to HSV types 1 or 2. These include ELISA - a method of enzyme immunoassay.

Treatment of genital herpes

Current medications for HSV can reduce the severity and duration of genital herpes, but are not able to completely get rid of the disease.

To avoid the development of HSV resistance to classical antiviral drugs, including those intended for the treatment of genital herpes (acyclic nucleosides - Valacyclovir, Acyclovir, Famciclovir), it is recommended that they be used alternately, as well as in combination with interferon drugs. Interferon has a powerful antiviral effect, and its deficiency is one of the main causes of relapses of genital herpes.

A ready-made medicinal product containing both acyclovir and interferon is Gerpferon ointment. It also contains lidocaine, which provides a local anesthetic effect, which is extremely important for painful manifestations of genital herpes. The use of Herpferon in patients with genital herpes ensures healing of rashes already on the 5th day and significant relief of local symptoms.

Prevention of genital herpes

A way to prevent primary infection with genital herpes is to use condoms during casual sexual contact. However, even in this case, the likelihood of HSV infection through microcracks and damage to mucous membranes and skin not covered by a condom remains high. It is possible to use antiseptic agents (Miramistin, etc.) to treat areas where the virus may enter.

The recurrent course of genital herpes is observed with a decrease in the body's protective reactions: illness, overheating, hypothermia, the onset of menstruation, pregnancy, taking hormonal drugs, stress. Therefore, to prevent relapses of genital herpes, a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and rest, and taking vitamin supplements are important. Measures to prevent genital herpes also include maintaining intimate and sexual hygiene, and timely detection and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.

A patient infected with HSV must warn his sexual partner about this, even if he does not currently have symptoms of genital herpes. Since infection through sexual contact is possible even in the absence of herpetic eruptions, in this case the use of a condom is also necessary.

After questionable unprotected sexual contact, you can resort to the method of emergency prevention of genital herpes with a locally active antiviral drug in the first 1-2 hours after intimacy.

To prevent self-infection, when the genital herpes virus is transferred by dirty hands from the lips to the genitals, it is necessary to fulfill basic hygiene requirements: thorough and frequent hand washing (especially in the presence of fever on the lips), using separate towels for the hands, face and body, as well as every family member.

In order to reduce the risk of HSV infection in newborns, surgical delivery (cesarean section) is recommended for pregnant women with genital herpes. When planning a natural birth, women with recurrent genital herpes are prescribed a prophylactic course of taking acyclovir.

After unprotected sexual intercourse, when planning pregnancy, as well as during sexual relations with an HSV carrier, it is recommended to be examined for genital herpes and other STDs.

Men and women often have to deal with intimate problems, and genital herpes is no exception. It refers to STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). However, just like AIDS and some HIV infections, herpes cannot be cured completely. A patient who has contracted a genital disease will remain a carrier of the virus for life, but treatment is mandatory to avoid dangerous complications. In order to detect and treat this pathology of the genital organs in a timely manner, you need to know about the symptoms and treatment regimens used for genital herpes.

What is genital herpes

Genital herpes in women and men is an infectious disease that is sexually transmitted. This venereal pathology is considered one of the most common diseases of the genitourinary system. This is due to the fact that there are many transmission routes for genital diseases, and infection after contact with a carrier occurs in the vast majority of cases.

Herpes infection is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus, or HSV for short. This pathogen has 7 types, but herpes on the genitals is possible only after infection with HSV-2 (in 80% of cases) and HSV-1 (in 20% of cases). The pathology affects the vaginal mucosa, labia, perineal area, anus, cervix, penis. Less commonly, manifestations of genital disease are found on the pubis, buttocks and thighs.

How is it transmitted?

There are several ways of transmitting the herpes simplex virus. Infection is possible through sexual contact, not only during normal genital sex, but also anal and oral sex. More often this happens after the first two types of sexual intercourse, because in these cases HSV-2 is transmitted, and during oral contact - HSV-1. In addition, herpes on the genitals is transmitted:

By airborne droplets. Extremely rare and only with damaged mucous membranes or open wounds.
From mother to child. This is possible if the fetus is infected or infected during childbirth.
With self-infection. The patient himself can transfer the infection with his hands from one area of the body to the genitals.
By everyday means. Another rare route of transmission because it involves wet carrier objects and open wounds on the skin.

