What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection that causes sores and blisters around the lips, genitals, or anus, depending on where the virus enters the body first. Even if a sore is not visible, genital herpes can be spread by direct contact with these lesions.
In the United States alone, genital herpes affects nearly 45 million people. The majority of persons infected with the herpes virus, on the other hand, find strategies to cope with the disease.
Causes herpes genitalis?
During oral, vaginal, or anal sex, the herpes virus is transferred through a breach in the skin and moist membranes of the penis, vagina, urinary entrance, cervix, or anus, as well as the tongue, mouth, eyes, gums, lips, fingers, and other regions of the body.
A person can potentially infect themself by touching a sore and then rubbing or scratching another region of their body.
The herpes virus infects healthy cells once inside the body. The sores, blisters, and swelling are the body’s attempts to combat the virus. Although the herpes virus can survive outside the body for a few hours, it is unlikely to be transmitted by contact with toilet seats, hot tubs, or other objects.
Symptoms of genital herpes?
There may be no symptoms in some cases of genital herpes. Symptoms, on the other hand, are most likely to appear 2 to 10 days after contact.
First Time Infections
The following are some of the symptoms of a first-time infection:
- Blisters that are painful and packed with fluid at the place of contact
- Swollen glands, fever, chills, muscle pains, exhaustion, and nausea are all flu-like symptoms.
- Urination that stings or burns
Recurrent Infections
Recurrent infections can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Itching, burning or tingling at the contact location
- Within a few hours, sores appear
- Lower back, buttocks, thighs, or knee pain
Infections that occur for the first time can last two to four weeks, but recurrent infections last three to seven days and are usually milder.
Diagnosis
The following are examples of possible diagnoses:
- A physical examination
- An antibody test, which can be done with a sample from a sore or a blood test.
Prevention
The following are some lifestyle choices that may help prevent genital herpes:
- Maintaining a healthy sexual relationship
- Delaying intercourse until the sores have totally healed.
- After coming into contact with the sores, wash your hands with soap and water.
What is the treatment for genital herpes?
Genital herpes has no known cure. Symptoms can be controlled and healing can be accelerated by using the following treatments:
- Maintaining a clean and dry environment for sores
- To dry wounds, use a hair drier on a low setting.
- Cotton underwear with a loose fit, no pantyhose
- Pain relievers such as aspirin or acetaminophen
- Oral drugs to reduce the duration of outbreaks or to prevent outbreaks for a long time
- For severe instances, intravenous medicines
Consult your doctor/ healthcare provider for your care.
