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Genital Herpes Reference Guide
Genital Herpes
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Genital herpes is a contagious, sexually transmitted viral infection that primarily affects the genital region in both men and women. Primarily caused by the herpes Simplex 2 Virus (HSV-2), genital herpes appear as sores or blisters on or around the genitals, buttocks, and anus. This symptoms are minimal or even non-existent in some patients, but when they do occur, the blisters/sores will break, leaving tender sores that may take as long as four weeks to fully heal. Outbreaks can occur within weeks or months of each other.
While genital herpes is not a dangerous disease, it is a nuisance for victims and can cause emotional trauma. There is no cure for genital herpes and the infection usually stays in the body forever, but instances of outbreaks usually decrease over time.
Because it is a sexually transmitted disease, it is important for those who suffer from genital herpes to practice safe sex. Even if you have no visible symptoms or are in the midst of an outbreak, you can still pass the disease to your sexual partner.
Since the late 1970s, the number of people suffering from genital herpes in the United States has increased by nearly 30 percent, particularly among teens and young adults. It is estimated that nearly one in five adults has genital herpes, but only one third of those with the virus know that they are carriers.
The term, "herpes" does not always refer to a sexually transmitted disease. In fact, herpes is the name for a family of common viruses that affect males and females of all ages worldwide.
There are two types of herpes viruses, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1), which usually results in sores and blisters above the waistline, commonly around the mouth and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2), which causes genital herpes with sores or blisters below the waist, particularly around the groin area. HSV-2 is also the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis, chicken pox, and shingles.
HSV viruses actually blend into the DNA of the genes that they infect and force the body to regenerate the virus to spread to others. When the immune system weakens, the virus makes its way to the skin and leaks out through tiny blisters. HSV can be life threatening for those with weak immune systems, particularly newborns, but generally does not have serious consequences for those infected.
We hope that our site will help you in your quest for answers to questions about living with herpes.
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Genital Herpes Photos