“Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in France”, introduces Dr Dauendorffer, dermatologist and venereologist in Paris, member of the French Society of Dermatology (SFD). Two types of Herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) cause herpes. These viruses mainly affect the skin and mucous membranes. Genital herpes is mainly caused byHerpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2), but also more and more often by HSV-1, the herpes labialis virus (the virus responsible for the “cold sore”).
There transmission of thegenital herpes is most often done during vaginal or anal sex but sometimes also during oral sex with a person who has herpes lesions or whose genital mucous membranes carry the virus without apparent signs. Transmission occurs more easily from man to woman than from woman to man.
Genital herpes in men: what are the symptoms?
Primary infection (first contact with the virus) in humans can be asymptomatic (without symptoms) whereas in women it always manifests itself by painful symptoms. When present, the symptoms of herpes in men are sensations of tingling and burning in the mucous membranes followed by the eruption of vesicles (small blisters) which are grouped in clusters (10 to 15) on the genitals (glans, foreskin), sometimes on the small area of skin between the two or on the testicles. These vesicles rupture a few days after their appearance, causing ulcerations which can be very painful and then heal, most often without leaving a scar. Symptoms appear for two to three weeks.
“Men, like women, can have lymph nodes in the groin, burning when urinating or difficulty urinating,” informs Dr. Dauendorffer. More general signs can also accompany painful eruptions: fever, lymphadenopathy, aches, muscle pain, etc. As the herpes virus remains dormant in the body, it can reactivate during a moment of fatigue and stress. or in case of infection. “There can be a recurrence only once in a lifetime or 10 times a year,” explains Dr. Dauendorffer. This herpes outbreak or attack is most often less painful, less lasting and not always visible.
Genital herpes in men: when is it contagious?
“It is exceptional to be contagious if there is no visible lesion,” informs Dr. Dauendorffer who explains “that a person, man or woman, who has genital herpes, is especially contagious during recurrences”. In a couple, it is recommended to have protected sex with a condom during recurrences. The problem is that these recurrences can go unnoticed: we speak of asymptomatic excretion of the virus.
How is genital herpes diagnosed?
The diagnosis of genital herpes is clinical, that is to say it is based on the observation of the lesions. If in doubt, a PCR on a sample taken from the lesions helps confirm the diagnosis. A diagnosis of genital herpes leads to a search for other sexually transmitted infections.
Genital herpes in men: how is it treated?
A herpes outbreak heals on its own. Prescribing an oral antiviral medication (valaciclovir, derivative of acyclovir) helps speed up healing. The dosage is 2 tablets per day for 10 days in the event of a primary infection and 2 tablets per day for 5 days for recurrences of herpes. “Preventive treatment with valaciclovir is indicated when a person has more than 6 attacks of genital herpes per year.” This preventive treatment, which consists of taking one valaciclovir tablet per day for a minimum of 6 months, acts both to reduce the duration and frequency of flare-ups and to prevent the transmission of the disease. Topical treatments (in the form of a cream) are not very effective.
Can genital herpes in men be prevented?
There is no vaccine against herpes. To prevent genital herpes, it is recommended to use a condom to limit the risk. Wearing a condom does not provide complete protection, especially if there are lesions on the skin or vulva. It is not recommended to have sex with a person who has herpes lesions. As part of a couple, sexual relations must be protected with a condom during recurrences of herpes in order to limit contamination. Having multiple partners leads to a greater risk of being infected.
Read also :
⋙ Aciclovir: indications, dosage and side effects of this medication against herpes
⋙ Herpes labialis: what does a cold sore look like and how to make it disappear?
⋙ Syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea: why are these sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increasing?