What is Herpes? Genital herpes is a viral type of STD that affects as many as 45 million people in the US, or 20% of teenager and adult population. Everyone should be aware of genital herpes symptoms and treatment in order to detect it as soon as possible, manage the symptoms and avoid infecting other people. The two common types of Herpes variants are Herpes Simplex 1 and Herpes Simplex 2.
Symptoms of Herpes
After being exposed to herpes simplex viruses (type 1 or type 2), a person may experience some symptoms after 1 up to 10 days, which may last for 2 to 3 weeks. Although the symptoms can vary from one person to another, most of the common signs may include itching or burning sensation, vaginal discharge, and pressure in the abdominal area. Then, small but painful blisters may appear afterwards. These blisters usually last from 1 to 3 weeks. Even after the blisters disappear, herpes is still in your system. So, it is possible to have another outbreak within weeks or months. In addition to above symptoms, urinary pain fever, headache, swollen glands in the groin area may also be experienced during the first episode. The next outbreaks, however, are usually shorter and less severe than the first one. Recurrent episodes of genital herpes may be triggered by menstruation, stress, minor trauma and other infections such as colds.
Treatment for Herpes
Unfortunately, there are no available vaccine or cure for herpes at present. But, being informed about genital herpes symptoms and treatment may help individuals seek proper medications and care in order to prevent outbreaks to occur frequently. Currently, there are three available drugs for herpes: Famvir® (famciclovir), Valtrex® (valacyclovir) and Zoviraz® (acyclovir). They can help shorten the episodes of genital herpes and reduce their severity and frequency.
Aside from managing genital herpes symptoms and treatment through medications, patients can also need to remember a few important reminders in order to prevent the spread of the infection and to speed up healing. First, the infected area should be kept clean and dry. Also, it is important not to touch the sores. Most importantly, it is a must to refrain from having sex as soon as you notice the symptoms until the sores have healed completely and have been covered by new skin.
Herpes Related Resources and Books
Herpes: Everything You Need to Know by Terri Warren