Symptoms

Signs of a genital disease depend on its type. So, some have no clinical manifestations, while for others they prevent them from living a normal life due to pain and discomfort. Common symptoms of genital herpes include:

muscle pain;
headache;
elevated temperature (rare);
general malaise;
frequent urination;
tingling during urination;
itching and burning in the perineal area;
inflamed lymph nodes in the groin;
redness on the affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs;
groups of painful blisters with cloudy liquid inside.

In men

Genital herpes in men has different symptoms, which depend on the stage and type. This genital disease is characterized by:

local itching, burning, irritation, redness in the genital area;
swelling of the glans penis;
pain during sexual intercourse;
inflamed lymph nodes in the groin area;
specific rash;
a collection of small bubbles containing liquid.

Among women

What does herpes look like on girls' private parts? Information about the symptoms of herpes infection is below:

itching of the skin and mucous membranes in the perineum and anus (if the rectum is infected);
pain, burning and irritation of the genitals;
temperature increase;
enlarged lymph nodes in the pubic area;
herpetic rashes in the form of characteristic blisters with liquid.

Symptoms during exacerbation

After a change in temperature, stress or a cold, frequent alcohol abuse or smoking, there is a high likelihood of relapses of genital disease. In addition, this happens when menstruation approaches.

First signs

An exacerbation of a disease of the genital organs manifests itself as follows:

Warning signs appear - itching, burning, pain in the genital area. The patient may feel general malaise and headache.
Rashes appear in the form of groups of bubbles with a cloudy liquid inside.
The blisters burst and weeping ulcers form.
The ulcers heal with crusts.
The crusts fall off, and in their place traces remain.

Causes

It is possible to become infected with genital herpetic disease through airborne droplets, genital-oral-anal and household routes. The reasons for this transmission of infection are considered to be:

failure to comply with hygiene rules;
weak immunity;
early sexual life;
promiscuous sexual intercourse;
frequent change or presence of several sexual partners;
unprotected sexual intercourse;
gender of the person (women suffer from chronic disease more often than men);
presence of sexually transmitted diseases.

Kinds

According to clinical symptoms, several types of genital herpes are distinguished for the primary episode of infection and all subsequent ones, which can have typical and atypical forms:

Primary infection. The genital disease affects the external genitalia, the perineal area in women and the glans penis, foreskin in men. Symptoms of primary infection include itching, redness, blisters with fluid and herpetic ulcers on the genitals. All signs disappear after 2 weeks.
Recurrent herpetic disease. After a primary infection, the next type often begins - relapse. There are 3 forms, which include mild (exacerbations less than 3 times a year), moderate (exacerbations 4-6 times a year), severe (exacerbations every month). The atypical clinical picture is chronic inflammatory diseases of the external genitalia.

Why is genital herpes dangerous?

Without timely treatment of a genital disease, complications may arise that cause discomfort or pose a health hazard. Local consequences of herpetic pathology include:

Dryness and cracks in the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs.
Bacterial and fungal infections, which are accompanied by itching, irritation, constant mucopurulent or cheesy discharge from the vagina in women.
A papilloma virus that covers the genitals and perineum with many condylomas. This infection is a precursor to prostate or cervical cancer.

In addition to local complications, systemic ones are common. So, you can learn about the general consequences of genital disease from the following list:

decreased immunity;
constant aching pain in the lower abdomen, in the perineal area;
persistent neurosis;
depression;
urinary retention;
herpetic prostatitis;
cystitis;
urethritis;
decreased sex drive.

Sex with genital herpes

The ability to have sex if you have genital herpes depends on the form of the disease. Thus, during an exacerbation, even with the use of condoms, the likelihood of HSV infection of the patient’s partner is high. This is due to the fact that the virus is found not only on the genitals, but also on seemingly intact areas. During remission, sexual intercourse with an HSV carrier is possible, as the risk of infection is reduced.

Recurrence of herpes

With weak immunity, the likelihood of relapse of chronic infection greatly increases. The impetus for this can be stress, hypothermia, colds, a strict diet and other changes in the body. It is possible to reduce the number of relapses with the right approach to treatment (use of antiviral drugs and traditional medicine) and increasing the protective properties of the immune system (exercise, healthy sleep, giving up bad habits).

