What are genital hepes? They are a sexually transmitted disease, cause by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 or type 2.Most cases are caused by HSV-2. Most people dont have any signs or sypmtoms. When they do occur, they are usually blisters on or around the genital or the rectum. They usually break leaving sores that may take weeks to heal. Normally outbreaks come back but are usually less severe than that of the first outbreak.
Herpes is common, about 45 million people over the age of 12 have the disease. To better understand that number, about 1 in every 5 adults have had this infection.This disease is more common in women than in men. This is thought to be because of the male to female transmission rather than female to male.
You tend to contract herpes from having sex with someone who has the infection. The transmission can happen even if the person doesnt have any signs or know that they have the disease.This disease usually leads to infections of the mouth or lips. These are sometimes referred as fever blisters.
Signs are usually sores that tend to last for a couple of weeks, flu-like symptoms, fever and swollen glands. But most people dont have symptoms or they mistake them for insect bites. People that have herpes usually have 4-5 outbreaks a yr.
Diagnosing herpes can be done by visual inspection if an outbreak is typical or by taking a sample from sores and having it tested. Blood tests can be helpful but are not always clear cut.
There is no cure for herpes but it can be treated.By taking medications, it can limit the number of outbreaks and can also reduce the risk of passing it on to partners.
The only ways to prevet passing on this disease are not havng sex or using condoms. Also by having sex with the same person hwo has been tested and shown not to have the symptoms.Remember just because you arent showing signs of the infection, you can still pass it on. Use of condoms is highly recommended.
