Genital herpes is one of the rampant sexually transmitted diseases in the United States and in other lands as well. It is usually caused by two types of herpes simplex virus which are the HSV-1 and HSV-2. The herpes simplex virus type 2 though is the culprit of most cases of genital herpes. On the other hand, the HSV-1 is the usual cause of fever blisters and cold sores. However, it can also cause genital herpes.
The virus enters the body through skin-to-skin or sexual contact, though the person carrying the virus may not show any symptom at all. Actually, unless the virus causes an outbreak on the affected person’s body, one cannot determine that someone has an STD at first glance. When the virus lies dormant inside the body, no signs could tell you that someone is sick of herpes.
What Happens When Someone Has Genital Herpes
Many people are living with herpes, but they don’t know that they have it. The virus that causes genital herpes may enter the body and live in the nerves but stay inactive for a long time. However, it can become active every once in a while. When that happens, the virus goes to the surface of the skin once again, replicating more. This is the time when symptoms can flare up, though that’s not always the case.
However, bear in mind that at this point when the virus becomes active, herpes can be very contagious. Even using a condom isn’t a guarantee that the other person won’t be infected by the virus. Read here about how herpes may affect your pregnancy.
There are several causes that may trigger the attack of herpes symptoms. These include being ill, having sexual intercourse, stress, menstruation, and other things that can potentially weaken the body’s immune system.
Experts say that herpes is manageable and it shouldn’t cause too much anxiety to the person affected by this condition. However, the worry is still inevitable, knowing that once there’s an outbreak of its symptoms, it can cause much discomfort and pain. When symptoms show up, the signs are:
Cracked, red areas on the skin surrounding the genitals, anus, or buttocks area. This is then accompanied with burning, itching, or tingling sensation.
After which, blisters start appearing. As they break open, these blisters cause painful sores that may last for several weeks. Who wouldn’t be anxious when that occurs anyway? It’s definitely a source of discomfort!
A person suffering from the symptoms of herpes may also experience a headache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and fever.
These symptoms don’t just cause physical discomfort, but stress and low self-esteem as well. This is why people might be wondering: Is there any cure for herpes that can totally get rid of the virus from the body of the infected person?
Unfortunately, none at the moment. Once you get herpes, the virus is bound to stay in your nerves forever. Days are good when none of the symptoms shows up at all. When there’s an outbreak of the symptoms though, that’s when the problem happens. So, as much as possible, a person living with herpes must avoid anything that triggers this outbreak. Also, he should do his best to strengthen his immune system.
Avoiding the Spread of the Virus
Of course, the best way to avoid getting infected by STDs is to stay loyal to your partner. Your partner should be willing to do the same as well. Also, before committing to a relationship, it is a practical step to get tested for STDs to know potential risks that you and your partner have, for example, if one of you is positive of herpes.
Undergoing an STD test isn’t costly. There are even times when it’s given for free. Just visit a healthcare provider to know what options of STD testing is right for you.
These days, you can even get the samples ready for testing at the comfort of your home. You can use reliable STD testing kits for this. However, be sure to follow the guidelines given to make sure that you’ll be submitting the right samples to the healthcare provider.
Herpes may not be as serious as other STDs such as HIV, but it’s still best if you’re free from this infection. So, take all the necessary steps to avoid this illness as much as you can.
