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Genital Herpes Information

What is genital herpes?

Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection or STI that affects the skin and mucous membrane of the genital region. Most people do not report signs or symptoms of the condition early on. This condition is most often permanent but the frequency of outbreaks usually decreases over time.

Even though signs and symptoms do not often occur during the first outbreak, if they do occur, they can be severe and painful. Generally, the first outbreak occurs one to two weeks after initially being infected.

There are two major types of genital herpes. They are HSV-1 and HSV-2; both of them have different modes of transmission and symptoms.

What are the statistics?

One in every six Americans from ages 14 to 49 have genital herpes. It is more common in women than in men

How is genital herpes transmitted?

HSV-2 can be spread through bodily secretions from either the mouth or genitals. Both types can be spread through any form of sexual contact. It can be spread even when there are no open sores on the body or when any other symptoms are showing.

Genital Herpes Symptoms

The major symptom includes the appearance of blisters over the genital region of the body. They might also experience burning and itching on the blister site before it is fully formed. There also might be a slight fever and muscle pains throughout the entire body.

The blisters will eventually burst, leaving behind painful ulcers that will heal very slowly.

What happens if left untreated?

Not being treated may lead to severe forms of herpes that can affect the brain as well as the eyes and liver. This may eventually lead to many types of complications that can eventually, but rarely, lead to death.

Testing for Genital Herpes

Tests are mostly done during the first sign of outbreak. They take a sample from the blister. They look at the fluid within the blister to see if it is positive. It may require the blister being opened, but if they wait long enough it should do that on its own.

To get tested for Genital Herpes today at a local clinic, please call toll free 888-480-5680. No appointment is necessary.

Genital Herpes Treatment

It is important to note that genital herpes cannot be cured and you should talk to your doctor for precise medical treatment or any other information about this STI.

Most of the time medication can only prevent the outbreaks from being too bad to handle. It can also prevent further outbreaks. But remember that the infection can spread even when there is no sign of outbreak. Just because it does not look like you have herpes does not mean that it will not spread to your partner.

Genital Herpes Prevention

The best way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sex all together. The second best option is to stay in a long-term and monogamous relationship. Limiting the number of sexual partners reduces the risk of contracting this type of infection.

Condoms can also be a preventive measure against STIs. Even if there are no sores, condoms are still essential to prevent infection, but please be aware that they are not 100% guarantees.

 

More information about the Genital Herpes test.