Diagnostics

The examination includes examination of the patient and assessment of complaints. In addition, biological secretions are submitted to detect antibodies. To confirm genital herpes, they isolate the virus in the cell stump, donate blood to detect HSV, the presence of antibodies and antigens, and study the genetic material for DNA viruses. A negative result indicates a normal state of health. It means that:

there are no antibodies and antigens in the blood;
the virus is not observed in the cell stump.

Treatment of genital herpes

Appropriate drug treatment is administered to reduce the frequency of relapses and relieve symptoms. The treatment regimen includes:

Preparations for treating local and general symptoms of genital herpes - itching, pain, fever, chills.

Antiviral drugs are prescribed to suppress the virus in the body.
Immuno-strengthening drugs to increase the body's resistance to herpes viruses.

Antiviral therapy

Antiviral drugs are mandatory for the treatment of genital herpes. The most effective of them are presented below:

Acyclovir. A drug with an antiviral effect that has a selective effect on herpes viruses. Available in the form of tablets for oral use. For the treatment of genital herpes, 400 mg is prescribed 3 times a day for 7-10 days.
Famciclovir. It is better absorbed into the body than Acyclovir, so its dosage is lower. Thus, genital herpes is treated with oral tablets of 250 mg 3 times a day for a week.
Valaciclovir. The active substance is valacyclovir hydrochloride, which provides high bioavailability. It is often prescribed in combination with Acyclovir 500 mg 2 times a day.

Folk remedies

In addition to medications, traditional methods of treatment are used for quick recovery:

Dilute 3 drops of lavender or geranium oil in warm boiled water. Make lotions with the solution at night, securing with a bandage or gauze. Has an anti-inflammatory and drying effect.
Mix applesauce and onion juice, which have previously been grated. Add 2 tsp honey. Every day before meals, consume 2 tablespoons of this mixture to strengthen the immune system.

Genital herpes during pregnancy

How to cure genital herpes during pregnancy and avoid infection of the fetus? Antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy is carried out, but the use of most medications is possible only with the permission of a doctor. The treatment regimen depends on the trimester:

First trimester. Antiviral drugs are used only for severe forms of genital herpes. Acyclovir is often prescribed intravenously at 200 mg 4 times a day. To correct immunity, 25 ml of Immunoglobulin is used intravenously 3 times a day. Zelenka is recommended as a local treatment for genital diseases.
Second trimester. In addition to Acyclovir and Immunoglobulin, Viferon-1 rectal suppositories are prescribed 2 times a day for 10 days. For local treatment, antiviral ointment Acyclovir is used up to 8 times a day.
Third trimester. The treatment regimen is practically no different from the second trimester, but instead of Viferon-1 suppositories, Viferon-2 is used.

Prevention

You won’t be able to completely protect yourself from a viral disease of the genitals, but the following tips will help greatly reduce the likelihood of contracting genital herpes:

Strengthen your immune system.
Use condoms during sexual intercourse.
Do not practice promiscuity. If they occur, partners should undergo thorough toileting of the genitals within 1.5-2 hours after infection.
Test blood in newborns for HSV if the mother is a carrier of the virus.
Get vaccinated to develop nonspecific immunity.

Video

Inflammation of the genital organs can affect both men and women. This is a rather unpleasant disease that causes a lot of trouble and discomfort. The doctor prescribes how to treat it, because it can be not only an independent disease, but also a symptom of some other, more serious disease.

Symptoms of inflammation of the genital organs in men and women

Signs of inflammation in women

The main symptoms of inflammatory processes in the female genital organs:

acute pain;

swelling of tissues in the female genital area;

pathological vaginal discharge;

pain during intercourse as a symptom of inflammation of the genital organs;

pain during urination;

general malaise and discomfort: increased body temperature, weakness;

burning and itching in the genital area.

Symptoms of inflammation of the male genital organs

Symptoms of inflammation of the genital organs in men are different due to anatomical differences:

swelling of the foreskin;

pathological discharge;

redness, burning, itching;

decreased sex drive;

pain during ejaculation and urination;

general ailments: high fever, weakness, apathy.

Treatment of inflammation of the female genital organs

Inflammation in women can manifest itself in both the internal and external genital organs. External inflammations include:

bartholinitis;

Internal inflammation of the genital organs in women includes:

inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis);

inflammation of the uterus (endometritis);

inflammation of the ovaries (oophoritis);

inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis);

inflammation of the uterine appendages (adnexitis, salpigo-oophoritis);

inflammation of the pelvic peritoneum (pelvioperetonitis).

