GENITAL HERPES
Genital herpes is classified as a Sexually Transmitted Disease --STD-- which is caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 --HSV1-- and type 2 --HSV2--. Most people with genital herpes have none or minimal signs of the symptoms of an HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. The first signs that are recognized of the infection are one or more blisters around the anus or genitals.
When the blisters eventually break they leave tender ulcers that usually take from 2 to 4 weeks to heal the first time. Though another outbreak may not occur for weeks or even months after the first, it is not as severe as the first outbreak. The infection may stay in the body indefinitely and the numbers of outbreaks tends to decrease as time goes on.
They have found that that Genital Herpes HSV-2 is more common in women --approx. 1 in 4-- as compared to men --1 in 5--. This is due to male-female transmission as being more likely than female-male transmission.
Transmission of Genital Herpes
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found in and released from the sores that the viruses cause, but may also be released between outbreaks from skin that doesn’t appear to be broken or to have a sore.
Usually a person will only get HSV-2 infection through having sexual contact with a person who has a genital HSV-1 infection. Transmission may also occur from an infected partner who shows no visible sores and do not realize that they may be infected.
With HSV-1 it may cause genital herpes, but it most commonly causes infections of the mouth and lips. HSV-I infection of the genitals may be caused by either oral-genital or genital-genital contact with a person having the HSV-1 infection. Usually with Genital HSV-1 the outbreaks occur less frequently than HSV-2 outbreaks.
Genital Herpes Symptoms
With genital herpes symptoms you will find those that are infected with HSV-2 are not aware of their infection. Although, if the signs and symptoms occur during the first outbreak, they may be quite pronounced.
The first outbreak usually occur within two weeks after the virus is transmitted, and the sore will heal within 2 to 4 weeks. Other genital herpes symptoms and signs of HSV-2 during the primary episode may include a second crop of sore, along with flu like symptoms including a fever and swollen glands.
Quite often an individual with an HSV-2 infection may never have any sores or may experience very mild signs that they mistake for insect bite or another skin condition.
Complications of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes can cause recurrent painful genital sores in many adults and the herpes infection may be quite severe for those who have suppressed immune systems. However bad the severity of the symptoms, genital herpes more than often causes psychological distress in those who are infected.
Genital Herpes Prevention
The surest and safest way to prevent any STD is by having a monogamous relationship with one sexual partner who is known to be not infected.
Persons that are known to be infected with genital herpes should not have sexual contact with uninfected partners. Have respect for others if you have a STD.
