Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is infection by the herpes simplex virus, and is a sexually transmitted disease causing recurrent attacks of painful ulceration on the vulva and the vagina. The herpes viruses remain with us for life, living in nerve cells in the spinal cord - commonly those nerve cells that serve the region of skin where the virus first attacked - from which they emerge during times of reduced immunity (which is why cold sores, similarly caused by herpes simplex, appear when we have colds). It used to be that most genital herpes was caused by herpes simplex type 2, but now both types 1 and 2 are involved. The severity of an attack may be reduced by using anti-viral agents, providing they are used promptly. Since the virus may be secreted by the vagina in the absence of ulceration, it is essential to practise safe sex to prevent the spread of the disease. Since infection of the neonate by herpes simplex may cause severe problems, women with a history of genital herpes may, if the virus is present in the cervix or vagina when the baby's due, choose to be delivered by Caesarean section.
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