Introduction

There is a possibility that genital herpes is the STD that is both feared the most and understood the least (STI). Since there is no treatment for herpes, those who have the condition will always have the virus inside them. Even though the vast majority of individuals who get the virus won't put their lives in imminent risk very often, pregnant women should make every effort to avoid being infected with the virus at all costs. If a virus spreads widely, pregnant women are more likely to go into labour early, and their unborn children are more likely to get a disease that kills them while they are still in the womb.

What are genital herpes?

At the site of the herpes infection, blisters or ulcers of varying degrees of pain may be caused by the virus. Herpes, both oral and genital, is rather prevalent, yet only a minority of people have symptoms or are aware that they have the virus. It's possible that the symptoms will come back after some time, and the sickness itself might last a lifetime. There is currently no known treatment that will cure the sickness. However, there are medicines that may lessen the intensity of the symptoms and the number of times they occur.

It might be upsetting to experience the symptoms of genital or oral herpes for a second time. It may be challenging to find new sexual partners if you have genital herpes because of the social stigma associated with having the condition. But in time, the vast majority of individuals who have herpes in whatever form come to terms with the fact that having the virus is just a fact of life.

Herpes may cause more severe symptoms and more frequent recurrences in immunocompromised patients, such as those who have an advanced HIV infection. Meningoencephalitis and widespread infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 occur very rarely. Meningoencephalitis is also occasionally referred to as a brain infection. There is a remote possibility that a herpes simplex virus type 1 infection might result in more serious complications, such as encephalitis or keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). However, these scenarios are very rare (eye infection).

What sorts of risks are associated with genital herpes for expectant mothers?

The virus may cause premature labour, and it is possible for infants to get the illness either while they are still in the womb or when they are being delivered. Herpes simplex virus, which may be seen in newborns,

It is possible for a newborn to get neonatal herpes if they are exposed to HSV at delivery. It is believed that herpes affects the immune systems of just ten infants out of every one hundred thousand newborns across the world. However, this is a condition that has the potential to be devastating since it may result in irreversible neurologic disability or even death. When a woman contracts HSV for the first time later in her pregnancy, the chance of giving birth to a child who is infected with HSV is significantly increased.

Treatment

Antiviral drugs including acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are examples of effective treatments for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections (see WHO recommendations). It's possible that these will help lessen the severity and frequency of the symptoms, but they won't fix the problem itself.

Conclusion

If you are pregnant then it is imperative to have a C-section if you are experiencing a genital herpes breakout close to your due date, since this might infect your baby with neonatal herpes, which is very dangerous. Sexual contact of any kind should be avoided if your partner has herpes symptoms.

The responsible use of condoms is your greatest line of defence against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). HSV infection may still take place if the user urinates or makes love while touching any area of their anatomy that isn't protected by the condom. This can happen even while using a condom.