Facts about genital herpes
Written by Ethan Hunt
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by one of the most contagious viruses, the herpes simplex virus. The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2) are known to be responsible for causing genital herpes in people. Most people are said to contract this infection because of the HSV-2 virus. People who have contracted this infection may have few symptoms or none at all of the HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. If genital herpes symptoms do occur, they usually include blisters on or around your genitals or rectum. These blisters break, which leaves ulcers or sores behind and they may take two to four weeks to heal if occurring for the first time. Such symptoms will indicate that it is necessary to seek genital herpes treatment.
You may experience another outbreak some weeks or months after experiencing the first. However, the next outbreak after the first is usually less severe and shorter in comparison. The virus causing genital herpes is characteristic of being inactive in your body for a longer period of time and active for a short period of time. As the infection remains in your body, the severity and frequency of the outbreaks can decrease to a great extent. The HSV-2 virus can be contracted through unprotected sexual contact with a person who is infected with a genital HSV-2 infection. The HSV-1 causes outbreaks on your mouth and lips, which can be contracted through oral-genital or genital-genital contact with an already infected person.
Symptoms of genital herpesIf you have contracted HSV-2, it usually goes undetected for a certain amount of time. The first outbreak may occur after two weeks or so, but some people may not experience the symptoms for months or at times even years. The symptoms during the first outbreak include sores, flu-like symptoms such as fever and swollen glands. However, people infected with HSV-2 may experience sores so mild that they may mistake them for insect bites or a skin condition. People who are diagnosed with genital herpes may experience up to four or five outbreaks within a year. The frequency of recurrences usually decreases with time.
Prevention of genital herpesThe most absolute method to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infection such as genital herpes is to abstain from sexual contact or to ensure you only engage in sexual contact with a partner who has been tested and is not infected. If, also, you are engaged in sexual activity with multiple partners, the use of latex condom can greatly reduce the risk of contracting STIs such as genital herpes. It is possible to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes after you have contracted the infection by using a prescription treatment like Acyclovir.
Diagnosis and treatment of genital herpesThe symptoms that are associated with HSV-2 virus can vary greatly from person to person. The diagnosis of this viral infection can be carried out by taking a sample from the sores and having the sample tested by experts. Inbetween outbreaks, you can diagnose this infection through blood tests or through the Genital Herpes Test kit, for which you are to provide your urine sample. Unlike bacterial STIs, genital herpes, which is a viral STI, cannot be cured completely but can be treated effectively with the help of prescription antiviral medications. Acyclovir is a prescription antiviral medication available on the market, which is said to be the most effective treatment for genital herpes. Go to http://www.stitreatment.co.uk to buy this medication online.
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