Everything You Should Know About Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is one of the common sexually transmitted infection (STI). The disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Anybody who has had sexual contact can catch this virus. Commonly, genital herpes develops no symptoms and causes no painful sores. When genital sores progress, the outbreaks may be worse during the first year. Besides, genital herpes can be contagious. The virus can be spread through anal, oral or vaginal sex. If you have sex while having genital sores, you can increase your risk of getting HIV. Genital herpes is a lifelong infection. And, there is no cure for it. However, medications can reduce the symptoms of outbreaks and lower the risk of spreading the virus to your partner.

1. Signs (what you see) and symptoms (what you feel) of genital herpes

Genital herpes never notices any signs or symptoms. In fact, most people do not know they have this virus. Genital herpes is often mistaken for ingrown hairs or pimples. The first outbreak of genital herpes usually appears within 2 days to 3 weeks after having sexual encounter with an infected person. The disease sometimes comes with flu- like symptoms. These are:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pains
• Swelling of lymph nodes (especially in the groin)

Genital herpes can develop a tingle or itch around the anus or genitals (last for up to 24 hours).

People may also suffer a patch of inflamed skin around or on your anus or genitals. Sometimes, this patch can develop on the buttocks or thigh. Small blisters will appear. Then, they break and leave painful sores. These genital sores can scab and heal within 2 to 6 weeks.

Genital sores affect everyone differently. Most people can develop only a few sores. But, some people may have widespread sores and blisters.

In some cases, some people may experience a pain or difficulty when urinating.

The virus can spread to other parts of your body. Hence, you should wash your hands immediately after touching the sores.

2. Causes of genital herpes

 Who can get genital herpes?

Anyone who is sexually active can get genital herpes. The disease is very common. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about one in six American people has genital herpes. Those people are mainly from 14 to 49 years old. Having sex at an early age can be a reason for genital herpes.

Most people don’t know they get genital herpes. This makes the disease easy to spread.

Moreover, women get the higher risk of getting infected during sex. People who have many sexual partners can also increase their risk of genital herpes.

In addition, a weakened immune system can be another reason for the disease. People who take many medications can weaken the immune system. Thus, the body will lose the ability to fight against the harmful virus. HIV infection can weaken the immune system very quickly. Thus, people with HIV sometimes develop serious problems when they get genital herpes.

 What causes genital herpes?

The herpes simplex virus can be the main reason for genital herpes.

This virus commonly appears during sex. You can spread it through anal, oral or vaginal sex with an infected person.

The herpes simplex virus lives in genital fluids and herpes sores. If the sores stop, the virus still runs to the nerves and sleeps. When stress, fatigue, and surgery trigger the virus, it can awake and turn back to the skin or genitals. Although you cannot see anything, a virus still survives on the surface of your skin (or genitals).

Thus, you should always wear a condom during sex to prevent genital herpes from spreading.

3. Treatment for genital herpes

 How is genital herpes diagnosed?

A dermatologist can diagnose the disease by looking at the sore. The, he or she will take a swab from the sore for a diagnosis. A lab test can help check whether the sore contains the herpes simplex virus. This will find out the exact cause of genital herpes.

 How is genital herpes treated?

Treatment can help relieve symptoms and heal sores of genital herpes. In particular, medicine can stop an outbreak and inactivate the virus.

– Self-care for genital herpes

If you suffer from genital herpes, self- care tips can be necessary.

• Keep sores dry and clean.
• Wear loose, cotton underwear.
• Place a cold compress on the painful sores.
• Take an Epsom salts bath for 10 to 20 minutes. This can help reduce itchiness and tenderness of the painful sores.

– Medicine for genital herpes

A dermatologist may prescribe some antiviral medicines to treat genital herpes. These are:

• Acyclovir
• Penciclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Famciclovir

These medicines may work best when started within 24 hours of getting a herpes sore.

-Antiviral medicine should be taken daily

In some cases, taking an antiviral medicine daily can work best. To those people, for example, who have frequent outbreaks or have partner who doesn’t catch the virus.

Most people have several outbreaks a year. If you have six or more outbreaks a year, an antiviral medicine may be recommended for you. In fact, it can reduce outbreaks by 70% to 80%.

If your partner doesn’t get the herpes simplex virus, taking an antiviral medicine daily can lower the risk of passing the virus from another.

You can ask your doctor (dermatologist) for the effective medicines. Many pharmacists recommend Prosux for dealing with genital herpes. In particular, Prosux uses the power of nano- medicine and natural, antiviral ingredients to fight against the virus. Most sufferers believed it could be the best choice to stop outbreaks and inactivate the herpes simplex virus. In fact, Prosux works well for the disease after 3- month application.

Genital herpes is a serious and contagious disease. Treating genital herpes requires patience and time. So, you should apply medicines and self- care steps to reduce the outbreaks as well as prevent the disease.