First aid in the treatment of female genital inflammation

The main thing is to get a consultation with a gynecologist as soon as possible, who will help you start treatment with the help of medicines and folk remedies. It should be understood that inflammation in women is quite dangerous, and its treatment should in no case be prescribed independently or according to the scheme of friends who have already gone through it. To choose a truly effective drug or folk remedy, you need to identify which microorganisms caused the inflammation, for which the doctor needs to take a smear and do an antibiogram.

But it is worth remembering that taking medications is not all that you can do to help yourself. You also need to observe sexual rest for at least 2-3 weeks and carefully monitor your stool, since the accumulation of feces can cause additional pain. In addition, during the treatment period, exclude from the diet spicy foods that irritate the intestines, and allergens such as chocolate and egg whites. When treating inflammation, it is also recommended to maintain a plentiful drinking regimen, with preference given to mineral water, sour fruit drinks, tea with lemon. Eat more dairy products as calcium will reduce inflammation.

Treatment regimen for genital inflammation

The gynecologist prescribes how to treat inflammation, based on test results. The basis is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs. Physiotherapy therapeutic massage. Sometimes the doctor additionally prescribes vitamins and agents to boost immunity.

With these inflammations in women, strict adherence to hygiene rules and preferably bed rest are required. It is strongly recommended to wash the genitals with a five percent solution of potassium permanganate, chamomile tincture, and boric acid solution several times a day. After drying with gentle blotting, the genitals should be lightly powdered with talcum powder or baby powder.

In case of severe itching, pain and swelling, it is necessary to use Valerian, Bromine, Motherwort, Diphenhydramine or Anesthetic ointment to treat the genital organs. If itching is associated with hormonal disorders and there is inflammation of the external genitalia, then therapy should be carried out with hormonal drugs. Locally you need to take ointments containing estrogen hormones. At the same time, sedatives, such as valerian or bromides, should also be taken to treat inflammation.

Folk remedies for inflammation of the genital organs in women

Herbal medicine will tell you how to treat inflammation of the genital organs using folk remedies. But it is better to coordinate the use of herbs and compresses with your doctor, so as not to harm the body and cause complications. After all, inflammation of the genital organs in women can develop into a chronic form without treatment.

For acute inflammation, a folk remedy such as steam baths is very effective. Leaves of fresh white cabbage should be boiled in milk. The cabbage and milk broth should then be poured into a basin, sit over it and thus take medicinal steam baths. The treatment procedure for adnexitis should be carried out daily until complete recovery.

Raw potatoes will also help protect against inflammation of the genital organs. Raw potato juice should be drunk as a folk remedy, a tablespoon every day.

A herbal mixture of coltsfoot, centaury and tributary is also a good assistant in the treatment of inflammation of the genital organs. A tablespoon of this folk remedy should be infused in 200 grams of boiling water and taken 70-80 grams 5-6 times a day for a month.

A chamomile enema will relieve inflammation of the genital organs and relieve pain. Pour two tablespoons of chamomile with 200 grams of boiling water and leave under the lid for half an hour. Before the treatment procedure using the traditional method, we cleanse the intestines with an enema of summer boiled water. After cooling the chamomile to 36 degrees Celsius, we do an enema and lie on our side for about half an hour, without getting up, until the contents are absorbed.

Mix a collection of chamomile, coltsfoot, sweet clover, calendula and centaury in equal parts. Pour a couple of tablespoons of the mixture into 500 milliliters of boiling water and leave for half an hour. To treat inflammation of the genital organs, you need to take this folk remedy 70 grams 5-6 times a day for several months. By the way, traditional medicine does not recommend being sexually active during treatment.

Douching to treat inflammation should also be done with herbal decoctions. To do this, take oak bark, mallow flowers, chamomile and sage leaves and mix them in a ratio of 2:2:5:3. A couple of tablespoons of the mixture should be poured into 1000 milliliters of boiling water and left to infuse. After cooling to 36-37 degrees, the broth should be administered into the vagina with a syringe at night.

Baths are effective for treating inflammation of the genital organs; they are also good to use with berries and juniper stems. A bucket (20 liters) of boiling water is designed for 50 grams. This folk remedy should be infused for approximately two hours. After heating it to a pleasant temperature, you should sit in this decoction for 15 minutes.

