The most discrete sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a common viral infection that can appear up long after transmission and for which no definitive treatment exists. The greatest risk of genital herpes is when the newborn comes into contact with a contaminated mother.

Genital herpes is a chronic STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection), which affects the genital area, the pelvic floor, and the anal area. Herpes is caused by herpes virus hominis, which comes in the form of type 1 and 2.

HSV2

The most common genital HSV2 is found in genital secretions and mucous membranes and is transmitted through sexual contact. After a first infection, he takes refuge in a nervous ganglion along the spine and from there it can give rise to recurrences.

HSV1

HSV1, especially known to be the origin of cold sores is also common. The transmission occurs during oral sex (contact between the mouth and the sexual organs of the partner), or by self-contamination of the lips to the genitals. Both viruses associated with STDs can be active simultaneously.

Transmission of herpes

For HSV-1, simple direct contact with saliva (from the mouth to the vulva, penis or anus) or direct genital-genital contact allows transmission. The risk, already high in the absence of symptoms is increased during the period of thrust and when there is direct contact with lesions. At this point, even objects in contact with viruses can be contagious. However, the survival of the virus on inert materials is only of short duration and because of this, the transmission via a toilet seat, for example, is practically non-existent.

For HSV-2, a simple contact with the sexual secretions, the skin, and the mucous membranes, especially in the presence of lesions, where when they will appear, is enough to transmit the virus. Although the risk of transmission is lower without lesions, it is possible and even frequent.

Transmission often goes unnoticed because 20% of the carriers of the virus have no symptoms and are unaware that they are contagious. Up to 80% of people with a first infection caught it from a partner who did not know it was contagious.

Anyone who is sexually active can contract herpes or other STDs. Once transmitted, the virus (STDs) takes refuge in a nerve ganglion along the spine, and from there it can cause new outbreaks. It reactivates and causes new lesions at any time, but most often after a weakening, such as a disease (cold sores), excessive fatigue and menstruation.

Some people will never do more thrust after a first infection, others will do it all their life. These new outbreaks are less severe than the first infection and their frequency varies from person to person. The risk of transmission is highest when the lesions still contain fluid.