Brittany Holtz by Holtz, Brittany (bnholtz01)

Genital Herpes

bnholtz01_ — 2023-11-16 23:00:08 UTC

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes. Genital herpes can often be spread by skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.

Some people infected with the virus may have very mild symptoms or no symptoms. They can still be able to spread the virus. Other people have pain, itching and sores around the genitals, anus or mouth.

There is no cure for genital herpes. Symptoms often show up again after the first outbreak. Medicine can ease symptoms. It also lowers the risk of infecting others. Condoms can help prevent the spread of a genital herpes infection.

Symptoms

bnholtz01_ — 2023-11-16 23:18:46 UTC

Most people infected with HSV don't know they have it. They may have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms.

Symptoms start about 2 to 12 days after exposure to the virus. They may include:

Pain or itching around the genitals, small bumps or blisters around the genitals, anus or mouth, Painful ulcers that form when blisters rupture and ooze or bleed, Scabs that form as the ulcers heal, Painful urination, Discharge from the urethra, the tube that releases urine from the body, and Discharge from the vagina.

Continued Symptoms

bnholtz01_ — 2023-11-16 23:34:13 UTC

Sores appear where the infection enters the body. You can spread the infection by touching a sore and then rubbing or scratching another area of your body. That includes your fingers or eyes.

Sore can develop on or in the:

Buttocks, Thighs, Rectum, Anus, Mouth, Urethra, Vulva, Vagina, Cervix, Penis, and Scrotum.

Causes

bnholtz01_ — 2023-11-16 23:47:19 UTC

Genital herpes is caused by two types of herpes simplex virus. These types include herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). People with HSV infections can pass along the virus even when they have no visible symptoms. Both the viruses transmit through:

Sexual contact, Skin to skin contact, Oral sex, Infection can be passed from mother to child resulting in a potentially fatal infection.

HSV-1

bnholtz01_ — 2023-11-16 23:53:55 UTC

HSV-1 is a version of the virus that causes cold sores or fever blisters. People may be exposed to HSV-1 as children due to close skin-to-skin contact with someone infected.

A person with HSV-1 in tissues of the mouth can pass the virus to the genitals of a sexual partner during oral sex. The newly caught infection is a genital herpes infection.

HSV-2

bnholtz01_ — 2023-11-17 00:44:28 UTC

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the virus most commonly linked to genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes painful blisters and ulcers on the penis, vagina, or rectum. The virus is passed during intimate sexual contact prior to and following the outbreak of ulcers.

Complications

bnholtz01_ — 2023-11-17 01:17:34 UTC

Complications within many people associated with genital herpes may include Other sexually transmitted infections. Newborn infection. Internal inflammatory disease. Finger infection. Eye infection. Swelling of the brain. Infection of internal organs.

How to prevent Genital Herpes

bnholtz01_ — 2023-11-17 01:21:36 UTC

Prevention of genital herpes is the same as preventing other sexually transmitted infections. For instance:

Have one long-term sexual partner who has been tested for STIs and isn't infected, use a condom or dental dam during sexual activity, these reduce the risk of disease, but they don't prevent all skin-to-skin contact during sex, and don't have sex when a partner with genital herpes has symptoms.

Home Remedies for Genital Herpes.

bnholtz01_ — 2023-11-17 01:30:53 UTC

One may be able to reduce inflammation, irritation, and other symptoms through a mix these home remedies, lifestyle changes, and dietary supplements.

However, these remedies are not a replacement for a clinical treatment plan. It’s important to always talk with a doctor or another healthcare professional before one try any alternative treatment.

Treatments

bnholtz01_ — 2023-11-17 01:33:32 UTC

There's no cure for genital herpes. Treatment with prescription antiviral pills may be used. Commonly prescribed medicines used for genital herpes include:

Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Famciclovir
Valacyclovir (Valtrex)