Genital Herpes Virus and the Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is spread by direct contact with an infected person. Sexual intercourse or oral sex are usually the most common ways of the virus spreading. Genital herpes usually entails the sufferer getting breakouts or episodes, in-between they experience symptom-free periods. The first episode is always the most severe, it usually starts with a tingling, itching, or a burning sensation or pain around the genitals followed by the appearance of painful red spots which, within a day or two, evolve through a phase of clear, fluid-filled blisters which rapidly turn whitish-yellow. The blisters burst, leaving painful ulcers that dry, scab over and heal in approximately 10 days.

Symptoms of recurrent outbreaks are usually limited to genital blisters, sores, and swollen glands. The blisters are most painful during the first 24 hours after they appear, sometimes flu-like symptoms, or aches, pains – especially are felt down the back, and the back of the legs.

Outbreaks can be treated or partly prevented with medicine from your doctor but there’s no prescription for the feeling of being stigmatized by having herpes. When Outbreaks occur they generally last a few days they often occur during times when you are feeling stressed.

Often Genital Herpes can be mistaken for a variety of other diseases, including syphilis. Some women with the genital herpes Virus don’t even know they have it because the outbreaks usually occur on the cervix.

Genital herpes is more commonly found in females, African-Americans, and users of cocaine (90% in one study) most of these people who had the positive blood tests for HSV virus had no history of symptoms or outbreaks it was silent. Genital herpes outbreaks can occur with such mild symptoms that it goes completely unnoticed by the person. You or your partner may have contracted the virus from a sexual partner such a long time ago or your partner may have had genital herpes without even knowing it.

Genital herpes is classed as an STD (sexually transmitted disease) which is caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2.

Condoms will offer some protection against the disease, by covering or protecting the mucous membranes which are the likely place of infection. However, be warned condoms do not provide 100 % protection because a lesion may be found which the condom did not cover and such the virus is passed.

Most people think that kissing is a safe activity. Unfortunately, syphilis, herpes, and other infections can be contracted through this relatively simple and apparently harmless act so you need to be careful.