Causes Of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. Most people have no or only minimal signs or symptoms of HSV-1 or HSV-2. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it is almost always less severe and shorter than the first outbreak.

Symptoms of genital herpes

Someone who has been exposed to the virus of genital herpes may be unaware of the infection and may never be an epidemic of injuries. However, if a person owns a home, the symptoms can cause significant discomfort.

How genital herpes diagnosed?

The signs and symptoms associated with HSV-2 can vary considerably. Health care providers can diagnose genital herpes by visual inspection if the outbreak is typical, and by taking a sample of the wound (s) and testing in a laboratory. HSV infections can be diagnosed between outbreaks by the use of a blood test. Blood tests that detect antibodies to HSV-1 or HSV-2 may be useful even if the results are not always clear.

The first symptom of genital herpes is usually pain or itching, which starts in a few weeks after exposure to an infected sexual partner. After several days, small red bumps may appear. They then rupture, becoming ulcers that ooze or bleed. Finally, scabs form and the ulcers heal.

Genital Herpes Causes

Genital herpes is spread by direct contact with an infected person. Sexual intercourse and oral sex are the most common methods of spreading genital herpes. Any type of contact with skin to skin, however, is capable of transmitting herpes.

HSV type 1 most commonly infects the mouth and lips, causing sores known as fever blisters or cold sores.

HSV type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes, but it can also infect the mouth.

Genital herpes treatment

There is no cure for genital herpes. There are, however, oral medications to help control the disease progression. Medications can reduce the duration of an outbreak and help reduce the discomfort.

If you have repeat outbreaks, taking medication on a daily basis can greatly reduce the symptoms. In many cases, it can prevent outbreaks for a long period.

Do not use perfumed or antibacterial soaps, deodorant feminine, or showers.

Wear comfortable, loose cotton clothing.

For pain, you can take aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).

Try not to touch the lesions and if you touch it, wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately

Avoid having sex during an outbreak

Vaccines

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States is currently conducting Phase III Herpevac, a vaccine against HSV-2. [106] The vaccine has been shown to be effective for women who have never been exposed to HSV-1. Overall, the vaccine is about 48% effective in preventing HSV-2 seropositivity and about 78% effective in preventing symptoms of HSV-2. [106] Assuming that the FDA approval, a commercial version of the vaccine is estimated to become available in 2008 [ref. needed] During the initial trials, the vaccine offers no proof of prevention of HSV-2 infection in males.