Treatment and prevention of genital herpes in men

If a man suffers from genital herpes, he must pay attention to personal hygiene because genital herpes is highly contagious. So how is genital herpes spread? And how is it treated?

How genital herpes is spread

Source of infection

1. Humans are the only natural host of herpes simplex virus. Patients in the acute phase or recovery phase, as well as those infected with the virus without obvious symptoms, are the sources of infection of the disease. It is mainly transmitted through viruses present in blister fluid, local exudate, and the surface of lesioned skin and mucous membranes. The disease is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse and less commonly through indirect transmission through contaminated objects.

2. In addition, mothers with genital herpes can transmit the virus directly to their newborns through the birth canal during delivery, or if they become ill during pregnancy, the virus can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta.

Mode of transmission

1. The infected person mainly transmits the virus to his or her sexual partner through sexual contact. Men who have sex with men are also at great risk of infection. Sometimes a person with herpes on or around the lips can infect the other person with genital herpes through oral sex.

2. Different types of heterosexual or homosexual sexual behaviors can spread genital herpes. Since infectious viruses can survive for several hours in moist environments, indirect transmission via fomites is also possible in rare cases.

Genital herpes treatment

General treatment

(1) Mainly keep the area clean and dry. It can be washed with isotonic saline every day. Those who suffer from pain can take oral painkillers and provide mental comfort.

(2) For patients with concurrent bacterial infection, antibiotic ointment can be applied externally.

(3) For those with obvious local pain, 5% lidocaine hydrochloride ointment can be applied externally or oral analgesics can be taken.

(4) Psychological support. Explain the nature of the disease, the causes of relapse, and how to treat and deal with it, so as to enhance confidence in fighting the disease.

Antiviral drug treatment

1. The recommended treatment options include: acyclovir, oral, 5 times a day; or acyclovir, oral, 3 times a day; or valacyclovir, oral, 2 times a day; or famciclovir, oral, 3 times a day.

2. If it is the first onset of genital herpes, the course of treatment is 7 to 10 days; for recurrent genital herpes, the course of treatment is 5 days. Those with frequent relapses may need to take a lower dose for a longer period of time.

Some patients with genital herpes are infected inadvertently, so it is very important to know some knowledge about herpes.