Herpes genitale: Un'infezione virale senza fine

Ultimo aggiornamento: 18 maggio 2026

• Facebook
• Instagram
• WordPress
• Telegramma
• WhatsApp
• LinkedIn
• Posta

Herpes genitalia is a very commonly complaint problem at my Urologic office. Since the painful genital ulcer is the classical symptom for this condition, it is not hard for urologist to make a diagnostic in this condition. In this topic we will match up with frequently ask questions from the patients for example, where it from? Why it happens to me? Is it curable or not? How to prevent the recurrences?

Herpes genitale is caused by Herpes simplex virus (HSV) with 2 strains.

1. HSV-1 – Commonly lives at perioral area causing oral ulcers, but can also cause herpes genitalia.
2. HSV-2 – Commonly lives at genital area, the main cause of herpes genitalia.

The primary route of transmission is direct contact with secretions from seropositive patients. After initial exposure, painful genital ulcers or vesicular clusters appear. Typically after 14 days, symptoms subside and the virus hibernates in the nervous system. Low immune states such as illness, sleep deprivation, or stress can reactivate the virus causing symptoms to recur. This cycle repeats for life.

Diagnosis options include clinical diagnosis (for obvious presentations), Tzank smear (direct swab of vesicular lesions), or HSV PCR blood test. Treatment with antiviral agents (Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Panciclovir, or Ganciclovir) reduces symptom duration and transmission period. Without treatment, herpes genitalia resolves in approximately 19 days on its own.

Unfortunately, there is no approved HSV vaccination currently. HSV genitalia is also associated with other STDs, so a comprehensive STD checkup is recommended. Take care and see you in next article!

Potete visitare la mia homepage qui.

Domande frequenti

Q1: Is herpes genitalia curable?

No. Herpes genitalia caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is not curable. Once infected, the virus permanently resides in the nervous system in a dormant (hibernating) state. However, it is very manageable. Antiviral medications such as Acyclovir and Valacyclovir effectively reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks, speed up healing, and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to partners.

Q2: How is herpes genitalia transmitted?

Herpes genitalia is transmitted primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s secretions or active lesions during sexual activity. HSV-2, which mainly causes genital herpes, is spread through genital contact. HSV-1, which typically causes oral herpes, can also cause genital herpes through oral-genital contact. Importantly, transmission can occur even when an infected person has no visible sores, a phenomenon known as asymptomatic viral shedding.

Q3: Why does herpes genitalia keep coming back?

After the initial infection, the HSV virus hides in the nervous system in a dormant state, kept inactive by the immune system. When the immune system is weakened due to illness, excessive stress, sleep deprivation, or other medical conditions, the virus reactivates and travels back to the genital skin, causing a new outbreak. This reactivation cycle can repeat throughout a person’s lifetime, which is why herpes is described as a “never-ending” viral infection.

Q4: How is herpes genitalia diagnosed?

Herpes genitalia can be diagnosed clinically when the characteristic painful genital ulcers or vesicular clusters are visible and the patient has a known history. Laboratory confirmation options include a Tzank smear (direct swab from the lesion) or HSV PCR blood test when direct swabbing is not possible. HSV PCR is the most accurate diagnostic method and can also identify whether the strain is HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Q5: How can I prevent herpes genitalia outbreaks?

Maintaining a healthy immune system is the most important factor in preventing recurrent outbreaks. This includes adequate sleep, stress management, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. For patients with frequent recurrences, suppressive antiviral therapy (daily low-dose Acyclovir or Valacyclovir) can significantly reduce outbreak frequency and the risk of transmission to partners. Using condoms consistently also reduces, though does not eliminate, transmission risk.

If you are experiencing symptoms of herpes genitalia or recurring genital ulcers, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers confidential sexual health consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. Prenota una consulenza.

Disclaimer: Questo contenuto è redatto e revisionato dal Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, urologo certificato presso il Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. È inteso solo a scopo educativo e non costituisce consulenza medica. Consultare sempre un professionista sanitario qualificato prima di iniziare qualsiasi trattamento medico.