Hepatitis B, chlamydia, HIV, papillomavirus … Among the wide range of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), genital herpes is predominant. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world, reports The Parisian this Monday.
Caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), genital herpes is often asymptomatic but can lead to vesicular lesions and very unsightly inflammation in the genital area. Additionally, the virus never goes away and remains dormant in the body, which can cause regular relapses.
Risks for the unborn child
Genital herpes can cause serious complications especially in pregnant women and babies. “Transmission to the child occurs in 85% of cases during its passage through the maternal genital tract, in case of viral excretion, at the time of delivery”, explains a dermatologist interviewed by The Parisian.
If the mother suffers injuries during childbirth or has suffered injuries for less than a month, a caesarean section is often performed as a preventative measure. Indeed, the consequences for the child can be severe.
According to health insurance, genital herpes affects 20% of the sexually active population, particularly people between the ages of 25 and 35, in France. The virus is transmitted during sexual contact, hence the importance of means of protection during sexual intercourse. Oral-genital sexual practices can transmit type 1 herpes (HSV1).
