A person infected with the herpes virus will be a carrier of this virus for the rest of their life. In some cases, symptomatic outbreaks are very sporadic (once a year or even less), but one can continue to have periods of shedding the virus without symptoms (asymptomatic viral shedding ) between outbreaks.

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

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.

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

Most people infected with Type 2 are not aware of their infection. However, if signs and symp­toms occur during the first outbreak, they can be quite pronounced. The first outbreak usually occurs within two weeks after the virus is trans­mitted and the sores typically heal within two to four weeks. Other symptoms during the first outbreak may include a second crop of sores and flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands.

The risk to your baby is very low. There are ways to minimize the risk and decrease the need for a Caesarian section . You should discuss your concerns with your doctor. (See Pregnancy for more information.)

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.