How To Know If You Have Genital Herpes
Herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can lead to genital herpes, is a commonly STDs that affects both genders. While symptoms of the infection can include itching, pain and sores on the face, mouth, and genital areas, you may be contagious even if you show no visible signs.
What is known about the virus is that physical contact is the primary method of spreading. Once infected, a person can pass along the infection to a partner immediately or in some cases the virus can remain dormant only to reactivate at certain times of the year. There are no known cures for the genital herpes, however medications have been developed that are capable of minimizing symptoms and reducing the chance of spreading.
Common Symptoms:
• Tender lymph nodes in the groin.
• Fever in conjunction with a decrease in appetite.
• Tingling or burning sensations around the lips or groin area.
• Blisters forming on the penis, scrotum, thighs, or anus.
• Blisters forming on or around the lady part, cervix, anus, and thighs or buttocks.
As awareness has risen over the years when dealing with genital herpes, ongoing studies have found new ways to document symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatments. Key to these studies are clinical trials. In these trials, patients are asked to participate voluntarily in experimental drug applications. If the medicine proves affective, it is then pass along for general public consumption.
Causes:
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) lives within the skin and mucous membranes of the lips and genitals. Genital herpes is caused by the spreading of the HSV virus by physical contact between two people when the skin, lady part, or penis is exposed to infected areas. This is especially true if the skin touches an open sore or blister.
Prevention:
Basic prevention can be safe closeness like the use of condoms. Avoid kissing partners with open sores or blisters on their mouths. According to The Johns Hopkins Center prevention can be expanded to include behavioral interventions to educate the public and reduce risky love-makings.
Treatment:
Currently, the only treatments available are antiviral medications that can be prescribed to reduce the pain experienced during outbreaks. Other medications can also help reduce the chances of pregnant mothers with HSV passing along the virus to their babies.
Conclusion
Genital herpes is one of the most commonly spread STDs. There are, however, several indicators to know for sure whether or not you are infected.
