Symptoms of HSV1 &
HSV2
Genital herpes
is a contagious viral infection that affects an
estimated 45 million Americans. To place this in a
broader more mentally visible picture, genital
herpes is affecting as many as one in every four
people who are sexually active. There are an
estimated 1 million new cases each year that are
believed to occur. Genital herpes is caused by the
herpes simplex virus (HSV).
There are two types of HSV and both
can cause the herpes
symptoms. HSV type 1 most commonly causes
sores on the lips and is often referred to as fever
blisters or cold sores, but it can cause symptoms of
genital herpes infections as well. HSV type 2 is
most often related to infections and symptoms of
genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth.
The virus remains in certain nerve cells of the body
for life, causing periodic symptoms of genital
herpes in some people. Many people who are infected
with HSV never develop any symptoms of genital
herpes at all.
The infection is usually acquired by sexual contact
with someone who has symptoms of genital herpes.
People with oral herpes can transmit the infection
to the genital area of a partner during oral-genital
sex and result in symptoms of genital herpes. A
person who is infected with HSV but has no
noticeable symptoms of genital herpes can also
transmit herpes infections. Such asymptomatic
shedding of the virus may be fairly common,
occurring from 5 percent to 20 percent of the time
in infected individuals.
Symptoms of genital herpes in a primary
episode vary widely from person to person. They
usually occur within two to 10 days of exposure.
Typically the symptoms associated with genital
herpes that are recognizable involve small red bumps
that may develop into blisters and open lesions.
These “bumps” appear at the site of infection, which
may be in or around the vaginal area, the cervix,
the penis, urinary tract of both men and women, and
around the anal opening, buttocks or thighs. Sores
also may appear on other parts of the body where
broken skin has come into contact with HSV. Over a
period of days, the sores become encrusted and then
heal without scarring. Symptoms associated with
genital herpes in a primary outbreak tend to take
longer to heal because the body has yet to build up
an immune system resistance to the viral outbreaks.
Other herpes
symptoms in a primary episode may include
fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen glands in
the groin area, painful urination or vaginal
discharge.
Some of the most common symptoms of genital herpes
that are often misdiagnosed are misdiagnosed as
yeast infection, insect bites, jock itch, urinary
tract infections, abrasions or razor burn, ingrown
hair follicles, and even hemorrhoids. If you suffer
from recurring infections or symptoms of any of the
listed conditions, it is advised to see a medical
professional for observance and testing when
symptoms occur. It is quite possible the recurrence
of such conditions could actually be symptoms of
genital herpes.
It is never safe to assume that
condoms will protect you from a herpes infection and
prevent you from ever knowing what symptoms of
genital herpes really are. Condoms do not cover
herpes infected areas in many of those infected with
the herpes virus. The best way to protect yourself
from every knowing symptoms of genital herpes is to
practice abstinence. Getting to know your partner,
engaging in proper
STD testing prior to intimacies and being as
completely honest and forthright as possible is the
most assured way to combat a future infection.
With so many people who are infected with the herpes
virus never showing any symptoms of genital herpes,
the increase for proper testing is recognized and
strongly encouraged.
If you are a person that suffers from symptoms of
genital herpes, there are a number of treatment
options available. Antivirals are available by
prescription from your health care provider and a
number of over-the-counter treatments are available
and are affective in treating symptoms of genital
herpes. One such product is
