Genital Herpes

Overview

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a virus known as the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Genital herpes is especially common in the United States, with as many as 45 million people, or one out of every five teenagers and adults, suffering from a genital HSV infection. Luckily, the number of people in America with genital herpes has decreased in recent years. Studies have shown that genital HSV-2 infections are more common in women than in men.

Types

There are two types of herpes simplex viruses, type 1 and type 2, or HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is the most common type of herpes. This type usually results in sores around the mouth. HSV-2 is generally transmitted through sexual contact. Most forms of genital warts are caused by HSV-2.

Symptoms

The majority of people who are infected with the herpes simplex virus type 2 are completely unaware of their infection. However, during the first outbreak, the signs and symptoms associated with this infection can be quite pronounced. The most common genital herpes symptoms are blisters on or around the rectum or the genital area. The first outbreak tends to occur within two weeks following the transmission of the virus and the sores typically heal between two and four weeks following the beginning of the outbreak. People who are diagnosed with genital warts can expect to experience between four or five outbreaks or symptomatic recurrences within a single year. Over time, these recurrences should decrease in frequency. Genital herpes blisters should not be confused with more common blisters, as an individual should see a physician if they are unsure what they may have. At the first sign of genital herpes, consult a doctor.

Causes/Risk Factors

Genital herpes spread primarily by having unprotected sex with someone who is infected. Sex does not have to occur during genital herpes outbreaks in order for the virus to be transmitted. The best way to prevent the spread of genital herpes is to abstain from sex or always practice safe sex with all your partners. In the end, the most common cause of genital herpes is due to unprotected sex. If you may think you have been exposed to the disease, then see a physician for a diagnosis, so that there is no genital herpes transmission to your partners if you are infected.

Tests/Diagnosis

The signs and symptoms that are associated with the herpes simplex virus can vary significantly from one person to the next. There a few ways to get a correct genital herpes diagnosis. If the individual experiences a typical outbreak, then visual inspection is usually sufficient to diagnose the condition. A sample may need to be taken from the sores and tested in order to verify the type of virus. HSV infections can be diagnosed between outbreaks as well, though only through blood tests. The presence of antibodies for this virus in the blood signifies the presence of genital herpes in the body.

Treatment

There is no treatment that can completely cure herpes, although there are antiviral medications that can prevent outbreaks or shorten the duration of them when they occur. Seeing a physician is the best way to get the proper treatment of genital herpes.