What is genital herpes?

When you are infected with genital herpes you have got it through one or another form of sexual activity. Above all only one strain of herpes infects the genitals. Herpes simplex 2 is the virus most commonly passed through sexual intercourse. It is safe to say the the herpes simplex virus 2 is widespread and is fast assuming epidemic proportions. Since there is no cure for herpes, education is the key to prevent even more people falling prey to genital herpes.

Genital herpes is a impartible viral infection. Genital herpes affects at least 25% of the population. It is estimated that there are over a million new cases of genital herpes infections each year, yet most experts agree that the number is far higher. We have an epidemic on our hands all directly linking back to to the herpes simplex virus 2.

Both types of the herpes simplex virus (yes, there are two of them) can lead to genital herpes. If oral sex is undertaken when you have a fever blister (hsv-1) you can pass on the virus which will then cause genital herpes.

Genital herpes is most often caused by hsv2 infection but this strain of the herpes virus can also attack the mouth. This virus remains in certain types of nerve cells for life, and they lie dormant. An outbreak of genital herpes is fast-approaching when those dreaded red patches appear and itching in the genital areas begin. Although, there are many that are infected with genital herpes that never develop any symptoms at all.

The infection usually occurs through sexual contact with someone that shows symptoms of genital herpes. Oral sex is often a major channel for the transmission of hsv leading directly to genital herpes in the newly infected person. The herpes virus can be passed from people who exhibit no genitalherpes symptoms at all. This occurs 5 to 20 percent of the time in infected individuals.

The genital herpes symptoms of the first outbreak will vary quite substantially from person to person. The episode usually occurs within two to ten days of exposure. You will know that a genital herpes outbreak has started when those small red bumps appear that evolve into vessicles, and the blisters evolve to become open lesions. The bumps situate themslves right by the point of first infection, normally on the genitals or lips.

Most of the sores will crust over and heal within a short period (a few days) and should leave no scarring. That first outbreak is normally the worst it will ever be as your body has not yet built any antibodies to fight the virus.

It is best to get tested once a year as herpes and other std's are often asymptomatic. Most people live with these diseases and never know and cause the infection rate to increase. If you get tested you help prevent the spread of hiv-2, having safe sex also lowers your risk of infection.

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