Herpes is a very common disease. All people are susceptible to infection, regardless of gender and age. But women whose body is affected by the virus often face such a problem as menstrual herpes. The disease in this case worsens almost before every menstruation. Constant relapses significantly worsen the patient's quality of life. What to do in such cases? Why does menstrual herpes develop and how is it treated? Reviews about treatment, features of therapy, possible complications - this is important information that you should study.
Brief description of pathogen
Herpes is an infectious disease that is associated with penetration into the body and activation of the herpes virus. This is an extremely common infection. According to statistics, about 90 percent of the world's population is infected with one or another variety of this pathogen.
Symptoms of the disease are very characteristic - on the skin and mucous membranes (inin particular, the tissues of the genital organs) a blistering rash appears, which is accompanied by severe burning and itching. In most cases, the cause of the development of the disease is the herpes virus of the first or second type. It is worth noting that the infection can be present in the body for several months and even years, without causing any external disturbances. The herpes virus is activated against the background of a decrease in the activity of the immune system.
Why does herpes pop up before menstruation?
We have already de alt with the causes of blistering rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. Nevertheless, women at the gynecologist's appointment often ask why herpes is activated every month before menstruation.
The fact is that the menstrual cycle is directly related to fluctuations in hormone levels - the amount of certain active substances is constantly changing. Toward the end of the cycle, the level of progesterone, which has immunosuppressive properties, rises. This is a kind of protective mechanism designed to ensure the successful implantation of a fertilized egg. Unfortunately, a decrease in the activity of the immune system is often associated with the activation of various infections, including herpes.
Are there risk factors?
We have already de alt with the main causes of menstrual herpes. However, not every woman infected with the virus faces a similar problem. There are factors that increase the likelihood of developing herpetic inflammation. Their list includes:
- general or local hypothermia of the body;
- decreased activity of the immune system;
- the patient has diabetes (affects both the level of hormones and the functioning of the immune system);
- recent colds;
- the patient has some kind of chronic inflammation;
- wearing too tight synthetic underwear;
- change of sexual partners;
- presence of various intestinal diseases;
- malnutrition, strict diet, against which beriberi develops;
- previously transferred antibiotic therapy (antibiotics negatively affect the beneficial microflora of the body, which negatively affects the functioning of defense systems);
- smoking, alcohol abuse and some other bad habits;
- previously undergone surgical procedures and other manipulations on the pelvic organs (including the installation of an intrauterine device);
- non-compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
Unfortunately, many women complain that herpes is activated before each menstruation. Reviews and results of statistical surveys indicate that the pathological process in most cases is accompanied by damage to the skin and mucous membranes of the external genital organs. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the main symptoms of the disease:
- A very characteristic herpetic rash appears on the skin and mucous membranes of the external genital organs. The rash looks smallvesicles with clear, sometimes slightly cloudy contents. The number of such structures increases as the disease progresses. The rash also forms on the skin of the perineum and thighs, on the tissues around the anus.
- The appearance of rashes is accompanied by very unpleasant sensations, in particular severe itching.
- Discomfort and burning worse during urination. Sometimes the rash spreads to the mucous membrane of the urethra - in this case, when emptying the bladder, women feel a slight tingling.
- Lymph nodes in the groin are often enlarged.
- Herpes is an infectious disease, the activation of which is often accompanied by the appearance of symptoms of general intoxication. Often there is an increase in body temperature, weakness, muscle aches, headaches.
Is it possible for a rash to appear on the lips?
In most cases, this form of the disease is accompanied by the formation of characteristic rashes in the vulva and perineum. However, some women get cold sores on their lips before their period. The skin and mucous membranes of the lips are covered with a blistering rash. Vesicles burst as they mature, releasing their liquid contents, resulting in small sores on the lips. The whole process is accompanied by a feeling of intense itching and burning.
Description of possible complications
According to statistics, in most casessuch an infection can be kept under control with the right medicines. However, chronic menstrual herpes is dangerous. To begin with, it is worth noting that frequent relapses significantly worsen the patient's quality of life.
Herpetic rash is often complicated by bacterial infections, because viruses significantly weaken the immune system. Against the background of the disease, the walls of the vessels weaken, which leads to the appearance of menstrual bleeding. Blood loss is often associated with anemia and other complications. Sometimes the virus spreads to the urinary tract and organs of the excretory system. In addition, doctors warn that a chronic, often recurring infection increases the likelihood of developing cancers of the reproductive system.
Is a delay possible due to a herpes infection?
Many women face the problem of menstrual herpes. And in the gynecologist's office, patients often ask the question of whether a delay in menstruation is possible. Of course, sometimes an exacerbation of an infectious disease can be accompanied by a violation of the menstrual cycle. The fact is that the activation of the herpes virus affects the functioning of the immune system and often causes fluctuations in the hormonal background. If the rash appeared before the discharge, then there is a possibility of a delay. The cycle usually recovers on its own as soon as the infection goes dormant.
Herpes is activated every month before menstruation: what to do?
Herpes is a disease,which requires complex therapy. First of all, patients are prescribed antiviral drugs. Effective are "Panavir", "Acyclovir", "Valacyclovir". These drugs are available in the form of tablets, as well as ointments and gels, which are designed to treat herpetic vesicles and wounds. By the way, gels help not only to speed up the healing of tissues, but also cope well with itching and other unpleasant sensations.
If there are frequent, prolonged relapses, then patients are prescribed immunomodulators. Such drugs as "Viferon" and "Cycloferon" are considered effective. Such funds are available in the form of solutions for injection and tablets. The course of treatment usually lasts five to six weeks. Therapy helps the body cope with a viral infection.
Symptomatic treatment
You already know why herpes can activate before menstruation. Of course, antiviral drugs are indispensable in this case. However, patients often require symptomatic treatment.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve discomfort, in particular Ibuprofen, Nurofen, etc. During the period of attenuation of the infection, patients are prescribed vitamins, in particular group B, as well as vitamins A and E, ascorbic acid. This helps to improve the activity of the immune system and strengthen the blood vessels, thereby reducing the likelihood of bleeding.
If there is heavy bleeding, then the treatment regimen includes drugs such as"Etamzilat" and "Vikasol". Sometimes patients are additionally prescribed hormonal drugs, in particular Utrozhestan and Duphaston (such treatment helps to normalize hormonal levels). If herpes is complicated by secondary infections, then antibiotics and/or antifungals may be included in the treatment regimen.
Prevention measures
According to statistics, herpes spreads mainly through direct contact with an infected person, in particular during sexual intercourse. That is why it is very important to use condoms, be careful and avoid casual sex. But the virus also spreads through everyday life, so sometimes it is sometimes impossible to prevent infection of the body.
In view of this, it is very important to maintain the normal activity of the immune system. Proper nutrition, walks in the fresh air, periodic intake of vitamins, physical activity, stabbing - all this helps to improve the functioning of the body. Smoking and alcohol abuse are contraindicated. It is also important to choose the right intimate hygiene products, refuse to wear synthetic, too tight underwear, and avoid hypothermia.
