Genital herpes is a common virus that is often hard to get rid of. It is estimated that one in six people in the general population have the virus and are transmitting it without even knowing they have it.
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type one or two. It is a disease that is usually painful and often very embarrassing. It is important, though, to find genital herpes information.
Genital Herpes Causes and Transmission
Although genital herpes is usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type two, it can also be caused type one (cold sores) under the right conditions. This would involve oral contact with the genitals when one has an active cold sore. Herpes type two can be transmitted by many routes. It is usually transmitted by direct sexual contact, but can also be transmitted by masturbation and any other contact that involves the oral, anal, or genital routes.
Usually, the virus transmits when there are active lesions present, but it is also possible to transmit the disease when there are no active signs. This is the stage known as “shedding” and it occurs between outbreaks. Some people do not even know they have the virus because their outbreaks are so mild. They are still a carrier, though, and can transmit the disease to unsuspecting partners.
Genital Herpes Symptoms
Sometimes there are no discernible symptoms of the herpes virus type two. Either the person has never had an active outbreak, the outbreak was so mild as to be mistaken for something else, or the lesions are far into the vagina where they cannot be seen or felt. That is what makes it so easy to transmit the disease from one person to another.
When the person has active genital herpes, there are usually large blisters located anywhere on the genitals or rectum. These blisters break open and form an ulcer that is often painful and certainly unsightly. They can take up to four weeks to heal during a first outbreak, but the healing time decreases as the patient has more of them. Patients can expect to have three to four outbreaks in the first year, although the number of outbreaks decrease over time.
Genital Herpes Management
There is no known cure for herpes – either type one or type two. The best that can be done is strict management of the disease and its transmission. There are antiviral medications on the market that are somewhat effective in controlling outbreaks when they occur.
Usually, the patient will need to take an antiviral medication long term to control the frequency of outbreaks. There are also some reports of herbal remedies that show promise in the management of herpes.
In Summary
It is important to remember to practice safe sex when trying to prevent the transmission of herpes. Sometimes the symptoms are not noticeable and so it is important to be in a monogamous relationship with someone who has blood work proving that they are virus free.
Remember, herpes can be transmitted even when there are no active symptoms. Be sure to practice safe sex or, better yet, abstinence to protect yourself or your partner. It can save you from contracting this painful, embarrassing disease.
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