Genital herpes is caused by one of two strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Type one, HSV-1, is the main cause of oral herpes, also known as cold sores, which infects the lips. The HSV-1 virus may also cause genital herpes. Mostly however, genital herpes is caused by the other kind of herpes virus, HSV-2. Many people are never aware they have the virus if they doesn’t become symptomatic.
HSV-2 may lie dormant for many years before rising to the surface and causing an outbreak of herpes. An active virus will move to the skin or mucous membrane around the genitals or anus and replicate. The new viruses formed are able to transfer to another person during sexual intercourse or through contact with the sores. A dormant virus is held in the nerves at the base of the spine.
When the virus is active, the symptoms of genital herpes infection, whether HSV-1 or HSV-2 can be both traumatic and embarrassing to its host.
What does genital herpes look like?
The period of time from first exposure to first outbreak of genital herpes infection is anywhere from two days to two weeks. Many may not know, even during this first outbreak, that they have been infected. Symptoms include the flu, which may be mistaken for a simple bug. However, blisters and sores will start to appear around the genitals and/or anus, as well as the place the virus first transferred to a body. Without treatment, these painful symptoms will heal without scarring within three weeks, although this time may be shortened with medicine as explored below.
The first few years after infection sees, on average, five additional outbreaks every year. After this initial time has passed, the body will have fewer outbreaks. The onset may be felt with discomfort in the areas the blisters will appear. This warning may only come within a day or two from the outbreak.
The treatment for genital herpes symptoms is only containment, not eradication of the virus. There is also no vaccine for herpes. Treatment is through medication:
* Acyclovir, or acyclovir, is marketed under different trade names.
* Valacyclovir, or valaciclovir, is a management, antiviral drug similarly used. Trade names include Valtrex and Zelitrex.
Both drugs are useful against HSV-1 and HSV-2, and also help cure genital herpes sores.
If you are suffering from genital herpes, the best thing to do is consult your personal physician, look into the medicine above, wear comfortable, cotton underwear and keep the areas infected very clean. Avoid any sexual contact while you or your partner is symptomatic or being treated for genital herpes and always practice safe sex.