Cause of Genital Herpes - How Herpes Infects Around 20 Percent of the Population

The cause of genital herpes is that it is a sexually transmitted disease

. It can be transmitted from male to female or female to male. It is a common disease in the U.S. today. The cause of genital herpes is a virus known as the herpes simplex 2. When it appears on the human body, it is generally located near the vagina, penis and/or rectum. It can also come from another form of herpes called herpes simplex 1, more widely known as cold sores or fever blisters on the mouth.

It is transmitted by sex. If oral sex is involved then the cause of genital herpes is by the simplex 1 virus. If intercourse is involved it is most likely caused by simplex 2 virus. It can be identified by the painful sore settled in or near the mucous membrane of the vagina or penis. It ruptures into an ulcer-type sore. Symptoms would include an area in the vaginal or penal and/or rectal area that is painful to the touch.

It can be positively identified by medical personnel by several types of tests. One of the tests to identify the disease is by a viral culture. In other words, fluid and cells are removed from the sore and tested for the virus by growing it in a culture cup. Another type of test is an antigen detection test. In this experiment, some of the cells are removed from the sore and looked at under a microscope. If antigens are present on the surface of the cells then the herpes virus exists there. A less widely used test is a tests that checks spinal fluid in case it may have some effect on the brain. This last test can actually differentiate between type 1 and type 2 virus.

Medications can be used to reduce the recurrence of outbreaks and help stop the spreading of the disease to a partner who may not have it. Antiviral drugs can be used to keep the outbreaks from happening as often. They may also cut down on how severe and the duration of the outbreak with continued use. Generally, herpes simplex 2 cannot be cured, but it can be made more bearable with proper medications. There are types of medications given for the first outbreak, to lessen the symptoms during an outbreak, to daily medications to prevent an outbreak if they occur more often.

The best way to keep herpes simplex 2 or genital herpes from spreading is to use protection during sex and not to engage in sexual activities if there is a flareup present, as neglecting these steps are the main causes of genital herpes.

Cause of Genital Herpes - How Herpes Infects Around 20 Percent of the Population

By: Kari Banks

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