Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. The most common cause of genital herpes is a virus called herpes type II, although herpes type I also is responsible for some cases of genital herpes. The disease can affect either gender, and once a person is infected with herpes, there is no cure. Most men affected by herpes experience outbreaks on the penis, scrotum or anal region. If you are a man infected with herpes, you can manage and treat the condition, and you also can take steps to avoid outbreaks.
Treatment by Stage
The appropriate treatment for a man with herpes depends on the stage of the virus. The herpes virus goes through several stages, beginning with the primary stage. It starts two to eight days after the original infection, although in some cases, it can be dormant for longer. During the primary stage, herpes blisters are visible in the genital and/or anal area- especially on the penis and scrotum. The blisters may be very small and almost unnoticeable, or red and irritated, or they may break and become larger open sores. During this stage, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and pain associated with the sores.
The latent stage follows the primary stage. In this stage, the virus travels from the man's skin to his nerve cells. During the latent stage, treatment focuses on avoiding outbreaks and recurrences of herpes.
Once the virus reaches his nerve cells, the shedding phase begins, in which the virus cells multiply and enter into his bodily fluids.
Recurrences can occur at any point, and the cycle of stages begins again. He can spread herpes to his sexual partners during any stage, even during the latent and shedding stages, which are asymptomatic.
Treating and Managing Outbreaks
When blisters and sores are present, treatment focuses on managing pain associated with blisters and sores. A lukewarm compress applied to the penis or genital area, or a lukewarm bath can help relieve pain associated with sores. He can apply a medicine called acyclovir, which is a cream, to the sores to shorten their life cycle and reduce pain. Wear loose cotton clothing; avoid tight underwear in favor of looser boxers. And keep the sores clean. A fever and/or pain during urination may accompany the sores. Use NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen) to manage pain.
Drug Therapy to Minimize Outbreak
Because there is no cure for herpes, treatment focuses on trying to minimize the outbreaks of blisters. Men can take an oral form of acyclovir to avoid outbreaks. Valtrex, the most well-known herpes medication, can help minimize the number of recurrences that lead to outbreaks, and can potentially help prevent the spread of genital herpes to sexual partners. Finally, doctors prescribe famciclovir to some men to help reduce the number of outbreaks.
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