Genital Herpes
Genital herpes (HSV-2) is caused by the herpes virus, simplex 2 (type 2) and is one of the most widely known STD's to date. most people, when they hear the word "STD", think of Herpes, since it is the most widely advertised STD. Three are many TV, radio, and magazine ads for herpes treatments around today. It is to bad that all STD's don't get that much publicity, but unfortunately, many people simply do not know how many serious sexually transmitted diseases are out there.
FACT
Genital Herpes (Simplex 2) is different than the type that causes cold sores (fever blisters) on your mouth (Simplex 1), however, you can get Herpes simplex 1 in your genital area, as well as getting herpes simplex 2 in your mouth, if you have oral sex.
Herpes is the second most common STD in the United states, with a whopping 1 in 5 people being diagnosed each year. Approximately 45 million people in the US above the age of 12 have had a herpes infection in their lifetime.
Many people do not know that they have herpes, because they never have an outbreak, or they have such a mild reaction that they never recognize it.
Herpes can be spread, even when there are no blisters, sores or rashes present. That measn that you can infect, or be infected by your partner, even when you are not having an outbreak.
Condoms do not protect against herpes, because the areas of the genitals that are affected often are not covered by a condom.
Because herpes is highly contagious, you can transmit, or contract it through any kind of sexual contact with the skin or the genitals, including oral sex, intercourse and petting. Some cases have even shown a link to contracting herpes by sharing washclothes, towels and other personal items (razors, etc..) with a person who is having an outbreak.
The herpes virus can sometimes live on inanimate (non-living) surfaces for up to 7 days.
An initial herpes outbreak can be extremely painful, and can last anywhere from 2-5 weeks. Herpes outbreaks generally recur at least once a year, and most usually once every month or two, with each outbreak becoming less painful/noticable, however, reports show that nealry all outbreaks are discribed as being very uncomfortable.
How Do You Get Herpes?
Through any kind of intimate/sexual contact. That includes intercourse, oral sex and petting, or any skin-to-skin contact with the gentials, or mouth of a person who has herpes, especially during an outbreak.
Occasionally, but rarely, from sharing towles, washclothes, underwear, razors, and other personal items, with a person who is having a herpes outbreak.
How Do I Know If I Have Herpes?
Some people never know that they have herpes, and will never develop symptoms, however, if symptoms do occur, the first outbreak can be very painful, and obvious, and may be accompanied by fever, and swollen glands, especially in the groin region.
Symptoms usually occur two weeks after infection, and last anywhere from 2-5 weeks.
A person who is diagnosed with herpes can expect approximately 5-7 outbreaks a year.
Herpes usually apears as either a red rash-like patch on the genitals, or a single bump, which later turns into a rash-like patch.
An initial outbreak bump may look and feel like a small bug bite (mosquito or flea bite), or a pimple, and may itch. You may feel a tingling sensation the day before the bump appears.
The bump may be flesh colored or pink/red.
this bump will eventually turn into multiple bumps, which will turn into a rash-like patch of bumps. Generally at this point, they are mildly-to extrememly itchy.
This rash will then begin to form clear, pus-filed heads and will burst, leaving open blisters, very similar to a poison ivy rash. These open blisters generally are extrememly itchy and may burn and cause a lot of pain in the genital region. It may be hard to sit or walk, and sometimes may hurt to go to the bathroom. the drainage from the blisters is HIGHLY contagious. You should ALWASY wash your hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom, bathing or touching anywhere near the area, because you could spread it to other people or other parts of your own body (like if you rub your eye,or your mouth)
Eventually these sores will scab, crust over, and heal.
What Do I Do If I Have, Or Think I Might Have Herpes?
Go to your doctor to get diagnosed. Most Dr.'s can diagnose herpes just by looking at it, however sometimes, you may need to be tested.
Getting tested for herpes is very simple. htere are two ways in which it can be done.
The first is through a simple culture, or swab of the rash, or the suspected infected area. this is painless and only takes a few seconds. The swab is then sent to a lab, and you will have the results with a few weeks.
The second is a simple blood test, taking at the doctor's office, with very minimal pain (just a quick pinch).
Is There A Treatment for Herpes?
There are many antiviral treatments that can shorten or minimize the number and frequency of herpes outbreaks, however there is no cure for herpes. There are also daily suppresant treatments which can minimize the risk of transmission to your partner, but there is no 100% guarantee that you will not pass it to your partner.
For More Info:
The Center for Disease Control