subject: What Are Genital Herpes - Major Causes And Symptoms [print this page] Genital herpes are virus infections that leave painful sores within the genitals of both males and females. It is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2; but most genital herpes are caused by type 2. They are characterized by very painful sores on the skins and mucous membranes and are very contagious. The infection may be found also in the rectum. These painful ulcers may disappear on their own if not treated to emerge later again with vigor. Type 1 cause normal flu and may leave you with mouth and nose blisters; which may be transferred during oral sex to the genitals.
Primary infection may be quick and rough and may take long to go; the victim having to feel the real heat of the disease, nonetheless, with proper assistance, the situation cools off and everything goes back to normal.
This disease has a chance of lying low, leaving the victim well and fine for some time only to bounce back like a vampire after a while. Recurrence is common and the infection transmission is the same; often the victim does not even know he has the disease. Women are the worst hit by this disease for reasons that are not clear. Incubation period is two weeks thereafter a victim may suffer from flu and high fever like symptoms. Sores may or may not be there; often attacks are cyclic within a year it may erupt more than five times before diagnosis.
Sores are worse than wounds; more so when they are in the wrong place, the genitals, often victims suffer psychological stress and need quick assistance. These sores attack the vagina, penis, scrotum, buttocks or the anus; they release watery fluid or blood and painful when urinating. On first attack, the sores are very severe but later on, subsequent attacks may be less and less and take a shorter time to heal.
Apparently there is no cure, but drugs are there to suppress symptoms and lessen infection and transmission to others. There are also anti viral drugs that can be provided to lessen pain and heal the painful sores. Many cases of infection are completely submerged and reappear once in a while. Protection and practicing monogamous relationships is the best way of assured protection. This disease often increases the risks of other venereal diseases including HIV. Practice safe sex; use a latex condom if not, abstain completely. For oral sex, protect yourself by wearing a dental dam. It has been confirmed all forms of infection occur unnoticed, the victims dont even know they are sick, no sores and no symptoms at all; so take care you dont fall into a trap.
Expectant mothers with this infection must exercise great caution so as not to infect the baby during child birth. It is during delivery, that the babies are really at risk and health workers must do more than prepare for any eventuality. Normal birth may not be possible and may be caesarian procedure may be a preferred alternative.
