What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2), is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). HSV-2 is the most common genital herpes. Most people have no, or very hard to detect, signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. Typically they will appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. When the blisters break they leave tender ulcers (sores) which can take two to four weeks to heal the first time. usually another outbreak will appear weeks or months after the first and is almost always less severe and shorter than the first outbreak. Even though the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years.
Recent studies show that on a national level, the genital herpes infection is so common that it is estimated that one out of five adolescents and adults have had a genital herpes infection, however, the percentage of those infections has been on a decrease due to increased awareness.
Men are less likely to contract genital herpes, one in eight, and women are more at risk, one in four. This is probably due to the fact it is much easier for a woman to contract this infection from a man and less likely for a man to contract the infection from a woman.
Symptoms
Initial Outbreak60% of all those infected with genital herpes show no signs of the disease and have no knowledge of the infection. While they are asymptomatic, they are still capable of passing the virus to others. For those who do display symptoms, the first outbreak is usually the most severe, as that person has not had the... Read More
Prevention
PreventionWhile there is no guaranteed way to avoid contracting herpes…short of total abstinence, it is possible for couples to have sex for years without any transmission of the virus. The best practice is to simply avoid sexual contact when signs or symptoms are present. Between outbreaks condoms, or other protection,... Read More
Treatment
Herpes TreatmentEffective therapies for herpes are available to reduce symptoms. You should discuss the value of using therapies such as antiviral agents with your physician. Here are some suggestions if you have, or think you may have, a first episode of genital herpes: Go to your doctor or clinic as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment will help you to feel substantially better more quickly. Have a trained professional diagnose the problem and confirm the infection by a virus test taken from the affected area (a culture test with typing is preferred, but a direct antigen test or an electron microscope test is also acceptable).... [Read more]
Where can I get alternative treatment?
Oxygen Therapy for HerpesOxygen therapy may offer some promise for people with recurring and especially painful cases of genital herpes. Treatment with the oxygen compound ozone can be used to boost the immune system and fight off the simplex virus. In oxygen therapy, typically, less than one pint of blood is drawn from the... [Read more]
Herbal Medicine for HerpesHerbs can perform several functions for people with genital herpes, including overpowering the simplex virus, boosting the body’s own defenses by strengthening the immune system, and promoting the healing of sores with topical treatment. An ingredient of licorice root, glycyrrhizic acid, may slow... [Read more]
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