Treatment of inflammation of the male genital organs

Inflammation in men has a slightly different clinical picture. These include:

inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis);

inflammation of the glans penis and foreskin (balanoposthitis);

inflammation of the urethra (urethritis);

inflammation of the genital (seminal) vesicles (vesiculitis);

inflammation of the scrotum, testicles, etc.

Treatment regimen for inflammation in men

Is it worth repeating that at the slightest suspicion of inflammation of the genital organs, a man should immediately consult a doctor? After all, the entire public, including doctors, constantly talk about this. Urologists and dermatovenerologists claim that treating inflammation in men takes a lot of time, due to the anatomical features of the body’s structure.

Treatment of the genital organs in men follows the same scheme as in women - antibacterial drugs, physiotherapy, massage. In rare severe cases, surgical intervention is required. A urologist treats patients.

Treatment methods for inflammation of the male genital organs

Treatment of inflammation in men is not much different from the treatment of inflammation in women and includes:

drug treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, sometimes diuretics are used;

physiotherapeutic treatment of inflammation of the genital organs in men includes:

laser therapy,
ultrasound and electromagnetic therapy,
as well as therapeutic massage and others;

general strengthening treatment of inflammation of the genital organs in men.

Causes and prevention of inflammation of the genital organs

The causes of inflammation can be:

various microbes (streptococci, staphylococci, gonococci, tubercle coli, E. coli, viruses, fungi);

promiscuous sex life;

unprotected sexual intercourse;

weakened immune system;

chronic fatigue, overwork;

failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;

transitional age.

The causes of inflammation in men are the same as in women - germs, unprotected sex, lack of personal hygiene.

Prevention of inflammation

And finally, a little about the prevention of inflammation in men and women. If your health is important to you, do not allow casual sexual intercourse, always use protection during sexual intercourse, avoid hypothermia and overwork. Be healthy.

Herpes is widespread in the human population. This viral infection represents a significant medical and social problem.

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) affects 9 out of 10 people on the planet. In every fifth person it causes some external manifestations. HSV is characterized by neurodermotropism, that is, it prefers to multiply in nerve cells and skin. Favorite places where the virus is affected are the skin near the lips, on the face, mucous membranes lining the genitals, the brain, the conjunctiva and the cornea of the eye. HSV can lead to abnormal pregnancy and childbirth, causing fetal death, miscarriages, and systemic viral disease in newborns. There is evidence that the herpes simplex virus is associated with malignant tumors of the prostate and cervix.

The disease occurs more often in females, but it also occurs in men. The peak incidence occurs at the age of 40 years. However, genital herpes often first appears in boys and girls during sexual intercourse. In young children, infection on the genitals most often comes from the skin of the hands, from contaminated towels in children's groups, and so on.

HSV is unstable in the external environment and dies under the influence of sunlight and ultraviolet rays. It lasts for a long time at low temperatures. In dried form, HSV can exist for up to 10 years.

How is genital herpes transmitted?

The cause of the disease is two types of herpes simplex viruses, mainly HSV-2. The first type of virus was previously associated with diseases of the skin and oral cavity. HSV-2 causes genital herpes and meningoencephalitis. Now there are cases of illness caused by the first type of virus or a combination of them. Often the carrier does not have any symptoms of the disease and does not suspect that he is the source of the infection.

How can you become infected with this disease? The most common routes of transmission of genital herpes are sexual and contact. Most often, infection occurs through sexual contact with a carrier of the virus or with a sick person. You can become infected by kissing, as well as by sharing common household items (spoons, toys). The virus can also be transmitted through airborne droplets.

The pathogen enters the child's body from the mother during childbirth. The risk of such transmission depends on the type of lesion in the patient. It is up to 75%. In addition, infection of the fetus is possible through the blood during the period of viremia (the release of viral particles into the blood) during an acute illness in the mother.

Children in most cases become infected with HSV-1 in the first years of life. By the age of 5, HSV-2 infection also increases. During the first six months of life, babies do not get sick, this is due to the presence of maternal antibodies. If the mother was not previously infected and did not pass on her protective antibodies to the child, then children at such an early age become very seriously ill.

Classification

From a medical point of view, this disease is called “Anogenital herpetic viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex virus.” There are two main forms of the disease:

Infection of the genitourinary organs:

genital herpes in women;
genital herpes in men;

Infection of the rectum and skin around the anus.

