Genital Herpes - Various Facts
Published By: Aderline Jane A number of men and women suffer from genital herpes. Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted virus. It's important to know some of the facts associated with the disease in order to help treat it better.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The areas of the body that are affected by the virus include, but are not limited to, the cervix, genitals, and the skin. This is a chronic condition. Some people who carry the virus don't display the symptoms of the virus. The periods of remission associated with this virus increase over time. Also, the severity of the symptoms tends to see a decrease with time.
Various facts about genital herpes:
Fact 1: It's a common sexually transmitted disease (STD)
This is not a rare sexually transmitted disease. Research shows that a large percentage of people are infected with this virus. The transmission of the virus occurs through sexual intercourse wherein the virus passes from one person to the other through the skin, vagina, penis or the anus.
Fact 2: You might be unaware that you are suffering from genital herpes
An interesting fact of this disease is that a number of people who are suffering from genital herpes don't show the symptoms associated with the disease. Another problem is that many of them have no idea about the common symptoms of genital herpes. It's estimated that only a third of the people suffering from the condition exhibit its symptoms. These symptoms include genital pain and discharge, fever, headache, and blisters.
Fact 3: It's your partner for life
If you are affected by genital herpes, it remains for life. This is because the virus passes from the skin or membranes of the genital region onto the central nervous system. At various times the virus will reactivate itself and cause a recurrence of the disease. During reactivation the virus travels from the nerves to the skin and causes burning, inflammation, tingling and tenderness. Most of the times, a person shows no symptoms with the recurrence of the condition.
Fact 4: Blisters are not needed for the transmission of the virus
Even without the symptomatic blisters, genital herpes can be passed onto you. The virus remains active on various areas of the body especially the genitals. If you have a history of genital herpes, it is important to use a condom during sexual intercourse.
Fact 5: Oral sex can help pass on genital herpes to your partner
The type I herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) causes cold sores or/and fever blisters. These can go on and cause genital herpes. If you don't want to pass this virus onto you partner, it would be a good idea not to indulge in oral sex, especially if you have cold sores or fever blisters.
Fact 6: Pregnant women, who are transmitted genital herpes during late pregnancy, can pass on this virus to their babies
Pregnant women who are on the last third stage of their pregnancy and contract genital herpes can pass the virus onto their babies. Such babies suffer from a serious condition called neonatal herpes. An infection like this becomes less likely if the mother has contracted this condition before the late stage of the pregnancy. Women who are likely to pass on the virus to their babies are given Cesarean section at the time of delivery. This is done in order to minimize the risk on the baby suffering from neonatal herpes.
Fact 7: The virus does not destroy your life
Don't go in a prolonged state of shock if you have been diagnosed with genital herpes. It is definitely a serious condition but not something that will destroy your life. A good medical provider will address all your concerns regarding the disease and make sure that your life is not majorly affected in any way or form. Don't be ashamed of the disease as it's a condition that can be managed very well with the use of drugs.
If you think you are suffering from genital herpes, it's important to seek immediate medical help. Get as much information as you can about the disease in order to know more about it. The more knowledge you will have about the disease, the more comfortable you will be about facing it and living with it.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The areas of the body that are affected by the virus include, but are not limited to, the cervix, genitals, and the skin. This is a chronic condition. Some people who carry the virus don't display the symptoms of the virus. The periods of remission associated with this virus increase over time. Also, the severity of the symptoms tends to see a decrease with time.
Various facts about genital herpes:
Fact 1: It's a common sexually transmitted disease (STD)
This is not a rare sexually transmitted disease. Research shows that a large percentage of people are infected with this virus. The transmission of the virus occurs through sexual intercourse wherein the virus passes from one person to the other through the skin, vagina, penis or the anus.
Fact 2: You might be unaware that you are suffering from genital herpes
An interesting fact of this disease is that a number of people who are suffering from genital herpes don't show the symptoms associated with the disease. Another problem is that many of them have no idea about the common symptoms of genital herpes. It's estimated that only a third of the people suffering from the condition exhibit its symptoms. These symptoms include genital pain and discharge, fever, headache, and blisters.
Fact 3: It's your partner for life
If you are affected by genital herpes, it remains for life. This is because the virus passes from the skin or membranes of the genital region onto the central nervous system. At various times the virus will reactivate itself and cause a recurrence of the disease. During reactivation the virus travels from the nerves to the skin and causes burning, inflammation, tingling and tenderness. Most of the times, a person shows no symptoms with the recurrence of the condition.
Fact 4: Blisters are not needed for the transmission of the virus
Even without the symptomatic blisters, genital herpes can be passed onto you. The virus remains active on various areas of the body especially the genitals. If you have a history of genital herpes, it is important to use a condom during sexual intercourse.
Fact 5: Oral sex can help pass on genital herpes to your partner
The type I herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) causes cold sores or/and fever blisters. These can go on and cause genital herpes. If you don't want to pass this virus onto you partner, it would be a good idea not to indulge in oral sex, especially if you have cold sores or fever blisters.
Fact 6: Pregnant women, who are transmitted genital herpes during late pregnancy, can pass on this virus to their babies
Pregnant women who are on the last third stage of their pregnancy and contract genital herpes can pass the virus onto their babies. Such babies suffer from a serious condition called neonatal herpes. An infection like this becomes less likely if the mother has contracted this condition before the late stage of the pregnancy. Women who are likely to pass on the virus to their babies are given Cesarean section at the time of delivery. This is done in order to minimize the risk on the baby suffering from neonatal herpes.
Fact 7: The virus does not destroy your life
Don't go in a prolonged state of shock if you have been diagnosed with genital herpes. It is definitely a serious condition but not something that will destroy your life. A good medical provider will address all your concerns regarding the disease and make sure that your life is not majorly affected in any way or form. Don't be ashamed of the disease as it's a condition that can be managed very well with the use of drugs.
If you think you are suffering from genital herpes, it's important to seek immediate medical help. Get as much information as you can about the disease in order to know more about it. The more knowledge you will have about the disease, the more comfortable you will be about facing it and living with it.
Author of this article provides information on herpes treatment and different ways to get rid of herpes. These treatments are considered as effective for these skin infections.
