Genital herpes is often caused by infection of the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can also cause genital herpes and more often leads to cold sores, fever blisters. Herpes is not fatal but become dangerous with other virus. There is no specific symptoms in most cases of genital herpes that infected people often don’t know they have it.
HSV-1 is transmitted via skin contact or oral secretions and spread through burst skin sores. HSV-2 infects people by sex contact with carriers of HSV-2. Women with HSV before or after getting pregnant should talk with doctors for HSV and herpes can be passed to babies during delivery.
For people with HSV or under attacks of herpes may develop symptoms as follows:
Tingling or burning sensation in the genital area;
Pain or a burning sensation during urination, difficulty urinating or a frequent urge to urinate;
Blisters fluid-filled found in groin area or on the genitals.
People with recurrent active herpes symptoms often find warning signs within 48 hours before it attacks which may appear as tingling or pain at infected part of the body or pain going down to the buttocks or to the legs. Blisters also usually found in the mouth occur as tongue sores or gum abscess which is called gingivitis.
When to get medical help?
The blisters burst out and leave open sores on or around the genitals, anus, buttocks or legs;
A sensation of itching, burning or severe itching on or around your genitals;
Burning sensation or pain during urination;
In females, abnormal vaginal discharge, tender, bleeding.
Talk with doctors even if you don’t have sex for a long time as it may take weeks to breakout.
What you can do for protecting against genital herpes?
Methods of reducing the risks of passing herpes on by:
- Using a condom whenever you have sex-A condom covering infected area may strongly protect you from the herpes virus or other std virus able to make you vulnerable to herpes.
- Asking your partner if he or she has a history of sexually transmitted disease
In most cases of herpes infected people or those who carry the virus have no idea of that for herpes do not present obvious symptoms at early stage. People with history of STDs are more vulnerable to HSV since their immune system is getting weak.
- Avoiding sex, including vaginal, anal or oral sex, if your partner or you have open blisters or a tingling or severe itchy skin area which means a possible outbreak is coming.
- Not sharing sex toys and putting condom on them during sexual event.
Keep them clean and wash after each use.
- Avoid sharing toothbrush with other people;
- Avoid kissing with someone with lesions in their mouth.
Treatment For Genital Herpes
There is no certain cure for herpes but antiviral medications can shut it down. The symptoms can not be eradicated and can come back after months or years. You may get prescription of antiviral drugs for the first time infection and ointment for the pain. Go to a sexual health clinic if symptoms come back.
Posted on May 22, 2023