Genital Herpes - A General overview

Genital herpes, is one of the many sexually transmitted infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), the infection mostly affects the genitals and is transmitted through sexual contact with a person who is infected. HSV-1 and HSV-2 are the viruses which bring about genital herpes. HSV-2 is the most common type of this infection and affects the genitals of both males and females while HSV-1 causes blisters or sores on the lips and mouth. HSV-1 can be spread to the genitals through oral sex. Women are more commonly affected by HSV-2 than men.

Symptoms

Reduced appetite
Feeling sick
Fever
Muscle aches on the buttocks, knees or lower back.
Presence of tender or swollen lymph nodes around the groin.
Painful urination.
Painful blisters that are filled with clear colored fluid on the female cervix, vagina and buttocks and the male buttocks, thighs, scrotum and penis.

Some people who are infected with genital herpes may have mild or not show any symptoms at all. For those who show symptoms the first outbreak is usually severe but subsequent attacks are less severe and far between.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The herpes virus stays in the body and has no cure but the frequency of the outbreaks depends and varies from one person to another. Some outbreaks may be caused by certain trigger factors while others do not have obvious triggers. People with weak immune systems may have the virus spread to other body parts; pregnant women can also pass the virus to their babies if the right medical steps are not taken.

Herpes is diagnosed through tests done on the blisters and though it has no cure there are ways that the symptoms can be reduced through drugs and natural methods like, taking warm baths and cleaning the infected parts and avoiding synthetic underwear. its best to consult a doctor for advice on how to control this infection.

Search for Related Articles