The mechanism of development (pathogenesis) of genital herpes

The virus enters the body through damaged mucous membranes and skin. In the area of the “entrance gate” it multiplies, causing typical manifestations. The pathogen usually does not spread further; it rarely enters the lymph nodes and even less often penetrates the blood, causing viremia. The further fate of the virus largely depends on the properties of the human body.

If the body has good immune defense, a virus carrier is formed, which does not exclude relapses of infection under unfavorable conditions. If the body cannot cope with the infection, the herpes virus enters the internal organs (brain, liver and others) through the blood, affecting them. Antibodies are produced in response to infection, but they do not prevent the development of exacerbations and relapses.

When the immune system is weakened, the virus that was previously stored in the nerve cells is activated and released into the blood, causing an exacerbation of the disease.

Symptoms of the disease

In most people who are carriers, HPV does not cause any symptoms over a long period of time. The incubation period for genital herpes in previously uninfected people is 7 days. In men, the virus persists in the organs of the genitourinary system, in women - in the cervical canal, vagina, and urethra. After infection, a lifelong carriage of the genital herpes virus is formed. The disease tends to be persistent with relapses.

Reasons contributing to the development of external signs of infection:

permanent or temporary decrease in immunity, including HIV infection;
hypothermia or overheating;
concomitant diseases, for example, diabetes mellitus, acute respiratory infection;
medical interventions, including abortion and insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device ().

Under the influence of these factors, a prodromal period occurs - “pre-disease”. Initial signs of genital herpes: at the site of the future outbreak, patients note the appearance of itching, pain or burning. After some time, rashes appear in the lesion.

What does genital herpes look like?

The elements of the rash are located separately or grouped and look like small bubbles with a diameter of up to 4 mm. Such elements are located on a reddened (erythematous), edematous base - the skin of the perineum, perianal zone and the mucous membrane of the genitourinary organs. The appearance of vesicles (bubbles) may be accompanied by moderate fever, headache, malaise, and insomnia. Regional (inguinal) lymph nodes become larger and more painful. The primary episode is especially pronounced in people who have not previously been infected with the virus and who do not have antibodies to it.

After a few days, the vesicles open on their own, forming erosions (superficial damage to the mucous membrane) with uneven outlines. At this time, patients complain of severe itching and a burning sensation in the erosion zone, weeping, severe pain, which intensifies even more during sexual intercourse. During the first ten days of illness, new rashes appear. Viral particles are actively released from them.

Gradually, the erosions become covered with crusts and heal, leaving small areas of weak pigmentation or lighter areas of the skin. The time from the appearance of the rash element to its epithelization (healing) is two to three weeks. The pathogen enters the cells of the nerve trunks, where it remains latent for a long time.

Symptoms of genital herpes in female patients are expressed in the labia, vulva, perineum, vagina, and cervix. In men, the glans penis, foreskin, and urethra are affected.

The pelvic nerves are often involved in the process. This leads to impaired sensitivity of the skin of the lower extremities, pain in the lower back and sacrum. Sometimes urination becomes frequent and painful.

In women, the first episode of herpis lasts longer and more noticeably than in men. The duration of an exacerbation without treatment is about 3 weeks.

Recurrent genital herpes

Approximately 10-20% of those who have recovered from the disease develop recurrent genital herpes. The first manifestation of infection is usually more violent. Recurrence of genital herpes manifests itself less intensely and passes faster than the primary symptoms. This is due to the antibodies already present in the body at this time, which help fight the virus. Type 1 genital herpes recurs less frequently than type 2.

An exacerbation of the disease may manifest itself as minor symptoms - itching, rare rashes. Sometimes the picture of the disease is represented by painful merging erosions and ulcerations of the mucous membrane. Virus shedding lasts 4 days or longer. An enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes appears, lymphostasis and severe swelling of the genital organs due to stagnation of lymph (elephantiasis) cannot be ruled out.

Relapses occur equally often in men and women. Men have longer episodes, and women have a more vivid clinical picture.

If the frequency of relapses is more than six per year, they speak of a severe form of the disease. The moderate form is accompanied by three to four exacerbations during the year, and the mild form is accompanied by one or two.

