Genital Herpes - Let's Break the Silence

Genital Herpes infection is spreading rapidly. It is said that 1 out of every 4 women are infected and 1 out of every 8 men are infected in the USA. These are very scary numbers for any type of STD. The thought is that Herpes is being spread due to minimal signs or symptoms. Now is the time to get this silent disease under control.

Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. HSV-2 is widely believed to be a painful, dangerous infection that affects only people with very active sex lives. There are usually minimal signs and symptoms of the infection. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur.

The Spread
HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found is the open sores caused by the virus. They can also be spread in between outbreaks through skin that does not appear to be infected. A person can only get HSV-2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. Transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not know that he or she is infected.

The Signs and Symptoms
The first outbreak usually occurs about 2 weeks after contact. The sores typically heal within 2 to 4 weeks. Other signs and symptoms during the first outbreak may include a second area of sores, flu-like symptoms, fever and swollen glands. Most individuals with HSV-2 infection never have sores, or they have very mild signs that they do not even notice or that they mistake for insect bites or another skin condition.

The Complications
Genital Herpes can cause recurrent painful sores and psychological issues for people who are aware that they are infected. It can also cause fatal infections in babies and possible transmission during child birth. Herpes may play a role in the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Herpes can make people more susceptible to HIV infection, and it can make HIV-infected individuals more infectious.

The Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Genital Herpes. There are some antiviral medications that help suppress, prevent and shorten outbreaks.

The Prevention
The best way to avoid STD's is to avoid sexual contact. Be sure to always use protection during sexual contact. Any person with Genital Herpes should abstain from sexual contact if any outbreaks are present or you feel an outbreak is coming on.