Genital herpes is one of the most commonly transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus gets sexually transmitted and can even lie dormant in a person’s body. This type of sexually transmitted disease can reactivate itself several times in a year.
Genital herpes can be painful. Any person who has it feels an itching sensation in their genital area which soon turns to sores. Once you’re infected, you’ll become a carrier of the disease even if you don’t have any visible lesions.
Mayo Clinic says that there isn’t any cure for genital herpes yet. But some medications can help alleviate their symptoms and reduce the chances of infecting others. Using condoms can also help prevent the chances of spreading the disease.
Primary symptoms of genital herpes
Patients diagnosed with genital herpes may feel a tingly or itchy feeling around their genital area. Then, small blisters would soon pop, which often leave sores that either ooze or bleed.
WebMD says that most people who have this type of STI often experience the symptoms a few weeks after they caught the virus. It first starts with a fever, headache, and other symptoms that resemble the flu.
There are a few instances where the patient isn’t aware that they already have genital herpes. That’s because the signs or symptoms are either mild or don’t show any symptoms at all. That’s why it’s advisable to have a speedy herpes diagnosis online to get immediate results.
Sores often appear in areas where the infection entered the person’s body. The patient can also spread the virus by touching the source of the sore and then scratching it in other areas of his or her body.
Both men and women can develop sores around their anus, mouth, urethra, and even their buttocks and thighs. Meanwhile, women can develop sores around their cervix, external genital, and vaginal area. Men can also develop sores on their penis as well as their scrotum.
When to see a doctor
There are also times when people mistake ingrown hair or pimple for herpes. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with a doctor instead of making a personal diagnosis.
Your doctor will take a small sample from the sores using a swab test. If you’re not showing any physical signs of genital herpes, then your doctor will perform a blood test. It’ll take a few days to get the final results.
If left untreated, there’s a considerable chance that you can contract other sexually transmitted infections, including AIDS. Also, unborn babies are at risk of getting exposed to the virus through their infected mothers. It can result in blindness, brain damage, or even death for the baby.
The best way to prevent genital herpes is through abstaining from any sexual activity or using wearing protection. You should avoid sexual intercourse if your partner has a confirmed outbreak of herpes in any part of their body. If you’re pregnant and have this kind of STI, then it’s best to see your doctor. He or she can recommend you with herpes antiviral medications during your late pregnancy stage to prevent any outbreak.
