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.

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.

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

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.

It is very important to tell your current sexual partner that you have herpes, and also to discuss herpes with any new sexual partners you may have in the future, before there is any sexual contact. If you went to a different doctor for your diagnosis (e.g., at an STI clinic), tell your family doctor about your diagnosis so that he or she can provide you with the best care should complications or new situations, such as pregnancy, arise.

There is currently no cure for genital herpes. After infection, the herpes simplex virus that causes genital herpes “hides” in the dorsal root ganglion, where it remains dormant or in a resting state. From time to time, the virus may reactivate. Treatment with oral antiviral medications are available to help decrease symptoms, reduce the number of outbreaks and the severity of outbreaks.7,16, 17 One oral antiviral medication has also been proven to reduce the risk of transmission.

Although various vaccines against herpes have been studied, we have no indication of when they will be available. Some of the vaccines have demonstrated positive effects in certain groups of people (e.g., women without herpes infection); however, research in this area is ongoing. Antiviral agents significantly reduce the number of genital herpes outbreaks when taken daily for a prolonged period of time (suppressive therapy). However, if you stop taking antiviral medication, outbreaks can resume.

Often it's hard to tell by looking. The textbook symptom of genital herpes is a cluster of small fluid-filled blisters that break, forming painful sores that crust and heal during several days. Affected areas include the penis, scrotum, vagina, vulva, urethra, anus, thighs, and buttocks. But many people don't get these sores.