Genital Herpes – Symptoms and Risks
Genital herpes is a viral infection that develops in the genital area. Both men and women can develop this sexually transmitted disease. Herpes simplex viruses – HSV type 1 and HSV type 2 causes genital herpes. The HSV type 1 virus, usually associated with fever blisters and cold sores, could spread to the genital area during oral sex. However, most cases of genital herpes are caused by the HSV type 2 virus. It spreads during skin-to-skin contact during sexual intercourse. The HSV type 2 infection is extremely contagious.
Symptoms of genital herpes
Often people carrying the genital herpes virus do not experience any symptom of the infection. Occasionally, the symptoms of genital herpes occur several years, even 40 years after contracting the infection. The worst symptoms of genital herpes usually occur during the first outbreak. In the early phase of the infection, the genital area would itch or pain.
After a few days, small red bumps or blisters would develop on the infection site. The blisters could rupture, forming open sores or ulcers. In men, the bumps and sores develop on the penis, anus, scrotum, buttocks and thighs. In women, they appear on the buttocks, anus, vagina and cervix.
During the genital herpes outbreak, along with the blisters and pain in the genital area, one might even experience fever, muscle pain, inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin and pain during urination. Sometimes recurrent episodes of genital herpes outbreak could occur.
Risks of genital herpes
Sometimes recurrent genital herpes outbreaks could cause severe complications. It can cause urine retention in women. In pregnant women with genital herpes, the virus could spread to the newborn during delivery. Newborns infected with the genital herpes virus have a greater risk of brain damage, blindness and even death. In rare cases, genital herpes could lead to meningitis.
Genital herpes treatment
Genital herpes is an incurable disease. However, genital herpes could be prevented easily. It can be prevented by avoiding sexual contacts with individuals infected with the HSV virus. To prevent the genital herpes infection from spreading to newborns, pregnant women with genital herpes are advised to go for cesarean section. To reduce the itching and pain, you can apply aloe vera gel on the affected area two to three times a day.
