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Genital Herpes
What is genital herpes and what are the causes?
The Herpes Simplex Virus can cause a variety of illnesses. The HSV-2 strain is the cause of genital herpes, where the sufferer experiences an outbreak of sores around the genital region and anus. It is a lifelong infection and, as yet, there is no permanent cure meaning the sufferer may have periodic outbreaks of the blisters.
Genital herpes is usually spread by sexual intercourse. It is highly contagious if there are active sores, and the infection may be contracted through skin to skin contact even if a condom was used during intercourse. It can also be transmitted through oral sex if a person has an active cold or genital sore. Asymptomatic outbreaks are possible, meaning a person may still be contagious even if they do not appear to have any symptoms.
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What does genital herpes look like?
Herpes looks like a blistered sore. These fluid filled blisters develop a scab as they heal over.(See pictures of herpes).
Female genital herpes – symptoms and complications
After exposure, it can take up to 3 week for symptoms to appear. However, symptoms can be fairly mild, meaning up to two thirds of infected people do not realise they have caught herpes.
In women, the initial outbreak will last around 3 weeks. Herpes usually affects the vagina, but female sufferers may also notice lesions on the vulva, cervix, anus, buttocks and thighs. Additional signs of herpes are:
• headaches
• fever
• muscular pain
• lower back pain
• unusual vaginal discharge
• discomfort during urination
Complications and health problems may accompany the herpes outbreak, such as meningitis.
Unlike many other STDs, herpes will not cause a woman to become infertile. However, a doctor should be informed if herpes is contracted before or during pregnancy as it can be passed onto the baby. Unborn babies are most at risk if the pregnant mother caught herpes in the third trimester.
Male genital herpes - symptoms
In men, the first outbreak will last 2 weeks on average. Sometimes men believe they just have a rash and fail to seek medical advice (see below - ' should I get tested for herpes?'). Symptoms of genital herpes in male sufferers are:
• sores and blisters on the penis
• headaches
• fever
• lower back pain
• discomfort during urination
• unusual discharge from the head of the penis
Recurrent genital herpes
Approximately 80 percent of men and women with herpes will experience more than one outbreak. Subsequent outbreaks should be much milder than the first but can still cause discomfort. During these outbreaks, sexual relations should be avoided as the herpes virus is much more likely to be passed on to a partner.
Should I get tested for herpes?
Statistics for the UK show as many as a quarter of sexually active adults may have the HSV-2 virus (the strain responsible for genital herpes). Men aged 25 to 35 and women in their early twenties are most at risk of catching genital herpes.
Herpes is still contagious in between outbreaks and in 20 percent of cases are asymptomatic, meaning a sexual partner may have it even if they appear 'normal'. If you have had unprotected sex it is a good idea to be tested for STDs, including herpes, even if you are not exhibiting signs of having caught an infection or disease.
Genital herpes treatments
Anti-viral medicine is available to help suppress the herpes virus and aid healing but unfortunately, as yet, there is no cure for herpes, nor will these treatments prevent it being transmitted to others. Certain medications may be very effective in treating the initial outbreak, but become ineffective with any subsequent flare-ups.
People who experience recurrent outbreaks of herpes may be prescribed drugs which must be taken orally on a daily basis to reduce the likelihood of further outbreaks. This is known as suppressive therapy.
Natural cures for genital herpes are available for use at home, but caution should be exercised when using any product which has not been recommended by a doctor, GUM clinic or other qualified healthcare professional.
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