subject: Genital Herpes in Women - What You Need to Know [print this page] Genital herpes or herpes simplex virus 2 is a sexually transmitted disease that affects around 1 in 6 people in the USA today. It is a virus that once contracted lays dormant in the body until an outbreak is triggered. Outbreaks can take many forms, but the most common outbreak is a series of painful weeping sores or blisters that can occur on the vagina, groin, upper thighs and buttocks.
Women with herpes may experience outbreaks as infrequently as once or twice a year, or as frequently as every few weeks. There is much evidence to suggest that stress, lowered immune levels and poor diet are all contributors to the frequency of outbreaks.
Genital herpes in women is much more common than it is in men, in fact some estimates place the infection rate of females at around twice that of males. It can also be much more painful for females during outbreaks due to their anatomy, and can also cause painful urination, and pain when sitting or walking. Genital herpes pregnancy can also cause some complications, which is why diagnosing genital herpes in women is incredibly important.
Some things women with genital herpes can try during outbreaks to minimise discomfort include:
1. Keeping sores and genital area clean and dry. This can mean showering a few times a day, and patting the area dry with a towel, or using a hairdryer set to cool on the genital area.
2. Ice or heat on the area can also relieve discomfort.
3. If urination is painful, try sitting in a warm bath to urinate. Wash the genital area thoroughly in clean water afterward, and dry as above.
4. Bathing the genital area in warm salt water can also be very helpful.
Genital herpes in women can be controlled very effectively with the right treatment. There are a variety of treatments available, from prescription anti-viral drugs to effective natural, herbal or homeopathic treatments, so see what works for you.
