What Are Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes are caused by a virus. There are two forms of the virus: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes.

Since genital herpes often has no symptoms many people don't realize they have it. Or if a mild outbreak occurs and then clears up quickly you may think that the bumps or soreness couldn't be genital herpes since it cleared up on its own.

Unfortunately, since people don't realize what the symptoms are or how long they may be in remission, they unwittingly continue to spread the virus to other people. Then these people spread it to others and so on.

Since 1 in 6 adults aged 14 to 49 have genital herpes, odds are likely that when you have a new partner they may be infected. Using protection with all partners and limiting the number of partners is the best way to prevent contracting and spreading herpes.

Symptoms of genital herpes during the initial outbreak may include: genital sores (warts), flu-like symptoms (fever and swollen glands), and possibly a second bout of sores. Outbreaks generally occur four to five times within the first year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Genital herpes are spread via skin contact with someone who is infected. HSV-1 and HSV-2 is released from the herpes sores, as well as by clear, sore-less skin. For the most part, a person can only get HSV-2 from sexual contact.

Genital herpes are caused by a virus. There are two forms of the virus: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes.

Since genital herpes often has no symptoms many people don't realize they have it. Or if a mild outbreak occurs and then clears up quickly you may think that the bumps or soreness couldn't be genital herpes since it cleared up on its own.

Unfortunately, since people don't realize what the symptoms are or how long they may be in remission, they unwittingly continue to spread the virus to other people. Then these people spread it to others and so on.

Since 1 in 6 adults aged 14 to 49 have genital herpes, odds are likely that when you have a new partner they may be infected. Using protection with all partners and limiting the number of partners is the best way to prevent contracting and spreading herpes.

Symptoms of genital herpes during the initial outbreak may include: genital sores (warts), flu-like symptoms (fever and swollen glands), and possibly a second bout of sores. Outbreaks generally occur four to five times within the first year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Genital herpes are spread via skin contact with someone who is infected. HSV-1 and HSV-2 is released from the herpes sores, as well as by clear, sore-less skin. For the most part, a person can only get HSV-2 from sexual contact.

Genital herpes causes painful outbreaks with sores that will clear up and then recur several times a year. These outbreaks are particularly painful and difficult for people with compromised immune systems (from autoimmune diseases, etc.). There is still quite a stigma attached to genital herpes infections, so many people who suffer from herpes have psychological problems dealing with the diagnosis.

It is possible for a pregnant woman to spread herpes to their unborn child during delivery. This risk is increased when the woman develops herpes during pregnancy. It can be potentially fatal in infants. Cesarean deliveries can prevent the spread of infection to the baby during child birth.

Unfortunately there is no cure for genital herpes. There are antiviral medications to treat the symptoms and help suppress outbreaks though. Other medications suppress the virus and make transmitting the virus to others less likely.

Prevention remains the best way to deal with HSV-1 and HSV-2. Use condoms, limit partners, and get tested if you suspect you may have become infected.

Sources:

Genital Herpes- CDC Fact Sheet, http://cdc.gov/std/herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm