Everything you need to know about genital herpes
Genital herpes, also referred to as herpes, is an infection that generally attacks the genital area in both, men and women. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and can be treated with proper medication. It is highly contagious in nature and can be spread through person-to-person contact. Genital herpes symptoms include painful, watery blisters or ulcers in the genitals. These blisters usually accumulate in clusters and can be very painful in the early stages.
What causes herpes?
This genital infection is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) type-2. The type-1 virus usually causes cold sores and can rarely lead to herpes. An individual can get infected with HSV-1 while having oral sex with another individual carrying this virus.
How is the virus transmitted?
The herpes simplex virus can be transmitted by any form of person-to-person contact - be it kissing or sexual intercourse. People infected with herpes may unknowingly transmit the virus through sexual contact. This is because the herpes simplex virus can stay latent in the body without causing any visible symptoms for an indefinite period of time. This is why experts always recommend safe sex to prevent transmission of the infection. But you should refrain from any sexual activities during an active outbreak of herpes. Let's find out what an active outbreak is.
What is an active genital herpes outbreak?
Genital herpes treatment with antiviral drugs such as Valtrex and Famvir is targeted to give the patients a relief from the symptoms of this condition. Its symptoms usually break out in episodic manner. The first episode usually gives a tough time to the infected individual. The symptoms start to appear 4-7 days after contracting the virus through skin-to-skin contact. During this period you may have fever, muscle aches, headaches, painful urination and vaginal discharge. Gradually swollen lymph nodes in the groin area will appear, creating burning and itching sensations.
The latter episodes of genital herpes are usually less painful and can be dealt with quickly. Famvir is one of the most effective antiviral drugs to curb the symptoms that occur during a recurrent herpes outbreak. Valtrex is used more to shorten the symptoms of the first herpes outbreak.
What should a pregnant woman do if she is infected with genital herpes?
The risk of genital herpes during pregnancy is very real and should be given serious attention. Inform your doctor right away if you experience the genital herpes symptoms. More than the pain that you will have to suffer from because of genital infection, it is the likely danger that herpes may cause to your unborn child that you should consider. .
Is there any medical test to diagnose herpes?
Yes. You can diagnose herpes through a number of tests. They include viral culture test, polymerase chain reaction and antibody test. But the virus must be there in your body for a certain period of time to let any of these tests to detect it. Talk to your doctor for more on genital herpes and its treatment.
What causes herpes?
This genital infection is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) type-2. The type-1 virus usually causes cold sores and can rarely lead to herpes. An individual can get infected with HSV-1 while having oral sex with another individual carrying this virus.
How is the virus transmitted?
The herpes simplex virus can be transmitted by any form of person-to-person contact - be it kissing or sexual intercourse. People infected with herpes may unknowingly transmit the virus through sexual contact. This is because the herpes simplex virus can stay latent in the body without causing any visible symptoms for an indefinite period of time. This is why experts always recommend safe sex to prevent transmission of the infection. But you should refrain from any sexual activities during an active outbreak of herpes. Let's find out what an active outbreak is.
What is an active genital herpes outbreak?
Genital herpes treatment with antiviral drugs such as Valtrex and Famvir is targeted to give the patients a relief from the symptoms of this condition. Its symptoms usually break out in episodic manner. The first episode usually gives a tough time to the infected individual. The symptoms start to appear 4-7 days after contracting the virus through skin-to-skin contact. During this period you may have fever, muscle aches, headaches, painful urination and vaginal discharge. Gradually swollen lymph nodes in the groin area will appear, creating burning and itching sensations.
The latter episodes of genital herpes are usually less painful and can be dealt with quickly. Famvir is one of the most effective antiviral drugs to curb the symptoms that occur during a recurrent herpes outbreak. Valtrex is used more to shorten the symptoms of the first herpes outbreak.
What should a pregnant woman do if she is infected with genital herpes?
The risk of genital herpes during pregnancy is very real and should be given serious attention. Inform your doctor right away if you experience the genital herpes symptoms. More than the pain that you will have to suffer from because of genital infection, it is the likely danger that herpes may cause to your unborn child that you should consider. .
Is there any medical test to diagnose herpes?
Yes. You can diagnose herpes through a number of tests. They include viral culture test, polymerase chain reaction and antibody test. But the virus must be there in your body for a certain period of time to let any of these tests to detect it. Talk to your doctor for more on genital herpes and its treatment.
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