What is Genital Herpes | Herpes Simplex Virus | Herpes Medications | Genital Herpes Symptoms | Herpes Transmission

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two primary types of genital herpes called HSV-1 and HSV-2. Although the herpes simplex virus can stay in the a personas body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a long period of time.

It's not life threatening in and of itself. But having herpes sores makes it easier for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, to enter your body. Not only is there an increased risk for getting HIV if you have genital herpes, but having the two diseases together may also make each one worse. A pregnant woman can pass genital herpes on to her baby, so it's particularly serious during pregnancy. If you get infected near the end of pregnancy, the risk is highest.

Genital herpes is very common. Since the late 1970s, the number of people suffering from genital herpes in the United States has increased by nearly 30 percent, particularly among teens and young adults. It is estimated that nearly one in five adults has genital herpes, but only one third of those with the virus know that they are carriers.

During the first outbreak symptoms are usually severe. Sores and blisters will appear around the genital area and last for up to four weeks. The initial outbreak may be coupled with symptoms such as severe headaches, fever, muscle aches, urination pain and swollen glands. Subsequent outbreaks may result in symptoms such as sores/blisters in the genital area and, in women, discomfort or unusual vaginal discharge may occur

Abstinence, monogamy with a non-infected individual and safe sex are the best ways to avoid infection.

You should be open to the possibility that your partner may also have Genital Herpes. Nearly 85% of people who are infected with HSV-2 are unaware, because symptoms can be so subtle. Try to encourage your partner to speak to his or her healthcare provider. It's far better to know what you're dealing with so you can reduce the risk of spreading the herpes virus to others.

With the help of your doctor or healthcare provider, genital herpes can be managed. Don't take a chance. If you think you or your partner might have genital herpes, see your doctor or healthcare provider right away. Ask your doctor for a type-specific blood test. There are only two FDA-approved type-specific tests on the market. Herpes Select 1 and 2 ELISA produced by Focus Technologies and POCkit HSV-2 rapid point of care produced by Diagnology. Remember, herpes thrives on ignorance.

Genital herpes can be caused by either the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)—which also causes cold sores—or the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes infection in the United States.