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HERPES
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex viruses (HSV) type 1 and type 2. Most genital herpes is caused by HSV type 2. Most people show no symptoms or minimal symptoms from infection. When they do occur, they usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters then break, leaving ulcers or tender sores that can take up to four weeks to heal. Another outbreak typically appears soon after, but sometimes months later.
The infection may stay in the body for life, although the frequency outbreaks usually
decreases over time. Genital herpes can be passed to someone else even if you have
no symptoms.
HOW IS IT CONTRACTED?
Herpes is a virus that can be passed through sexual contact. You can get genital herpes by having sex with someone is infected – whether or not they have any sores. However, it is most contagious when a person has open sores. People with herpes should refrain from sexual activity any symptoms of herpes are present – particularly open sores. The type 1 virus can cause genital herpes, but usually causes infections of the mouth and lips manifested as blisters and sores.
The symptoms of genital herpes vary a great deal from person to person. Some people have severe and painful symptoms, while others have very mild symptoms. An initial infection usually displays symptoms within a fortnight of infection person and can last from two to three weeks. Initial symptoms can include:
- irritation or burning in the genital or anal area
- vaginal discharge
- flu-
like symptoms, including fever & swollen glands - aches and pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area
- an uncomfortable feeling of 'pressure' in the lower abdominal area
Sore will appear within a few days where the virus has entered the body: the mouth, penis, vagina or anus. Sores may also appear on a woman's cervix, or in the urinary tract in men. They appears as small red bumps that may turn into blisters or painful open sores. Over a period of days, the sores crust over and then heals without scarring.
Later symptoms may include:
- small red bumps on the penis, vagina, or wherever the infection began. These bumps may become blisters or painful open sores that can take up to a month to heal
- Fever
- Headache
- muscle aches
- pain when urinating
swollen glands in the genital area
Remember that infected people may show no symptoms -
TESTING & TREATMENT
Genital Herpes can be diagnosed by testing a sample from a sore, and can be diagnosed in dormant periods (i.e. between outbreaks) through a blood test to detect the HSV type 1 or 2 antibodies. There is no cure for herpes, and the virus will be present in the body for life. However there are a range of medications which can shorten outbreaks and make them much less severe, and there are also drug regimes which may prevent the outbreaks from happening altogether.
In the case of herpes, prevention through safe sex is the only option because there is no cure.
PLEASE NOTE:
The information provided is intended only as a general guide to provide
an overview of the condition. It must not be relied upon for any medical purpose.
Symptoms can vary a great deal from person to person, and the symptoms for various
conditions can be identical.
We therefore advise strongly against any self-
The identification and treatment of any condition should be conducted only by a medical professional after due consultation.
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