GENITAL HERPES

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease or what is commonly referred to as an STD.  There are two distinct variations of the herpes virus.  The first is the herpes simplex virus type one which is abbreviated as HSV-1.  The second variation is the herpes simplex virus type two which is abbreviated as HSV-2. 

The herpes virus can invade the body and manifest as cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. Cold sores and fever blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus type one. It can also manifest as a disease more readily known as shingles.  The third manifestation of the herpes virus is as an STD.

Genital herpes, as it is more commonly called, can be caused by both HSV-1 and HSV-2; but, it is most generally caused by herpes simplex virus type two.  While considered a lifelong condition once a person contracts genital herpes, the length of time the virus stays in a person's body is undetermined and can vary from person to person.

Until an initial outbreak of sores in the genital region, most people are not aware that they are infected with this virus.  Once a person contracts the virus, if they are going to manifest symptoms, they will most likely manifest genital sores, or blisters about two weeks after initial exposure.  The first outbreak can be very severe and painful. 

The blisters ulcerate, or break open, leaving the person with very painful exposed sores that can cover the genital region and the rectum.  The first outbreak of genital herpes generally lasts from two to four weeks.  During the first outbreak of genital sores a person can also experience a second bout of blisters/sores as well as flu-like symptoms such as fever and swollen glands. 

Once the sores heal, a person who experiences an initial outbreak can have four to five more outbreaks within the first year.  However, the subsequent outbreaks tend not to be as severe or long lasting as the first one.  Also, the number of outbreaks, the frequency of outbreaks, and the severity of outbreaks all seem to decrease the longer a person has the virus. 

While these are the primary signs and symptoms of genital herpes, some people infected with herpes simplex virus type two never manifest genital sores.  Or their outbreak is so mild they aren't adversely affected and don't notices the symptoms as being genital herpes.

There are two primary ways for a doctor to diagnose a patient with genital herpes.  The most obvious way to diagnose HSV-2 is a visual confirmation of sores on the genital area or rectum.  Barring an outbreak of blisters that a doctor can confirm, the only other way to diagnose genital herpes is with a blood test.  A blood test for antibodies to herpes simplex virus type one or herpes simplex virus type 2 can confirm that a patient has been exposed to and is infected with the herpes virus.

There is no cure for herpes, but there are two specific treatments available that can improve an infected person's quality of life.  The first is antiviral medications that can shorten the length of an outbreak and prevent outbreaks.  Also, if a person is experiencing symptoms of genital herpes, daily suppressive medications can decrease the likelihood of the virus being transmitted to a sexual partner.

Genital herpes is transmitted through sexual contact with a person infected with the herpes virus.  Transmission usually occurs when a person with genital sores has genital contact with another person.  An infected person could not be aware of the sores and transmit the disease unknowingly.

Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2, but it can be HSV-1.  If a person has HSV-1 and is manifesting cold sores around the mouth and has mouth to genital contact with another person, they can transmit their oral herpes and the other person would contract genital herpes (HSV-1).

The only fool proof method for not transmitting genital herpes is to abstain from all sexual activity.  The use of condoms can decrease the risk of transmitting genital herpes, but they are not 100% effective and can still allow this contagious disease to be spread from partner to partner.  This means that you can use a condom and still "catch" herpes from an infected sexual partner. 

There have also been cases where a person has contracted genital herpes from an infected partner who was NOT manifesting sores at the time of sexual activity.  So, again, the only way to be sure that you do not contract genital herpes is to abstain from sexual activity or be engaged in a sexual relationship with only one person who has tested negative for the herpes virus.