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Genital Herpes Symptoms

There is no cure for the sexually transmitted disease named Genital Herpes, it's contagious, can remain dormant with no signs of the infection or Genital Herpes Symptoms can cause pain, itching and sores. There are medications used to ease the Genital Herpes Symptoms and preventives to eliminate the serious risk of STD and the infection of others. As adults most of us know the basics about Genital Herpes Symptoms, and the consequences of a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus or HSV.

The two types of HSV that can cause Genital Herpes Symptoms are HSV1 which is passed orally in the form of fever blisters or cold sores that typically occur in the mouth area. HSV2 are Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease through skin contact. As a STD, HSV2 is more infectious of the two. HSV can't live outside of the body it's the skin contact that passes this sexually transmitted disease from one individual to another.

A blood tests or sampling of the sore tissue can determine if you are infected and the type of HSV present. Laboratory tests can analyze the blood samples for Genital Herpes Symptoms like antibodies, which our bodies automatically produce to fight the infection. The reason for this STD test is the infection may have gone dormant so there are no current signs but the presence of the antibodies confirm past infections of Genital Herpes. Women may need to have internal pelvic examinations for STD and both men and women may be asked for urine samples in addition to the blood tests.

Educating yourself and your partner about sexually transmitted disease is the first step to preventing further infections that can lead to more serious STD conditions. People who have been infected with STD in the past may experience recurring Genital Herpes outbreaks that can be prompted by stress, menstrual periods or illnesses when your immune system is not functioning normally.

Signs

The STD symptoms start to show up in approximately 3-4 weeks after exposure to the infection. The first signs are tiny red bumps that fester into white blisters. When the blisters burst they become ulcerated and bleed, overtime they will heal and go dormant and may reoccur for years. Depending on your immune system and your continued sexual activity the outbreaks may continue lasting 3-5 days or become less frequent.

Women are at a higher risk of getting Genital Herpes than men through sexual activity due to the inside exposure of the body, where the virus can grow. The virus presents some serious complications for both men and women. Both experience Genital Herpes eruptions with women exposing their cervix to sexually transmitted disease. For men the inside of the urethra channel, linked to the bladder can cause problems and pain during urination. During the outbreak besides the pain and tenderness caused by Genital Herpes Symptoms you may also experience flu like symptoms; headaches, fever and sore muscles. These side effects subside once the infection clears up.

Treatment

Antiviral medications are usually prescribed by your physician after a physical examination and typically instructed to be taken only during the outbreak. In some cause physicians do prescribe a daily medication program to help with the prevention of reoccurring outbreaks. Like all medical concerns, conditions left unattended can develop in more serious medical conditions leading to hospitalization for treatment. When speaking with your doctor disclose as much information as possible, to ensure that accurate and the best treatments can be prescribed. You also need to speak with your partner about STD and learn how to manage future sexually transmitted disease outbreaks.

Last Updated: October 30, 2015