Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is an unsightly and painful sexually transmitted disease (STD). Either the herpes simplex viruses type 1 or type 2 are the cause of genital herpes. And if you carry either the type 1 or type 2 herpes simplex viruses, you may in fact show no ill side effects at all. As first signs do begin appearing, they are generally blisters that form near or even on the rectum or genital area. Eventually, these blisters will break. That will leave you with sores or ulcers that will heal in two to four weeks. Another outbreak is possible, although it may take months to occur. And the second outbreak is typically less severe and takes a shorter duration of time to clear up. Of course, since the infection can reside in the human body for an indefinite period of time, you are still susceptible to outbreaks over a very long period of time.

How Common is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes are actually quite common in our country. A nationwide study of genital herpes concluded that, in the 12 years old and over category, 45 million Americans were infected. That averages out to 1 in every 5 people having had genital herpes. Thankfully though, the incidents of genital herpes have been on the decline in the United States. The herpes simplex virus is less prevalent in men (1 in 8) than women (1 in 4).

How is Genital Herpes Contracted?

Either the herpes simplex virus 1 or the herpes simplex virus 2 can be found in the sores on your body. Those simplex viruses can also then be released from those sores. And, HSV-1 and HSV-2 may be released from your skin even when there are no outward symptoms such as sores. Generally speaking, you will become infected with HSV-2 after having intercourse with an already infected person. The HSV-1 virus is able to cause herpes in the genital area, but is more commonly associated with herpes infections of your lips and mouth. These are also known as fever blisters. Genital infections caused by HSV-1 are usually brought on by genital-to-genital or oral to genital contact by an infected individual.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

The majority of symptoms start to occur within two to three weeks after becoming infected. The first visible symptoms are sores that eventually heal up and go away. Another wave of sores may also appear, followed by swollen glands and a fever. You may even feel like you have the flu, even though you don’t. Unfortunately, many people with mild forms of sores or other symptoms may not even realize the true nature of these problems and write them off as other skin conditions or insect bites.

Diagnosing Genital Herpes

Doctors are able to visually verify if your symptoms are, in fact, genital herpes. They may also take samples for lab testing. In fact, your doctor is also able to, by using blood tests, make a diagnosis of your symptoms between outbreaks.

Genital Herpes Treatments

While there is no cure, there are a variety of medicines that can shorten the length and time of your outbreaks. You can find a review of genital herpes treatments on this site.

How to Avoid Transmitting Genital Herpes

Obviously, the most effective method to use when trying to avoid infecting others is abstinence. The next method would be to be in an exclusive relationship with your partner, and to make sure both of you have been tested and are known to be uninfected. Proper and effective use of condoms is another good way to deter genital herpes. You should always be aware of the fact that even when you have no outward symptoms of having genital herpes, you still are capable of infecting people.

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• Genital Herpes Prevention
• Genital Herpes
• Genital Herpes Treatments
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• STD's in General
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