Genital Herpes - Symptoms and Treatment

Genital herpes is a transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Most forms of genital herpes are HSV-2. Most people have no or minimal symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum.The blisters break, leaving ulcers or tender sores that may take up to four weeks to heal. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months later. The illness is characterized by pain, itching and sores in your genital area. Contact is the primary way that genital HSV spreads. It's almost impossible to get the infection through contact with toilets, towels or other objects used by an infected person, because the virus dies quickly outside the body. In the past 10 years, the number of people in the United States who are infected with HSV has decreased. However, genital herpes is still common. According to researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HSV is present in as many as one in six teens and adults in the U.S. HSV affects both men and women. There's no cure for this recurrent (chronic) infection, which may cause embarrassment and emotional distress. If you or your partner is infected, you can manage the spread of HSV by taking steps to protect yourself and your partner. Open communication with your partner or potential partner is important.

Genital herpes is a common, highly infectious disease. HSV is in the same family of viruses that causes chickenpox, shingles and mononucleosis. Genital herpes can be transmitted, even if the infected person has no open sores or any other symptoms of infection. Although it is rare, pregnant women can pass the infection onto their babies during or after birth. There are two types of HSV: HSV-1, which infects 80 percent of the U.S. population, usually appears on the lips in cold sores; HSV-2 is usually found in the genital area. However, if a person with HSV-1 oral herpes (cold sores) performs oral, it is possible for the partner to get HSV-1 genital herpes. HSV can cause sores, or lesions. Both males and females may also get lesions in the urinary tract, around the anal opening, on the buttocks or thighs, and sometimes on other parts of the body.

Causes of Genital Herpes

Common Causes of Genital Herpes :

• Genital herpes simplex is caused by a virus known as Herpes Simplex Virus-2.
• The STD affects millions of people.
• It causes painful blisters and sores in and around the genital area.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Some common Symptoms of Genital Herpes :

• Pain.
• Fever.
• A flu-like illness.
• Headache.
• Malaise.
• Tingling.
• Muscle aches.
• Decreased appetite.
• Myalgia.

Treatment of Genital Herpes

• In addition, active persons should know that safer practices, such as the use of condoms, help prevent the acquisition of Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
• Genital herpes may not be cured. However, treatment may be relieved the symptoms. Medication can rapidly decrease the pain.
• Four oral agents are currently being prescribed, including acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), penciclovir (Denavir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex).
• The treatment of infection with herpes simplex infections is by topical or oral anti-viral medication.

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