Genital herpes, a bad for life

• April 25, 2024

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) around 536 million people in the world, between 15 and 49 years of age, are infected with the genital herpes virus, which is contracted through sexual contact.

The study published by the international organization indicates that each year, 20 million new cases are reported and that these are people who are infected by this virus that is transmitted for life.

This first global study on the prevalence of genital herpes estimated that 16 percent of the world population between 15 and 49 years old is infected, and it is concluded that the virus is more common in women than in men.

In an interview for GetQoralHealth , the obstetrician / gynecologist Alejandro Vázquez Alanis , explains the characteristics of this virus:

Authorized opinion

The "simple type 2 herpes virus", which causes this disease, usually manifests itself with painful ulcerations in the genital area; However, in most patients the symptoms are not very visible and those who are affected often ignore it, so it is easy for them to infect other people.

According to Dr. George Schmid, a scientist at the WHO Department of HIV / AIDS and a specialist in sexually transmitted diseases, he points out: "The most serious consequences of the virus reach the point that it is easier to contract, and then transmit the herpes , that AIDS. " Genital herpes "can be transmitted by affected mothers to their children during birth, which can cause brain damage to the baby and death."

Experts say they are unaware of why genital herpes is more common in women, and point out that "it may be due to the anatomical differences between women and men, which makes them more susceptible to being infected, as with other diseases of sexual transmission. "

It is important that pregnant women suffering from herpes simplex infection are given viral cultures of the cervix and external genitalia each week, as the date of delivery approaches. If the viral culture is positive for herpes or if there are active lesions at the time of delivery, cesarean delivery is recommended to prevent infection of the newborn.