What Are the Symptoms of Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 viruses i.e. HSV-1 and HSV-2. The HSV-2 is often associated with genital herpes while HSV-1 causes oral herpes. However, all of them can lead to outbreak of painful blisters in your crotch.HSV-2 has been more common in women than men since it is more easily transmitted from men to women during intercourse.

These diseases are transmitted through unprotected oral sex where HSV-1 will lead to oral–genital herpes and genital-genital contact only for HSV-2. A higher risk of infection is having sex with an infected individual though presenting with no signs of herpes. On the contrary, you cannot transmit herpes from things like hotel sheets, swimming pools, towels or public toilet seats.

Symptoms of genital herpes

Symptoms of Genital herpes will present with the following signs:

  • Pimples in the genital areas which become painful and spread over some time
  • Open genital sores which present as blisters at the genital area or rectum which break open and leak fluid
  • Fever and without other flu-like symptoms
  • Lumps in your neck or armpits due to swollen lymph nodes
  • Asymptomatic genital herpes which show no signs at all

Diagnosis of genital herpes

This is done by visual examination of the affected area to recognize the blisters on sight. Laboratory testing can also be done for a swab of a sore obtained from infected individuals. A blood herpes test could also be done for suspected patients, although it is not very reliable since it does not differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2 or even tell the duration one has had the virus.

Treatment of genital herpes

Although there are curative measures for herpes, it can be managed. One should seek treatment immediately after infection because it is left untreated it may lead to infertility and in other cases spread to areas like the eyes. Early treatment reduces chances of future outbreaks and risks of transmission to others. The most common antiviral medications to be offered include Valtrex, Zovirax and Famvir. For several outbreaks the chronic antiviral suppressive therapy would help by taking a pill daily. This also minimizes chances of its transfer.

It is also important to use preventive measures during sex, e.g. by use of condom though infection would also occur when the infected fluids come into contact with other body parts and also limit the number of sex partners and remaining faithful to them.

 

Contributor: admin