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What is Genital Herpes?

Garry Crystal
Garry Crystal

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease for which there is no cure. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 usually infects the mouth area, although it can affect the genitals as well, and it may be noticeable as blisters or cold sores. HSV 2 most often infects the genital and anal area. When symptoms occur, they are called outbreaks. When a person becomes infected with this virus, the first symptoms will typically appear within two weeks.

Someone who has contracted genital herpes may have a variety of symptoms, including sores where the virus has entered the body. These usually appear on the rectal, genital or mouth area. Some people also notice very small, red bumps that can become itchy and turn into blisters, but they may also disappear.

The first outbreak of genital herpes might cause fever.
The first outbreak of genital herpes might cause fever.

The sores may also appear elsewhere on the body, such as on broken skin where the virus may have entered the body. They can also appear inside an infected woman's vagina or on the cervix, and they may also appear in the urinary passage of both men and women. With the first outbreak, the patient may experience difficulty urinating, muscle pains, fever, vaginal discharge, and swollen glands in the genital area. These symptoms may not appear during later outbreaks.

The herpes simplex virus can cause cold sores.
The herpes simplex virus can cause cold sores.

The symptoms of genital herpes are different in different people. Some infected people have very mild outbreaks, while others have no symptoms at all. Nevertheless, once infected, a person with the virus can pass on the disease very easily, through either sexual intercourse or oral sex. It can also be passed on through skin-on-skin contact with broken skin.

Herpes can be spread through oral sex.
Herpes can be spread through oral sex.

It should be stressed that herpes is not a life threatening infection, and it is a very common sexually transmitted disease. Research has shown that one out of five teenagers and adults in America are infected with genital herpes, including one in four women. In the last 30 years, infection in young adults and teenagers has risen by 30%.

Although herpes is an incurable disease, there are medicines available to help with outbreaks, treat the symptoms, and decrease the risk of passing on the virus. There are also counseling services available in order to help patients talk through any anxieties they may have after contracting the infection.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

@literally45-- I've heard great things about lysine for both herpes type one and herpes type two blisters. Apparently, it prevents them and helps them heal faster. I plan on buying a bottle next time I go to the pharmacy.

There is a great herbal tea called lemon balm. Lemon balm is a sedative, but it also helps genital herpes blisters disappear more quickly. I have tried lemon balm and I was impressed. My blisters disappeared in just a few days.

The other thing that you must take on a regular basis is Vitamin C. I take vitamin C supplements daily and I make sure to eat fruits rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants.

literally45
I heard that if the immune system is strong, a person won't get genital herpes blisters. Are there any natural remedies or supplements that help prevent herpes blisters?
bluedolphin

@anon13433-- I'm not a doctor but I have herpes. My genital herpes diagnosis was three years ago.

You cannot die from genital herpes. It will affect your life, but it's not going to end it. For example, sexual relations are very different for me since my diagnosis. I can't engage in sex when I have a breakout and I have to discuss my genital herpes when I start dating someone. It's tough, but it doesn't kill you.

I don't know about how others are being treated, but I am on antiviral medications all the time. Antivirals reduce the likelihood of breakouts, they also reduce the likelihood of passing the disease to someone else. It wouldn't make sense to take it after there is a breakout in my opinion, it's meant to be preventative.

anon13433

1.Can Genital Herpes lead to death?

2.Can Herpes make someone barren/impotent?

3.Can you still be blood donor if you have this disease?

4.Does someone have to take medicine every time they have an outbreak or they can leave it to disappear on its own?

stdromance

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted contagious disease for which there is no cure.

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    • The first outbreak of genital herpes might cause fever.
      By: evgenyatamanenko
      The first outbreak of genital herpes might cause fever.
    • The herpes simplex virus can cause cold sores.
      By: uwimages
      The herpes simplex virus can cause cold sores.
    • Herpes can be spread through oral sex.
      By: Imagery Majestic
      Herpes can be spread through oral sex.