In 20% of cases, atypical genital herpes develops. Manifestations of the disease are masked by another infection of the genitourinary system, for example (thrush). Thus, thrush is characterized by discharge, which is practically absent with ordinary genital herpes.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of genital herpes is carried out using the following laboratory tests:

virological methods (isolation of the pathogen using a chicken embryo or cell culture, the result can be obtained within two days);
polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which detects the genetic material of the virus;
detection of pathogen antigens (its particles) using enzyme immunoassay and immunofluorescence assay;
detection in the blood of antibodies produced by the human body in response to the influence of HSV using enzyme immunoassay;
cytomorphological methods assessing cell damage during HSV infection (formation of giant cells with many nuclei and intranuclear inclusions).

It is recommended to take a test for genital herpes repeatedly at intervals of several days, from 2 to 4 studies from different lesions. In women, it is recommended to collect material on days 18-20 of the cycle. This increases the chance of recognizing a viral infection and confirming the diagnosis.

The most informative tests are PCR for examining urine and scrapings from the genitourinary organs (vagina, urethra, cervix).

Treatment

The diet of patients with genital herpes does not have any special features. It should be complete, balanced, rich in proteins and vitamins. During an exacerbation, it is better to bake or stew food, or steam it. Fermented milk and vegetable products, as well as drinking plenty of fluids, will be beneficial.

Treatment of genital herpes, its intensity and duration depend on the form of the disease and its severity. How to treat genital herpes in each patient is determined by a venereologist based on a complete examination and examination of the patient. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable. To determine how to cure a patient, data from his immunogram is required, that is, an assessment of the state of immunity.

The following groups of drugs are used to treat the disease:

systemic antiviral drugs;
antiviral agents for topical use;
immunostimulating substances, analogues of interferons, which also have an antiviral effect;
symptomatic drugs (antipyretics, painkillers).

Acyclovir therapy

The treatment regimen for acute genital herpes and its relapses primarily includes Acyclovir (Zovirax). If the immunogram is normal, it is prescribed in a daily dose of 1 gram, divided into five doses, for ten days or until recovery. With significant immunodeficiency or damage to the rectum, the daily dose is increased to 2 grams in 4-5 doses. The earlier treatment is started, the higher its effectiveness. The best option for starting therapy, in which the medicine is most effective, is the prodromal period, or the first day of the appearance of the rash.

How to get rid of relapses of the disease? For this purpose, suppressive therapy with Acyclovir is prescribed at a dose of 0.8 g per day. The pills are taken for months and sometimes years. Daily medication helps almost all patients avoid relapses, and a third of them do not experience repeated episodes of the disease.

Acyclovir is produced under trade names that include the word itself, as well as Acyclostad, Vivorax, Virolex, Herperax, Medovir, Provirsan. Its side effects include digestive disorders (nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea), headache, itching, fatigue. Very rare undesirable effects of the drug are hematopoietic disorders, renal failure, and damage to the nervous system. It is contraindicated only in case of individual intolerance to the drug, and should also be prescribed with caution to patients with impaired renal function. Use is possible during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in children, but only after assessing the possible risk.

In the prodromal period and early stages of the disease, 5% Acyclovir cream is effective. It helps better if the rashes are located on the skin. Apply it several times a day for a week.

There are second generation Acyclovir drugs that are more effective. These include valacyclovir (Vairova, Valavir, Valvir, Valtrex, Valcicon, Virdel). It is well absorbed from the digestive organs, its bioavailability is several times higher than that of Acyclovir. Therefore, the effectiveness of treatment is 25% higher. Exacerbation of the disease develops less frequently by 40%. The drug is contraindicated in cases of manifesting HIV infection, kidney or bone marrow transplantation, as well as in children under 18 years of age. Use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is possible after assessing the risks and benefits.

Alternative drugs

How to treat genital herpes if it is caused by Acyclovir-resistant viruses? In this case, alternative drugs are prescribed - Famciclovir or Foscarnet. Famciclovir is available under such names as Minaker, Famacivir, Famvir. The drug is very well tolerated, only occasionally causing headache or nausea. The only contraindication is individual intolerance. Since this drug is new, its effect on the fetus has been little studied. Therefore, its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is possible only according to individual indications.

Local preparations

Some antiviral medications used to treat rashes come in the form of an ointment. Among them the following can be noted:

Foscarnet, applied to the skin and mucous membranes;
Alpizarin, the drug is also available in tablet form;
Tromantadine is most effective at the first signs of herpes;
Helepin; also exists in oral form;
Oksolin;
Tebrofen;
Riodoxol;
Bonafton.

The frequency of application and duration of treatment with local drugs is determined by the doctor. They are usually prescribed several times a day for a week.

