Unfortunately, genital herpes has
become a very common sexually transmitted disease
in both the US and worldwide. Between the late
1970s and the early 1990s, the number of Americans
with a genital herpes infection increased thirty per
cent. The largest increase has been among teens and
young adults. The latest studies show that at
least 45 million people aged 12 and older have this
infection – that is one in every five adolescents
and adults.
This disease is caused by both the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) although the latter type 2 is more frequently the cause of genital herpes (some 90 to 95%). The big problem with this sexually transmitted disease is that most people infected are not aware of their infection and of course when they are unaware of their status, the disease can be constantly spread to other sexual partners. Many sufferers may only become aware of their infection if there are eruptions of small and painful blisters on the genital and surrounding areas.
Genital herpes is very infectious and it is spread by having sexual intercourse or any form of sex. For example if you have oral sex with a person who has oral herpes (commonly known as cold sores) then you are at risk of catching genital herpes. By the same token touching, sexual intimacy and kissing are all activities which can spread the virus.
What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
The first signs of a herpes virus appearance may be a rash together with painful and itchy blisters on the affected area of your body. This affected area can be your mouth, anus, buttocks, penis, scrotum, vulva, vagina or buttocks. These blisters can then turn into painful ulcers. On the first outbreak, you may also suffer from swollen glands, a fever or headache and a general rundown feeling. There may be a burning sensation when urinating.
Usually, it takes up to three weeks for the first genital
herpes symptoms to appear but the virus can lie
dormant in your system for many years. Sometimes
before an outbreak occurs, you may have some warning
signs such as a tingling, burning or itching feeling
in the area where the sores will later appear. Herpes
will always have the same symptoms for each outbreak.
The first outbreak is usually the worst so although the symptoms seem to stay the same, the actual pain and number of sores should lesson each time an outbreak occurs. Although the genital herpes may eventually clear up without treatment, it is wise to start treatment as soon as possible which can help reduce both the symptoms and the duration of the infection.
