Genital Herpes - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Most people have no or minimal symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. The virus is spread rarely, if at all, by objects such as a toilet seat or hot tub. When symptoms do occur, they usually 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. It is caused by the herpes simplex viruse. Most people get genital herpes by having sex with someone who is shedding the herpes virus either during an outbreak or during a period with no symptoms. People who do not know they have herpes play an important role in transmission. Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years. About 45 million Americans, age 12 and older have genital herpes. It's estimated that up to one million people become infected each year.

Herpes is a virus that can be passed through sexual contact. However, herpes is most contagious when a person has open sores.Genital herpes spread from person to person. Some people have severe symptoms, such as many painful sores, while others have mild symptoms. Genital herpes usually brings about symptoms within two weeks of having sexual contact with an infected person and can last from two to three weeks. Genital Herpes (HSV-2) is more common in women than men. People with herpes should not have sexual activity when sores or other symptoms of herpes are present. HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but it more commonly causes infections of the mouth and lips or “fever blisters.” Condoms can lower the chances of getting herpes.

Causes of Genital Herpes

Common causes of Genital Herpes

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Common Symptoms of Genital Herpes

• Itching or burning.
• Fever.
• Swollen glands.
• Pain in the legs, buttocks and genital area.
• Vaginal discharge.
• Feeling of pressure in the area below the stomach.
• Muscle aches.
• Headaches.

Treatment of Genital Herpes

Common Treatment of Genital Herpes

• Avoid excessive heat or sunlight, which makes the irritation more uncomfortable.
• Do not use perfumed or antibacterial soaps, feminine deodorant, or douches.
• Wear more comfortable, loose cotton clothing.
• If you are pain, take aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen.
• Cool cloths on the affected area may soothe the pain.
• Avoid touching the sores; wash hands after contact with the sores.
• Avoid sexual contact from the time symptoms are first recognized until the sores are completely healed, that is, until scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed over the site of the lesion.

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