Therapy of genital herpes with interferon drugs

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in interferons or interferon inducers that help the body cope with the infection itself, often having a direct antiviral effect. These include the following:

Allokin-alpha;
Amiksin;
Wobe-Mugos E;
Galavit;
Giaferon;
Groprinosin;
Isoprinosine;
Imunofan;
Polyoxidonium;
Cycloferon and many others.

They can be prescribed both internally and locally. Some of these drugs are suppositories. Thus, Viferon rectal suppositories are often prescribed as part of complex therapy for genital herpes.

To relieve symptoms, you can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Antibiotics are not prescribed for genital herpes, since they only act on bacteria, not viruses. The effectiveness of such areas of therapy as homeopathy and traditional methods has not been proven.

Prevention

A specific prevention of genital herpes, that is, a vaccine, has been developed. The Russian-made polyvaccine must be administered several times a year in courses of 5 injections. It is an inactivated culture vaccine. The effectiveness of such prevention is being studied.

Nonspecific prevention consists of maintaining sexual hygiene and avoiding casual sex.

A person infected with genital herpes should not overcool, avoid emotional stress, intense exercise and other causes of exacerbation.

Infection and pregnancy

It is believed that pregnancy is not a factor causing exacerbation of genital herpes. However, some scientists have a different opinion.

Pregnancy and childbirth with HSV carriage without clinical manifestations are usually normal. Treatment of a pregnant woman is carried out if she develops systemic manifestations, for example, meningitis, hepatitis. This usually happens when a woman first encounters the virus during pregnancy. Acyclovir is prescribed for treatment.

If such treatment is not carried out, then as a result of viral particles entering the baby’s blood through the placenta (damaged or even healthy), an intrauterine infection will develop. In the first trimester of pregnancy, malformations form. In the second and third trimesters, the baby's mucous membranes, skin, eyes, liver, and brain are affected. Intrauterine fetal death may occur. The risk of premature birth increases. After the birth of such a baby, severe complications are possible: microcephaly (underdevelopment of the brain), microophthalmia and chorioretinitis (eye damage leading to blindness).

Delivery is carried out naturally. A caesarean section is prescribed only in cases where the mother has a rash on the genitals, as well as if her first episode of infection occurred during pregnancy. In these same cases, prenatal prevention of transmission of the herpes virus to the child is recommended with the help of Acyclovir, prescribed from 36 weeks. An even more convenient and cost-effective drug for the prenatal preparation of a sick woman is the drug Valcicon (Valacyclovir). The use of antiviral drugs before childbirth helps reduce the frequency of exacerbations of genital herpes and reduce the likelihood of asymptomatic release of viral particles that infect the child.

When giving birth to a sick woman, premature rupture of water and weakness of labor are dangerous. Therefore, she needs special attention from medical personnel.

How dangerous is genital herpes for a newborn?

If a child comes into contact with HSV while passing through the birth canal, he will develop neonatal herpes 6 days after birth. Its consequences are generalized sepsis, that is, infection of all internal organs of the child. A newborn may even die from infectious-toxic shock.

Due to the potential threat to the child, every pregnant woman is examined for HSV carriage and, if necessary, undergoes treatment as prescribed by a doctor. After the baby is born, he is also examined and, if necessary, treated. If the child does not show any signs of infection, he needs to be monitored for 2 months, since the manifestations of the disease are not always visible immediately.

To avoid the unpleasant consequences of the disease during pregnancy, an infected woman must undergo special preparation before pregnancy, the so-called pre-conception training. In particular, antiviral and immunostimulating agents of plant origin (Alpizarin) are prescribed orally and in the form of an ointment when exacerbations occur in the patient. At the same time, her immunity is corrected using interferon inducers. During the three months before the planned pregnancy, metabolic therapy is also prescribed to improve cellular metabolism (riboflavin, lipoic acid, calcium pantothenate, vitamin E, folic acid). At the same time, you can use passive immunization, that is, the introduction into a woman’s body of ready-made antiviral antibodies - immunoglobulins, which reduce the risk of exacerbation.

Pregnancy planning should be carried out only if there are no relapses within six months. Diagnosis and treatment of genital herpes before pregnancy can reduce the incidence of complications on the part of the mother and child, reduce the likelihood of relapse during pregnancy, and minimize the risk of intrauterine infection or neonatal herpes. All this helps reduce infant morbidity and mortality.